This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Consumer Issues for Seniors in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Update for Older Adults Facing Repayment of Federally-Backed Student Loans
This practice tip from the National Center for Law & Elder Rights contains a brief summary of the options available for older adults and other borrowers facing repayment of their student loans. Note that some of these options are time-limited and borrowers should act fast.
Consumer Law Forms from Aging Safely
Aging Safely has developed a set of three consumer law forms that can be used as standalone letters or work together as a package to help older adults who have been victims of financial exploitation or identify theft: (1) Letter to a creditor to request debt forgiveness when a bill is owed; (2) Letter to a creditor to dispute a charge from a bank or company; and (3) Letter to a credit bureau to dispute an item on a credit report.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Upsolve
If you need to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may be able to file your bankruptcy through Upsolve. Upsolve is a national non-profit that helps people file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy at no cost. Upsolve is an online program focused on assisting low-income Americans through Chapter 7 bankruptcy at no cost. Read about whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you!
Scams Targeting Senior Citizens in Pennsylvania (Video)
Three-part excerpt from Northwestern Legal Services' "Access to Justice" cable access television show broadcast on Erie Cablevision (Channel 2) in Erie, PA. June 28, 2007 Host: Robert Oakley, Esq., NWLS Director Guests: Linda J. Williams, Esq., Chief Deputy Attorney General of PA and John Tokarczyk, Senior Supervisory Agent, PA Bureau of Consumer Protection
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
A Guide for Seniors and Their Families: Issues on Aging
Consumer Legal Information Pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association [PDF]
A Guide to Legal Issues for Pennsylvania Senior Citizens [PDF]
The handbook from the Pennsylvania Bar Association provides valuable information on legal issues and questions that concern Pennsylvania's senior citizens and the persons and organizations that care for them. (2016-2017) [PDF Format, 83 pages]
Living Trusts
This publication from the Erie County Bar Association outlines what a living trust is, who needs one, advantages and disadvantages of having one, as well as myths and scams involving living trusts. (February 2019)
Trusts
Information from the Erie County Bar Association about using a Trust in personal estate planning and business planning. (August 2018)
Protecting Yourself From Financial Exploitation
Information from the SeniorLAW Center (Philadelphia) on how to prevent financial exploitation. [PDF]
The Home Repair Contract
A Senior Citizen's Guide to Home Repair from the SeniorLAW Center (Philadelphia). [PDF]
Area Agencies on Aging
Your local Area Agency on Aging will put you into contact with the programs and services you need. Use this finder to locate the specific Area Agency on Aging that covers your county.
Rights and Resources for Consumers of All Ages
Reference guide for all consumers regarding how to avoid scams and frauds.
Benefits and Rights for Older Pennsylvanians
This booklet from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging provides information about aging services available across the commonwealth. [PDF]
Beware of Living Trust Scams
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General on scams related to the establishment of living trusts.
Financial Planners or Scammers
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General about solicitations from so-called experts offering financial and estate planning services.
PA Courts Public Access Policy - Filing Requirements in the Courts (Video)
Effective on January 6, 2018, a new Public Access Policy is in effect in Pennsylvania Courts. This policy imposes requirements on anyone filing court documents in the trial and appellate courts to safeguard information in the documents they file. The Pennsylvania Courts have released this series of videos that explain the judiciary’s new policy for protecting confidential information and the required steps you must take to protect that information when filing documents in the courts.
PA Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania. This program provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
Preventing elder financial abuse: Guide for family and friends of people living in nursing homes and assisted living communities
This guide from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office for Older Americans is designed to help family members and friends of people living in nursing homes and assisted living communities learn how to prevent and report elder financial abuse. (November 2021)
Reporting elder financial abuse: Help for family and friends of people living in nursing homes and assisted living communities
This quick reference resource from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is focused on how to report elder financial abuse. This can help you quickly find the right resources in a tough situation. (September 2021)
Safety Tips for Seniors
The Office of the Attorney General created this brochure with information for seniors on possible scams, safety concerns and others.
Transportation - PA Department of Aging
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging on transportation issues and support for seniors.
Upsolve
If you need to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may be able to file your bankruptcy through Upsolve. Upsolve is a national non-profit that helps people file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy at no cost. Upsolve is an online program focused on assisting low-income Americans through Chapter 7 bankruptcy at no cost. Read about whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you!
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.