| Legal Issue | Subdivision (If applicable) |
Provider | Eligibility / Additional Info | Contact Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abuse Abuse AbuseAbuse Abuse |
Child New York State Forms |
Defendants in a Proceeding | Ask the judge for Assigned Counsel on the scheduled court date Child Abuse and Neglect Fact Sheet Clearing Your Name: Explanation of Proceedings |
Reporting Abuse | Child Protective Services |
| YWCA Kidstrong | KIDSTRONG is a support group for children that have been exposed to family violence. Available for children 3 to 12 yrs old. On-going enrollment, no wait list. Thursday Nights 6:30 to 8 pm. FREE | 692-5580 | ||
| Elder Report Abuse |
Legal Services for the Elderly | Client Needs to be 60 years of age or over. Will help with Orders of Protection, Powers of Attorney (will revoke and Health Care Proxy of an abuser who is stealing funds and will work with Social Security to obtain lost and stolen funds), Safety Planning, and benefits | 438 Main St. Ste. 1200 Buffalo NY 14202 853-3087 |
|
| Domestic Rights & Resources Booklet |
Orders of Protection: Go to Family Court Domestic Violence Processing Office. NLS has an attorney on site to give advice and to represent at initial appearances NOTE: The judge can assign an attorney from the Assigned Counsel Program at the hearing if several appearances are necessary. Otherwise, NLS will generally represent the Petitioner NLS Fact Sheets on Domestic Violence |
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| Family Justice Center | Comprehensive Domestic Violence Services, including Advocacy, Safety Planning, Orders of Protection, Pressing Charges, and Legal Assistance. Supervised Child Play area available so parent may meet with counselor privately | Main Street Location (716) 558-SAFE Orchard Park Location (716) 662-0259 Amherst Location (716) 634-4309 |
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| Crisis Services | 24 Hour Hotline, Immediate crisis intervention and support at all Erie County Emergency Departments, Case management services, Individual Therapy, Linkage to NYS Office of Victim Services Compensation | 24 hour hotline: 716-834-3131 | ||
| Child and Family Services | Haven House provides safe housing, a crisis hotline, supportive counseling, advocacy, and support groups for victims of domestic violence in Buffalo and Erie County | 330 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 884-6000 |
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| Catholic Charities | Counseling and Victim Support Groups. Seperate Program "Domestic Violence for Men" is also available | Multiple Locations, see Website for list. | ||
| Hispanics United of Buffalo | Spanish language Counseling and Advocacy available. Spanish speaking Case Workers to help explain court process. | 254 Virginia St. Buffalo 14201 (716) 856-7110 |
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| International Institute | IMMIGRANT VICTIMS: court advocacy, interpreting and translation services, links to shelter and counseling, assistance finding employment and housing, help applying for public assistance, links to local social-service agencies. | 716.883.1900 | ||
| Police Brutality |
Civil Liberties Union | Representation for select cases in which civil rights were violated | 852-3087 | |
AdoptionNew York State Forms Fact Sheets Independent Adoptions |
Legal Aid for Adopting Children | Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) | Must be income eligible, may call the office (847-0662) or come to Family Court Help Desk (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri on 6th floor) to ask an attorney legal questions | 237 Main St., Ste. 1000 Buffalo, NY 14203 847-0662 |
| Legal Aid Bureau (LAB) | Buffalo Only | 290 Main St., Ste. 300 Buffalo, NY 14202 853-9555 |
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| Legal Services for the Elderly (LSED) | Relatives and Custody cases Only, must be 55 years of age or older Grandparents' Rights |
438 Main St. Ste. 1200 Buffalo NY 14202 853-3087 |
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| For Parents Opposing Adoptions | Appear at scheduled court date and ask for Assigned Counsel | |||
| Human Services Providers | Adoption Star | Adoption Information, Adoption Evaluation/Placement, Adoption Counseling and Support | 131 John Muir Drive Buffalo, NY 14228 (716) 639-3900 |
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| Bakery Victory Services | Group Homes for Dependent Children, Foster Home Placement, International Adoption, Adoption Evaluation/Placement, Developmental Assessment | 780 Ridge Road Lackawanna, NY 14218 (716)828-9500 |
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| Catholic Charities, Childrens Services | Foster Homes for Dependent Children, Adoption Information, Adoption Evaluation/Placement, Adoption Counseling and Support |
525 Washington St Buffalo, NY 14203 Telephone: (716)856-4494 |
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| Child and Family Services | Adoption Evaluation/Placement, Adoption Counseling and Support | 844 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209 (716) 882-0555 |
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| Buffalo Urban League: Community Alliance for Minority & Multi Needs Adoption Program | Adoption and Foster/Kinship Care Support Groups, Foster Homes for Dependent Children, Foster Parent/Family Recruitment, Adoption Evaluation/Placement, Advocacy
Prospective families must be 21 years and older. You do not have to own your home or have a high income. You can be married or single; you can be divorced or legally separated. There are other areas that must be assessed before a family is certified for foster or adoption. |
15 Genesee Street, Buffalo, NY 14203-1405 716-250-2400 |
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| Gateway Longview | 24 hour back-up to foster families. Provide or coordinate all services to child & family pursuant to the earliest return of children to the birth family. Adoption services available for children & youth who may not have another option. | 10 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201 (716)783-3100 |
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BankruptcyIs bankruptcy right for you? General Bankruptcy Factsheet United States Bankruptcy Court: Call for information concerning previous filings 1-866-222-8029 |
Volunteer Lawyers Project | Must be Income Eligible, must show a need for bankruptcy (ex: to end wage-garnishments, to keep utilities on at a home, etc). Chapter 7 only | 237 Main St., Ste. 1000 Buffalo, NY (716) 847-0662 |
|
| Legal Aid Bureau | Buffalo Only, Must be Income Eligible. Bilingual Staff | 853-9555 | ||
| Western New York Law Center | Chapter 7 | 855-0203 | ||
| Legal Services for the Elderly | Over age 60 homeowners in danger of losing homes in tax or mortgage foreclosure proceedings | 853-3087 | ||
| Consumer Credit Counseling | Pre-file Counseling and Edcuation. CCCS of Buffalo offers EOUST-approved bankruptcy pre-file counseling and pre-discharge education. Approved to issue certificates in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. | 716.712.2060 | ||
Cars/Automobiles |
Lemon Laws Arbitration Fact Sheet |
Attorney General | Client can Call, or Client can file for arbitration here | (716)853-8404 |
| Fraud/Repairs and Driver's Licenses Know Your Rights in Auto Repairs |
Department of Motor Vehicles | The DMV can investigate fraud related to identity theft, as well as odometer and mileage fraud. Find out more on their website | Multiple Locations Repairs Complaint Form |
|
| Legal Services for the Elderly | Over age 60 consumer complaints related to automobile sales and repairs | 853-3087 | ||
Child SupportNew York State Forms Child Support Outline |
Erie County Department of Social Services, Office of Child Support Enforcement | Support Must be payable through the County Support Collection Unit. 75$ an hr fee may be collected from future support collection, but a bill will be sent and person may pay for services separately | 95 Franklin St, Room 728 1.800.208.4485 | |
| Volunteer Lawyers Project | Must be income eligible. Call for an appointment or visit our help desk in Family Court (6th Floor, Mon Tues Thurs & Fri from 11:30 to 2:00) to speak to a lawyer about questions and concerns. | 847-0662 | ||
Civil RightsHow to File a Complaint in NY |
New York Civil Liberties Union | Because the NYCLU is a private, non-profit organization with limited resources, we can only accept a small percentage of the large number of matters brought to our attention. Please note that our provision of information regarding legal intake does not mean that we will be able to assist you in your particular situation or represent you. To request legal assistance in the western region of New York, please send us a written summary of no more than two pages detailing your concern. You may try to contact the office by phone during normal business hours at 716-852-4033, but the office may not be staffed at the precise time that you call. Almost all of our cases involve constitutional issues and because the U.S. Constitution and New York Constitution protect only against unlawful government action. We do NOT generally take cases that involve: individual criminal defense; complaints about an individual's attorney or judge in a criminal case; claims of innocence by prisoners; individual employment disputes; disputes involving private companies; |
712 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14202 Fax:716-362-0619 westernregion@nyclu.org |
|
Collection DefenseDebt Collection Fact sheet Know Your Rights Fact Sheet: Many Judgements and Frozen Accounts |
Volunteer Lawyers Project | Must be income eligible | 847-0662 | |
| Neighborhood Legal Services | Student Loan Debt Cases Only | 847-0650 | ||
| Legal Services for the Elderly | Over age 60 only | 853-3087 | ||
| Legal Aid Bureau | Buffalo Only | 853-9555 | ||
| Mental Health Association of Erie County | Must have a Psychiatric diagnosis, be a resident of Erie County, and be at least 18 years old. LIMITED representation | 999 Delaware Ave, Buffalo NY 886-1242 | ||
| Consumer Credit Counseling | CCCS offers Financial Counseling, Credit Report Review, Student Loan Counseling, Housing Counseling, and provides financial education workshops throughout the community. CCCS also offers Credit Repayment Plans, which is a partnership between CCCS and the individual to repay all unsecured debts. Unsecured debts include credit cards, personal or consolidation loans, collection accounts and medical debts | 716.712.2060 | ||
ConsumerConsumer Issues: InformationFact Sheet: Many Judgements and Frozen Accounts |
CLARO | The CLARO clinic will provide a free attorney to talk to people about debts, consumer judgments, bill collection calls, student loans, and other consumer matters. The attorney will write letters and draft court pleadings for consumers, and if the matter is pending in Buffalo City Court, will show up in court to represent the consumer. There is no charge for this service and there is no income restriction. Weekly CLARO sessions are structured as a free walk-in clinic, and are held at the BFNC HOPE Center at the Tri-Main Building on Tuesdays from 5 PM to 7 PM and on the 7th Floor of Buffalo City Court Fridays from 10 AM to 12 PM. | HOTLINE 716.828.8432 | |
| Attorney General | Client Should Call. File a Consumer Fraud Complaint Official Form | (716)853-8404 | ||
| Legal Aid Bureau | Buffalo Only, Must be Income Eligible. Bilingual Staff | 853-9555 | ||
| The Volunteer Lawyers Project | Consumer Problems with Contractors, Repairs. Must be income eligible | 847-0662 | ||
| Legal Services for the Elderly | Over age 60 only | 438 Main St. Ste. 1200, Buffalo, NY 14202 853-3087 | ||
Criminal |
Defendants | Appear on Scheduled Court Date and request Assigned Counsel or Public Defender | ||
| For discrimination based on criminal record and FAQ on rap sheet, see Discrimination | ||||
Crime VictimsCrime Victims Guide Forms |
US Citizens | Victims of a Crime should contact their local police and the Warrant Office of Buffalo City Court | ||
| New York State Office of Victim Services | Compensation, Advocacy, Referrals to other state agencies | 65 Court St, Room 308 Buffalo NY (716)847-7992 | ||
| Matt Urban Center's Crime Victim Assistance Program | Compensation (Medical expenses, lost wages, burial expenses), Counseling, Food Pantry | 1081 Broadway Buffalo NY 893-7222 ext 226 | ||
| Immigrant Victims | Volunteer Lawyers Project | Immigration representation available for certain crime victims. Clients must be income eligible. Cases can be complex so client needs to call and discuss case with staff as soon as possible | 847-0752 | |
Custody/VisitationNew York State Forms Information about Custody and Visitation (Outside of Divorce) For Family Court Service Providers, Look in the "Reference Guide" Folder on Desktop and click on the VLP Service Providers PDF |
Custody or Visitation for Parent Petitioner | Go to Family Court (1 Niagara Sq, 4th floor Petitioning Processing Office. The staff there will assist you in filing a petition and scheduling a Court date. At the court appearance, if you feel that you need an attorney, you may ask the Judge to refer you to the Assigned Counsel Program. | ||
| Custody or Visitation for Non-Parent Petitioner | Volunteer Lawyers Project | Must be Income eligible, call 847-0662 to make an appointment/qualify or go to our Help Desk in Family Court (6th floor, Mon Tues Thurs Fri) to ask an attorney questions regarding your case.
Grandparent visitation rights |
237 Main St., Ste. 1000 847-0662 | |
| Legal Aid Bureau | Buffalo only, Supreme Court Cases | 853-9555 | ||
| Legal Services for the Elderly (LSED) | Relatives and Custody cases Only (NO VISITATION), must be 55 years of age or older and income eligible> | 438 Main St., Ste. 1200 Buffalo NY 14202 853-3087 |
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| Custody in Emergency Cases | Neighborhood Legal Services | Cases involving risk of child snatching or interstate issues or where assigned counsel is not available Assist grandparents and other relatives to obtain custody of children in Family Court A limited number of calls are accepted each day on a first come first served basis. Family law cases are heard Monday through Wednesday starting at 9:00 am. Must be income eligible and live in Erie County |
847-0650 | |
| Supervised Visitation and Other Providers/Human Services | Pathways | Pathways is a supervised access program in WNY that provides a neutral setting for parents, sibling, and children to visit one another while being observed by Master level Pathways professionals. Fees apply. | 531 Center Rd. West Seneca (716) 677 - 4787 | |
| Life's Orchard | Supervised Visitations, Neutral Safe Exchange, Supervised Phone Calls. Immediate Openings, fees apply. | (716) 633 7200 | ||
| Catholic Charities | Therapeutic, supportive, and step-out community visitation are offered. Referral from Erie County Department of Social Services only or if Both parties/parents apply. There is a small sliding scale fee ** 6 month wait list as of 2014** | (716) 896 6390 | ||
| Catholic Charities "Our Kids" | A Parent Education and Awareness Program, flat fee of $75 (can be waived or reduced if necessary) for 4 classes of 2.5 hours. Classes cover how divorce and separation affects Children and is aimed at reducing conflict between parents in child rearing. Lawyers are on site who offer an overview on Family Law and your Custody and Visitation rights. Grandparents also welcome. | For more info, call 896-6390 | ||
| Restoration Society Inc | For Adults over 18 with Mental Health problems: Help navigating and complying with court system, child support and visitation advocacy. Supervised Visitations. | 832-2141 | ||
DisabilitiesFor Benefits, See Public Assistance |
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| Group Home Care | ||||
| Children with Disabilities or Suspected Disabilities/Delayed Development | 24 Hour Family Helpline for Parents | Family Help Center understands that sometimes the everyday stresses of life can interfere with being the best parent you can be. Sometimes it feels overwhelming. The help line provides a person to talk it over with. They will offer support, work out solutions, and offer a chance to learn new parenting skills. They offer in home crisis intervention, help with transportation and childcare available as well. All calls confidential and free of charge. | 892-2172 | |
| The Parent Network | Parent Network of WNY provides free information, referral, technical assistance and support to families, professionals, and community agencies concerned with children school age and up with suspected or diagnosed delays or disabilities. We also help families by providing 1 on 1 support with a person to talk over concerns with. We can help share about resources, behavior intervention, and skill building with workshops. All calls are confidential and free of charge. | 1000 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14202 (716)332-4175 | ||
| Early Childhood Direction Center | The ECDC provides free information, referral, technical assistance and support to families, professionals, and community agencies concerned with children birth to five with suspected or diagnosed delays or disabilities. The Early Childhood Direction Center also provides assistance to early childhood programs to improve options and opportunities for preschool children with developmental delays or disabilities served in typical early childhood settings. | 219 Bryant Street Buffalo, NY 14222 (716) 880-3875 | ||
| Help Me Grow | Help me Grow connects parents to Nationally recognized Development Screenings that parents can conduct at home. In addition to enabling parents to conduct their own at-home screenings on their child's development, Help Me Grow links parents with referrals, care coordinators, at home developmental activities, and other information on baby/child growth and development. | Visit them online or call (716) 286-8470 | ||
| Reasonable Accommodation | Aspire of WNY | Fees usually always covered by Health Insurance, will help advocate for and acquire Reasonable Accomodations for clients with disabilities | For Erie and Niagara County: (716) 505-5830 | |
| Assisted/Independent Living | WNY Independent Living | Helps with transition services, reasonable accomodations, independent living skills, and personal care aid services | 716-826-0822 | |
| Inclusion | New York State Inclusion recreation Resource Guide | List of Inclusive play places in WNY | (607) 753-4833 | |
| Alternatives to Incarceration | Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled | Meet with an Admissions Specialist to determine eligibility. For more information, contact the Court Liason at (716) 883-8003 | 180 Oak St Buffalo NY | |
| Discrimination Discrimination DiscriminationDiscrimination Discrimination |
Employment Types of Discrimination and Fact Sheets Religious Rights Pregnancy Discrimination |
Empire Justice Center | Empire Justice Center represents persons who are victims of disability, race, and gender discrimination, and we have a project focused on wage theft and enforcing workers rights under state and federal employment statues. These attorneys represent individuals and groups of low-wage and immigrant workers in the Genesee Valley and Westchester County in wage theft and related claims. We work with community organizations and workers centers to develop effective strategies to address wage theft and other forms of workplace exploitation. We also represent low-income LGBT people in cases where they were discriminated against because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. Transgender Rights Guide |
For Intake, Call (585)454-4060 |
| National Labor Relations Board | Board agents investigate and remedy unfair labor practices by unions and employers. An unfair labor practice is interference or discrimination by an employer or union against workers due to group activities to improve working conditions, wages and benefits or due to union activities or due to a refusal to engage in those activities. Board Agents also conduct elections to determine whether employees wish to be represented by a union, and if so, which union. Priority Cases include:Charges against an Employer for threatening, disciplining, or firing employees involved in protected concerted activities or in union activities.(The employee does not have to be affiliated with a union to seek our protection.) and Charges against a Union for threatening or refusing to process a grievance or to refer a worker to a job because employees do not support the union. |
Call (716) 551-4931 for assistance | ||
| New York State Division of Human Rights | How to File a Complaint | 65 Court St Suite 506 847-7632 | ||
| Occupational Safety and Health | ** For clients discriminated against for reporting or complaining about unsafe working conditions** OSHA promulgates safety and health standards, conducts enforcement inspections, provides compliance assistance, and protects employees from discrimination for exercising their safety and health rights.OSHA’s inspection priorities are as follows: a. Imminent danger situations b. Fatalities/catastrophes c. Complaints and referrals d. Programmed inspections |
Individuals seeking information and assistance should call (716) 551-3053 or 1-800-321-6742 | ||
| U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission | The EEOC is a federal law enforcement agency that investigates or looks into claims that employers,
employment agencies or labor organizations discriminated against employees or applicants
because of their race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age (40 or older), disability,
or genetic information. The EEOC often tries to settle these claims with the help of a mediator.
Sometimes, the EEOC takes cases to court. The EEOC does not charge a fee to investigate,
mediate or litigate charges. Under Title VII, ADEA and ADA, charges must generally be filed within 300 days. There is no requirement that an EPA charge be filed with EEOC before one files in court. Jury trials are available and suits must be brought within 2 years, 3 years if a willful violation. If an individual believes he/she has experienced job discrimination, he/she should contact us at (716) 551-4442. We will ask why he/she believes the employer discriminated against him/her. We may ask him/her to fill out a questionnaire. He/she should be sure to give us any evidence he/she has to show that discrimination occurred. Based on the individual’s answers and the information given to us, we will tell the individual if he/she has a claim that fits within the laws we enforce. In any case, he/she has the right to file a charge of job discrimination to keep his/her right to file in federal court. When an individual files a charge, the EEOC must give the employer accused of discrimination a copy of the charge, which includes the individual’s name. If an individual contacts the EEOC but decide not to file a charge, we will not tell the employer that the individual contacted us. If the individual does not file a charge, the individual will not be able to file suit in federal court based on the laws we enforce. If the EEOC does not have jurisdiction, or if the charge is untimely, we will close the charge quickly. We may also close a charge quickly if we decide that we probably will not be able to find discrimination. Then, we will give the individual a letter or notice of his/her right to file suit in federal court within 90 days. If we do not close the charge quickly, we may send it to mediation or to investigation. Filing a Charge, Instructions |
6 Fountain Plaza, Suite 350 1-800-669-4000 | ||
| Volunteer Lawyers Project Pro Se Assistance Desk | If you decide to represent yourself (Pro Se) in Federal Court, The Volunteer Lawyers Project can assist you with limited scope legal advice at the Federal Court Help Desk, located on the 2nd floor. While we can not represent you, an attorney can offer you legal advice and answer questions you may have concerning your case. Must be income eligible. | Additional Info | ||
| Housing Fact Sheet |
HOME (Housing Opportunities Made Equal) | HOME's mission is to promote the value of diversity and to ensure the people of Western New York an equal opportunity to live in the housing and communities of their choice-- through education, advocacy, enforcement of fair housing laws, and the creation of housing opportunities. File a complaint with HOME |
716.854.1400 | |
| Western New York Law Center | 855-0203 | |||
| Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) | File a complaint online | (800) 496-4294 | ||
| Neighborhood Legal Services | Must be income eligible for legal aid. Language interpretation available. Calls concerning housing issues are accepted on a first come, first serve basis Monday through Thursday beginning at 9 am. | 847-0650 | ||
| Due to Criminal Record NYS Law Help Useful Links |
Resources: Guide to Criminal Records and Employment . Some of the questions answered by this guide include:
What may employers ask about my criminal record? What information do I have to give employers? Will employers get my record through a background check? What can I do if the background check is wrong? May an employer deny me a job because of my criminal record? FAQ about your Rap Sheet Guide to clean up crim record |
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DivorceForms |
Volunteer Layer Project | Must be income eligible, depending on complexity of the case, there may be a waiting period of a few months | 847-0662 | |
| Legal Aid Bureau | Buffalo Only | 853-9555 | ||
| Neighborhood Legal Services | Divorces for victims of abuse only | 847-0650 | ||
| Haven House | Non-legal help for victims of abuse | 884-6000 | ||
| Catholic Charities "Our Kids" | A Parent Education and Awareness Program, flat fee of $75 (can be waived or reduced if necessary) for 4 classes of 2.5 hours. Classes cover how divorce and separation affects Children and is aimed at reducing conflict between parents in child rearing. Lawyers are on site who offer an overview on Family Law and your Custody and Visitation rights. Grandparents also welcome. | For more info, call 896-6390 | ||
| Catholic Charities Marriage Counseling Center | Program Services are covered by most insurance plans and a sliding fee scale based on income is available to those not covered by insurance | 382 Main St, Amherst NY 14226 (716) 839-4406 | ||
Domestic ViolenceSee Also: Abuse, Domestic Rights & Resources Booklet |
Orders of Protection: Go to Family Court Domestic Violence Processing Office. NLS has an attorney on site to give advice and to represent at initial appearances NOTE: The judge can assign an attorney from the Assigned Counsel Program at the hearing if several appearances are necessary. Otherwise, NLS will generally represent the Petitioner NLS Fact Sheets on Domestic Violence |
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| Immigrant Victim | Volunteer Lawyers Project | Legal Aid, Clients must be income eligible. Cases can be complex so client needs to call and discuss case with staff as soon as possible | 847-0662 | |
| International Institute | court advocacy, interpreting and translation services, links to shelter and counseling, assistance finding employment and housing, help applying for public assistance, links to local social-service agencies. | 716.883.1900 | ||
| Counseling for Batterers | Catholic Charities | There is a registration fee and sliding-scale-fee for the Domestic Violence Sessions. Fee payment is required at the time service is received. To participate in the sessions a man must be at least 18 years old, and must be ordered by the court or an agent of the court. |
Available in Many offices. Closest Buffalo Office is 1581 Bailey Ave. Buffalo, NY 14212 (716) 896-6390 |
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| Counseling and Support | Family Justice Center | Comprehensive Domestic Violence Services, including Advocacy, Safety Planning, Orders of Protection, Pressing Charges, and Legal Assistance. Supervised Child Play area available so parent may meet with counselor privately | Main Street Location (716) 558-SAFE Orchard Park Location (716) 662-0259 Amherst Location (716) 634-4309 |
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| Legal Services for the Elderly | Client must be 60 years of age or over. Will help with Orders of Protection, Powers of Attorney (will revoke and Health Care Proxy of an abuser who is stealing funds and will work with Social Security to obtain lost and stolen funds), Safety Planning, including shelter placement and benefits | 438 Main St. Ste. 1200, Buffalo, NY 14202 853-3087 | ||
| Crisis Services | 24 Hour Hotline, Immediate crisis intervention and support at all Erie County Emergency Departments, Case management services, Individual Therapy, Linkage to NYS Office of Victim Services Compensation | 24 hour hotline: 716-834-3131 | ||
| Child and Family Services | Haven House provides safe housing, a crisis hotline, supportive counseling, advocacy, and support groups for victims of domestic violence in Buffalo and Erie County | 330 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 842-2750 |
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| Catholic Charities | Counseling and Victim Support Groups. Seperate Program "Domestic Violence for Men" is also available | Multiple Locations, see Website for list. | ||
| Hispanics United of Buffalo | Spanish language Counseling and Advocacy available. Spanish speaking Case Workers to help explain court process. | 254 Virginia St. Buffalo 14201 (716) 856-7110 |
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EducationBuffalo Public Schools' Code of Conduct |
Attendance | According to Education Law, a student who becomes six of age on or before the 1st of December in any school year shall be required to attend full-time instruction from the first day that the District schools are in session in September of such school year, and a student who becomes six years of age after the 1st of December in any school year shall be required to attend full-time instruction from the first day of session in the following September. Pursuant to Education Law Section 3205(3), the Board of Education requires students who are not employed to attend full-time instruction until the end of the school year in which the student turns seventeen years of age. All children who are residents of the Buffalo City School District and who are of compulsory attendance age must receive full-time instruction in a school. | ||
| Say Yes Buffalo Family Support Specialists (formerly Site Facilitators) are in every school and now taking County Case-loads to help students with attendance and behavioral issues. Client should speak to Family Support Specialist for options and aid. List of Specialists for each school can be found here | ||||
| Suspension | School Discipline Guides
NY School Discipline Guide |
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| School Records | The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. To read more information on FERPA, click here . Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school. | |||
| Bullying | BPS Bullying Info and Policies | |||
| Special Education Melinda Saran has created a fact sheet on Discipline in Special Ed. To access it, click on the "Reference Guide" Folder on the Desktop BPS Parents Guide to Special Education Special Education Acronyms Discipline in Special Ed Special Ed Parents Advisory Committee Meeting Schedule |
The Special Education Process in Buffalo Public Schools follows these steps: 1) Initial Referral 2) Individual Evaluation 3) Determine Eligibility and Need 4) Committee proposes an Educational Program 5) Annual Review/Reevaluation to update plan as needed. If at any time the parent disagrees with the Committee on Special Education (over the referral, the education plan recommendation, etc), they must appeal IN WRITING. Every request (for revaluation or to change Special Education Plan) must be done in writing. Should a parent disagree with the school's evaluation, Parents have the right to an Independent Evaluation at the District's expense. Every Child in New York State between 3 and 21 who is found to have a disability is entitled to special services designed to meet his or her needs. Children under 3 years of age with developmental delays may be eligible for free early intervention services, often provided at home. For more info, contact the Erie County Health Department 858-6161. |
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| Parent Network of Western New York | Information, Referrals, Detailed explanations of Special Ed process. Call with any Special needs questions: Transition, Bullying, How to handle challenging behaviors, understanding special ed, etc. | (716)332-4170 | ||
| Mediation: Child and Family Services Center for Resolution and Justice | Parents and School Districts meet with a neutral party (the mediator) to work out differences. Mediator will help develop a solution plan that is acceptable to both parents and district and gives everyone a chance to have an equal say in the process. | 716 362-2323 Parents should send a letter to the district requesting Mediation. See Sample Letters here |
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| Volunteer Lawyers Project | Must be income eligible | 847-0662 | ||
| Learning Disabilities Association of Western New York | Advocates available for Parents of children that are eligible for Special Education Services in their District. Advocates will advise parents and attend hearings and meetings with parents. In cases were school system is out of compliance, LDA has a network of Pro Bono Attorneys that will represent parents. No income eligibility for any service, no fees. | Call 847-7100 and ask for intake | ||
| Student Loans | Fact Sheets: Repaying Default and Delinquency Student Loans and Bankruptcy Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants |
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| Legal Services for the Elderly | Collection, repayment, Social Security reduction issues--over age 60 only | 438 Main St. Ste. 1200, Buffalo, NY 14202 853-3087 | ||
| Employment Employment EmploymentEmployment Employment |
Discrimination Types of Discrimination and Fact Sheets | Empire Justice Center | Empire Justice Center represents persons who are victims of disability, race, and gender discrimination, and we have a project focused on wage theft and enforcing workers rights under state and federal employment statues. These attorneys represent individuals and groups of low-wage and immigrant workers in the Genesee Valley and Westchester County in wage theft and related claims. We work with community organizations and workers centers to develop effective strategies to address wage theft and other forms of workplace exploitation. We also represent low-income LGBT people in cases where they were discriminated against because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. | For Intake, Call (585)454-4060 |
| National Labor Relations Board | Board agents investigate and remedy unfair labor practices by unions and employers. An unfair labor practice is interference or discrimination by an employer or union against workers due to group activities to improve working conditions, wages and benefits or due to union activities or due to a refusal to engage in those activities. Board Agents also conduct elections to determine whether employees wish to be represented by a union, and if so, which union. Priority Cases include:Charges against an Employer for threatening, disciplining, or firing employees involved in protected concerted activities or in union activities.(The employee does not have to be affiliated with a union to seek our protection.) and Charges against a Union for threatening or refusing to process a grievance or to refer a worker to a job because employees do not support the union. |
Call (716) 551-4931 for assistance | ||
| New York State Division of Human Rights | How to File a Complaint | 65 Court St Suite 506 847-7632 | ||
| U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission | The EEOC is a federal law enforcement agency that investigates or looks into claims that employers,
employment agencies or labor organizations discriminated against employees or applicants
because of their race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age (40 or older), disability,
or genetic information. The EEOC often tries to settle these claims with the help of a mediator.
Sometimes, the EEOC takes cases to court. The EEOC does not charge a fee to investigate,
mediate or litigate charges. Under Title VII, ADEA and ADA, charges must generally be filed within 300 days. Charges against employers NOT subject to a state or local law must be filed within 180 days. There is no requirement that an EPA charge be filed with EEOC before one files in court. Jury trials are available and suits must be brought within 2 years, 3 years if a willful violation. If an individual believes he/she has experienced job discrimination, he/she should contact us at (716) 551-4442. We will ask why he/she believes the employer discriminated against him/her. We may ask him/her to fill out a questionnaire. He/she should be sure to give us any evidence he/she has to show that discrimination occurred. Based on the individual’s answers and the information given to us, we will tell the individual if he/she has a claim that fits within the laws we enforce. In any case, he/she has the right to file a charge of job discrimination to keep his/her right to file in federal court. When an individual files a charge, the EEOC must give the employer accused of discrimination a copy of the charge, which includes the individual’s name. If an individual contacts the EEOC but decide not to file a charge, we will not tell the employer that the individual contacted us. If the individual does not file a charge, the individual will not be able to file suit in federal court based on the laws we enforce. If the EEOC does not have jurisdiction, or if the charge is untimely, we will close the charge quickly. We may also close a charge quickly if we decide that we probably will not be able to find discrimination. Then, we will give the individual a letter or notice of his/her right to file suit in federal court within 90 days. If we do not close the charge quickly, we may send it to mediation or to investigation. Filing a Charge, Instructions |
6 Fountain Plaza, Suite 350 1-800-669-4000 | ||
| Volunteer Lawyers Project Pro Se Assistance Desk | **FEDERAL COURT CASES ** If you decide to represent yourself (Pro Se) in Federal Court, The Volunteer Lawyers Project can assist you with limited scope legal advice at the Federal Court Help Desk, located on the 2nd floor. While we can not represent you, an attorney can offer you legal advice and answer questions you may have concerning your case. Must be income eligible. |
Additional Info | ||
| Unfair Labor Practices | National Labor Relations Board | Board agents investigate and remedy unfair labor practices by unions and employers. An unfair labor practice is interference or discrimination by an employer or union against workers due to group activities to improve working conditions, wages and benefits or due to union activities or due to a refusal to engage in those activities. Board Agents also conduct elections to determine whether employees wish to be represented by a union, and if so, which union. Priority Cases include:Charges against an Employer for threatening, disciplining, or firing employees involved in protected concerted activities or in union activities.(The employee does not have to be affiliated with a union to seek our protection.) and Charges against a Union for threatening or refusing to process a grievance or to refer a worker to a job because employees do not support the union. |
Call (716) 551-4931 for assistance | |
| New York State Department of Labor | The Division of Labor Standards protects all workers, even if they are paid off the books or are not documented. Our agency enforces the State Labor Law for minimum wage, hours of work, child labor, payment of wages and wage supplements, migrant farm labor, and conditions in the garment industry. | Call 1-888-4-NYSDOL, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m | ||
| Safety and Health | Occupational Safety and Health | OSHA promulgates safety and health standards, conducts enforcement inspections, provides compliance assistance, and protects employees from discrimination for exercising their safety and health rights.OSHA’s inspection priorities are as follows:
a. Imminent danger situations b. Fatalities/catastrophes c. Complaints and referrals d. Programmed inspections |
Individuals seeking information and assistance should call (716) 551-3053 or 1-800-321-6742 | |
| Unemployment Benefit Denial | Volunteer Lawyers Project | Income eligible clients (up to 200% of the federal poverty line). Call and our Unemployment insurance attorney will review your case. Will serve other counties | 847-0662 | |
| Legal Aid Bureau | Buffalo Only | 853-9555 | ||
| Mental Health Association of Erie County | Client must have a Psychiatric diagnosis, be a resident of Erie County, and be at least 18 years old. | 999 Delaware Ave, Buffalo NY 886-1242 | ||
Estates/WillsWhat to do when someone dies |
Volunteer Lawyers Project | Must be income eligible | 847-0662 | |
| Neighborhood Legal Services | Wills and Estates for individuals or families/households in which someone has been diagnosed with cancer | Cancer hotline for legal services: 716 847-0655 ext 420 | ||
Eviction |
Tenants with a Court Date (Buffalo Only) | Show up at Buffalo City Court on scheduled date. Go to Special Term Courtroom, check in with court clerk, and look for intake person (Tues/Thurs is Neighborhood Legal Services, Mon/Wed/Fri is VLP). There will be an Attorney at Court to represent you and/or give you advice. MUST BE INCOME ELIGIBLE | ||
| Legal Services for the Elderly | Eviction defense in court proceedings is available to low income City of Buffalo residents over 55 years of age and, on a limited basis, low income County of Erie residents in subsidized housing projects for seniors or disabled. | 853-3087 | Back Payment of Rent to Avoid Eviction Guide | Erie County Department of Social Services Room 425, Rath Building (95 Franklin St) |
| Public Housing Cases | Neighborhood Legal Services | Must be Income eligible. Calls concerning housing issues are accepted on a first come, first serve basis Monday through Thursday beginning at 9 am. | 847-0650 | |
| Other Landlord/Tenant Issues | Neighborhood Legal Services | Must be income eligible. Calls concerning housing issues are accepted on a first come, first serve basis Monday through Thursday beginning at 9 am. | 847-0650 | |
| Illegal Lockouts, Retaliation, Money Judgements | Info on defending yourself in eviction, emergency housing issues, illegal lockout, landlord retaliation, post eviction, warrant of eviction and money judgements | NLS | ||
| Legal Aid Bureau | If Landlord, Buffalo only. | 853-9555 | ||
| Mental Health Association | Limited Representation for Erie County residents 18 years of age and older with a Pyschiatric Diagnosis | 716 886-1242 | ||
Ex Offenders |
Buffalo Urban League | Family Reunification, Assistance with family court child support and enforcement, Assistance with accessing benefits such as Medicaid and Food Stamps Work Readiness Certification, Job Training, Job Coaching, Obtaining Identification, Housing Assistance, Career Assessments, GED placements, Education, Training and Job Placement, Mentoring and Encouragement, Guidance and Support. Open to Anyone 18 years or older, Convicted as an adult, Imprisoned or sentenced to NYS Parole, Never been convicted of a sex-related crime, Must be motivated and open to making positive changes, Open enrollment to all NYS Parolees with a referral from Parole. | 716-250-2425 | |
| Back 2 Basics Ministries | Will take self referrals or referrals from courts, spectrum, and parole. Helps with job placement and mentoring, with a heavy emphasis on community engagement. | Call 854 -1086 ext 100 or ext 101 for Re-Entry | ||
Foreclosure |
Tax Foreclosure | Legal Services for the Elderly | City and County Tax foreclosures for homeowner-occupants over 60 | 438 Main St. Ste. 1200 Buffalo NY 14202 853-3087 |
| Volunteer Lawyers Project | Must be income eligible | 847-0662 | ||
| Legal Aid Bureau | Buffalo Only | 853-9555 | ||
| Western New York Law Center | ||||
| Mortgage Foreclosure Foreclosure Resource Manual | Call the Foreclosure Prevention Project of Buffalo and WNY at 1-855-969-3775. The Foreclosure Prevention Project is a partnership between LSED, LAB, and WNY Law Center. This central intake will determine the agency best fit for client needs. | |||
| Consumer Credit Counseling | CCCS offers Delinquency Housing Counseling also known as Foreclosure Prevention Counseling. This is a financial counseling session with a review of mortgage repayment options. Counselors will also assist with communicating and applying for options with lenders | 716.712.2060 | ||
Forced Medication |
Mental Hygiene Legal Services | Agency provides legal advice and will represent people in psychiatric institutions or facilities regarding treatment, and investigate whether they are properly being held in such facilities | 438 Main Street, Suite 400 Buffalo, New York 14202 (716) 845-3650 | |
GuardianshipKinship Navigator info |
Surrogate's Court Guardianship of Child | Volunteer Lawyers Project | Must be income eligible | 847-0662 | '
| Neighborhood Legal Services | A limited number of calls are accepted each day on a first come first served basis. Family law cases are heard Monday through Wednesday starting at 9:00 am. | 847-0650 | ||
| Legal Aid Bureau | Buffalo Only | 853- 9555 | ||
| Standby Guardianship | Volunteer Lawyers Project | Income Eligible Clients | 847-0662 | |
| Article 81 Guardianship | Legal Services for the Elderly | Defense if client is over 60 | 853-3087 | |
| Volunteer Lawyers Project | Court Evaluator Only | 847-0662 | ||
| Mental Hygiene Legal Services | Will provide counsel for clients in their institution | (716) 845-3650 | ||
| Article 17-A Guardianship | Volunteer Lawyers Project | Income eligible clients | 847-0662 | |
| People Inc. | Attorneys on staff for guardianship of persons with disabilities | 3131 Sheridan Dr, Amherst 14226 880-3700 | ||
Health CareAccess to Medical Records |
Private Insurance | Legal Services for the Elderly | Private Health Insurance and HMO Denials if client is over 60 | 853-3087 |
| Medicare | Legal Services for the Elderly | All Medicare Issues | 438 Main St. Ste. 1200 Buffalo NY 14202 853-3087 |
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| Medicaid | Legal Services for the Elderly | If client is over 60 or if case involves Part D Prescription Drugs | 853 - 3087 | |
| Neighborhood Legal Services | A limited number of calls are accepted each day on a first come first served basis. Public Benefit cases are heard Monday through Thursday starting at 9:00 am | 847 - 0650 | ||
| Mental Health Association of Erie County | Must have a Psychiatric diagnosis, be a resident of Erie County, and be at least 18 years old. LIMITED representation | 999 Delaware Ave, Buffalo NY 886-1242 | ||
| Permanency Planning | Volunteer Lawyers Project | Program available to meet the needs of HIV positive individuals and their families, though service is available to others as well depending on attorney availability. | 847-0662 | |
| Proxy Clients do not need a lawyer for appointing a Health Care Agent. Proxy Fact Sheet Health Care decisions when incapacitated |
Volunteer Lawyers Project | Must be income eligible | 847-0662 | |
| Legal Services for the Elderly | If client is over 60 | 853-3087 | ||
| Neighborhood Legal Services | Legal Services for individuals or families/households in which someone has been diagnosed with cancer | Cancer hotline for legal services: 716 847-0655 ext 420 | ||
| Malpractice | Fee Generating Cases should be referred to the Private Bar. For help obtaining a lawyer, client should call the Lawyer Referral Service at 852-3100 | |||
| Home Health Care | Fact Sheet on Medicaid Home Health Care describes services and who is eligible. Types of Home Health Care: Medicare-Certified Home Health Agency (CHHA) These agencies are certified to provide skilled services by Medicare and Medicaid and are licensed by the state. Medicare will only pay for those services provided through a Medicare-certified agency. These agencies may also provide personal care through their own home health aides or through another agency, usually a licensed agency, with which they have a contract. Licensed Home Care Agency This type of agency is licensed by the state and can provide nursing and personal care services. Some provide long-term personal care to patients through contracts with Medicaid. Most services, however, are paid for by the patient or the family. Non-medical or Companion Agency These agencies are not licensed, and their services are not covered by insurance. Companion or home helper services include keeping the person company and doing chores like picking up prescriptions from the pharmacy. Workers have varying levels of experience and training. Frequently these agencies are small, locally run businesses that are franchises of large, national companies. Employment or Registry Agency These agencies provide names of available nurses and aides. You contact and pay the person directly. Your state may also maintain a registry through its department of health. Or you can ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Hiring on your own can work well but also carries additional responsibilities for financial management, supervision and arranging backup. |
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| Veterans VA Forms for Benefits |
Veterans Service Agency of Erie County | Erie County Veteran Service Officers will help you navigate the Department of Veterans Affairs' bureaucracy, and our services are free. We will help with gathering the information necessary to support a claim, filing the claim, and tracking the claim through the VA system. We can also assist with filing appeals for denied claims.In addition to the normal benefits provided by law to survivors of deceased veterans, this is the only agency charged with and responsible for processing, at county expense, of the burial of indigent veterans and next-of-kin of veterans. | 858-6363 | |
| Veterans One-Stop Center | Note: Offers Counseling and Linkage Services. Linkage for Legal Services available but client will be linked back to one of the other listed community legal aid organizations. Benefits Counseling, Financial Counseling, Housing and Emergency Services, Education & Employment Services, Outreach | Business hours are Monday-Friday, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. 716.898.0110. Offices are located at 1280 Main St. 2nd Floor Buffalo, NY 14209 | ||
| U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | Buffalo Office website has useful links and information | 846-5191 | ||
| Legal Services for the Elderly | Veterans Health Benefits for clients over 60 | 853-3087 | ||
HousingFor Evictions, See EvictionsFor Foreclosures, see Foreclosures For Fair Housing or Discrimination, see Discrimination For buying/selling Real Estate Guide Erie County Housing Resource Guide Federally Subsidized Housing |
Violations: Services/Representation for Renters Fact sheet: Landlord won't make repairs |
Neighborhood Legal Services | For income eligible clients. A limited number of calls are accepted each day on a first come first served basis. Housing cases are heard Monday through Thursday starting at 9:00 am | 847-0650 |
| Legal Services for the Elderly | Representation in Evictions, Lock-Outs, Habitability, Utility and Water Shut-offs for which Landlord is Responsible, Rent Increases, Lease Disputes, Replevin of Belongings, Public Housing, Housing Subsidy and Rental Assistance issues, General Advice and Counsel is available to low income City of Buffalo residents over 55 years of age and, on a limited basis, low income County of Erie residents over age 55 in subsidized housing projects for seniors or disabled. | 853-3087 | ||
| Legal Aid Bureau | Buffalo only | 853-9555 | ||
| Erie County Department of Health Inspector File a complaint |
If you have no heat, call immediately instead of filing a complaint. Instead, please call (716) 961-6800 during regular business hours (M-F 8:30 am - 4:30 pm) or (716) 961-7898 after regular business hours. | |||
| City of Buffalo Building Inspector | File a complaint/request an inspection with the city of Buffalo here | 304 City Hall (716)-851-4949 |
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| Violations: Services/Repairs for Homeowners | Heart of the City Neighborhoods Inc. | Funding for home repairs for Homeowning families in the city of Buffalo with a developmentally disabled member. Must be income eligible. More info here Funding for home repairs for seniors (62 and up, 55 and up if applicant needs assistance with daily living activities). Physically Disabled also eligible. Must be income eligible and live in the 14201 or 14202 zip code. More info here . |
251 Virginia Street, Suite A Buffalo, NY 14201 (716) 882-7661 | |
| Legal Services for the Elderly | General Advice and Counsel is available to low income City of Buffalo residents over 55 years of age and, on a limited basis, low income County of Erie residents over age 55 in subsidized housing projects for seniors or disabled. Also, representation for low-income City of Buffalo owner-occupants charged with health or housing code violations. | 853-3087 | ||
| Tenant's Rights and Property Attorney General: Guide to Tenant's Rights |
Neighborhood Legal Services | For income eligible clients. A limited number of calls are accepted each day on a first come first served basis. Housing cases are heard Monday through Thursday starting at 9:00 am | 847-0650 | |
| Security Deposits Fact Sheet |
Small Claims Court | Guidebook to Small Claims in the City of Buffalo | 50 Delaware Avenue (7th floor), M-F 9:00 to 4:00 | |
| Titles | Volunteer Lawyer Project | Clearing up the title of a home that the client lives in if no money is changing hands | 847-0662 | |
| Assisted/Independent Living | WNY Independent Living | Client must have a disability. Helps with transition services, reasonable accomodations, independent living skills, and personal care aid services | 716-826-0822 | |
| Landlord Tenant Mediation | Community Dispute Resolution Centers | The New York State Unified Court System partners with local non-profit organizations, known as CDRCs, to provide mediation, arbitration and other dispute resolution options as an alternative to court. | Erie County's CDRC is provided through Child and Family Services. (716) 362-2323 for Buffalo Office. Click here for more info | |
Human Trafficking |
International Institute | Comprehensive case management, including court advocacy, interpreting and translation services, links to shelter and counseling, assistance finding employment and housing, help applying for public assistance, links to other local social-service agencies, as needed by client. Services available to both US citizen and foreign born victims. Also offer some preventative services for youth at risk of trafficking. | (716) 883-1900, ext. 304 | |
Identity Theft |
Steps to take if you suspect identity theft: -Contact the Federal Trade Commission -Postal Inspection Service -Contact the fraud units of the three major credit reporting companies -The Social Security Administration (800-269-0271) -The Internal Revenue Service (1-800-829-0433) -Contact all creditors with whom your name or identifying data have been fraudulently used -Contact all financial institutions where you have accounts that an identity thief has taken over or that have been created in your name but without your knowledge -Contact the major check verification companies -File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place |
NYS Division of Consumer Protection | Agency protects consumers against questionable business practices and product recalls, represents the interests of consumers before the Public Service Commission and other state and federal agencies, and helps victims of identity theft. | 1-800-697-1220 |
| Legal Services for the Elderly | Over age 60 only | 853-3087 | ||
| Volunteer Lawyers Project | Income eligible clients | 847-0662 | ||
ImmigrationIf a case is before an Immigration Court or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) , refer to This website to gain access to court forms, a virtual library of BIA case law, and the Immigration Court Procedure Manual, which must be adhered to in immigration court. H.E.A.L.-International Inc. is a West Side charitable organization run and managed by former refugees to help new arrivals in the country, adapt to the challenges that arise from leaving a region of conflict and violence, and arriving to a new life in the US. HEAL offers culturally competent assistance for refugees who need access to healthcare, housing, legal services and education. HEAL provides educational programs for adults and youth to help with learning English, navigating social services, and conflict resolution. 233 W. Ferry St. Buffalo, NY 14213 (716) 931-5778 Other Resources for Attorneys include: National Immigration Project American Immigration Lawyers Association Rights of Undocumented Immigrants |
Immigrants in Custody Victims of Domestic Violence Victims of Human Trafficking Unaccompanied Minors Asylum |
Volunteer Lawyers Project Immigration Program | Call Immediately | 847-0752 |
| Refugees Seeking Access to Canada | Vive La Casa | 822-3006 | ||
| Naturalization/Citizenship | International Institute of Buffalo | 864 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209 | (716) 883-1900 | |
| Other Refugee Services | Journey's End Refugee Services | 2495 Main St #317, Buffalo, NY 14214 Walk in clinics: Tuesdays 1-4 Fridays 10-1 | (716) 882-4963 | |
Income TaxUnderstanding Your IRS Notice LetterEarned Income Tax Credit FAQ |
Advocacy for Tax Problems | Taxpayer Advocacy | An advocate can: Listen to your tax problem; help you understand what needs to be done; provide free, fair, and indepedent help; be your voice at the IRS and make sure your issue gets a response; stay with you until the issue has been resolved | Call 1-877-777-4778 to make an appointment with an Advocate |
| Filing | Many Agencies are funded to offer free help for preparing and filing taxes. To find a funded free local preparer, click here | |||
| For Disputes with the IRS or for persons who can't afford to pay their taxes | Volunteer Lawyers Project | Income eligibility restrictions are looser for this program than for others, allowing clients falling within 250% of the Federal poverty guidelines to apply | 847-0662 ext. 316 | |
Injury |
Either Worker's Comp or Personal Injury | Fee generating cases, such as injury cases, go to the Lawyer Referral Service | 852-3100 | |
Institutionalization |
Mental Hygiene Legal Services | Agency provides legal advice and will represent people in psychiatric institutions or facilities regarding treatment, and investigate whether they are properly being held in such facilities | 438 Main Street, Suite 400 Buffalo, New York 14202 (716) 845-3650 | |
| Beacon Center | Judicial assessment and monitoring program provides judges and attorneys with treatment alternatives to incarceration for individuals who would benefit from outpatient therapy. Offers treatment programs for individuals experiencing alcohol and drug problems. Programs include adolescent program focused on dealing with peer pressure and improving self-esteem. Early recovery programs, relapse prevention programs, and continued recovery programs also offered. The Magdalene Program addresses vocational and educational issues to obtain legal employment as an alternative to prostitution. Employment and pre-employment toxicology screenings offered. | 295 Main St Suite 105, Buffalo 14203 853-0243 | ||
Juvenile, Youth ServicesNew York State Court Forms Youth Legal Rights in NYS |
Delinquency and Crime | First Time/Last Time | First Time/Last Time is designed to assist youth between the ages of 16-21 who become involved in the criminal justice system for the first time with the goal that this is the last time youth are in the criminal justice system. The success rate of this unique program is over 90%. First Time/Last Time helps restore young lives through its counseling component and its broad collaborative network of referrals. Respected and widely utilized by the local judicial system and law enforcement community, the program serves the needs of hundreds of young people through Erie County on an annual basis. Clients may apply directly to the program. First Time/Last Time also accepts referrals by the court; attorneys; probation department; and community agencies. | 853-9598 |
| Suspension Suspension: Know your rights |
Suspension Guide | School Discipline Guides | ||
| Emancipation | New York State does not issue "emancipation orders" in court. A child may only be emancipated as a part of some other court action. A child may be considered emancipated in certain scenarios, please see the Fact Sheet | |||
| Independent Living | Franciscan Center | For males 16 to 20. Safe place to stay, no referrals needed. No minimum stays, maximum stay 18 months. 24 hour staff available for crisis or guidance, Life Skills guidance available for help with school, employment, finances, etc., Anger Management and self esteem counseling. All races, incomes, ethnicities welcome. | 716.822.8017 | |
| Gateway Longview | The Center for Youth Development is a dynamic collaboration between Gateway-Longview and the Lt. Col. Matt Urban Center. Centrally located in Buffalo’s East Side community, the Monroe Place Apartment Complex opened to youth residents.The Center provides a home for teens and young adults in Gateway-Longview’s Supervised Independent Living Program (SILP) and other services to help young adults achieve self-sufficiency. The complex features modern, fully-furnished apartments, a library, fitness center, recreation room, meeting room, and laundry facilities. | Call (716) 381-1433 | ||
| Youth Mentors | Buffalo Police Athletic League | Youth Mentoring, Reading Programs, Year round Afterschool and summer programs in area community centers (see website for locations), "You go Girl" Girls mentoring 10 -15, Anti-Bullying initiative, Boys and Girls Summer Basketball Leagues, Summer Baseball Leagues, Summer Tennis, Summer Golf Workshops, Winter Floor Hockey, Winter Boys and Girls Basketball Leagues, Learn to Ice Skate workshops on Saturdays. Year round Boxing Leagues. Register for all programs online. | 716-851-4615 | |
| Youth (14-21) in Foster Care or Discharged from Foster Care | Gateway Longview YES Program | The YES program provides services to youth ages 14 – 21 who reside in foster care, were discharged from foster care, and/or are pending a transition out of foster care. The YES program provides important educational, vocational, and independent living skills by enhancing the youths’ current abilities and talents. Staff work with the youth to help them obtain housing, seek & retain employment, manage family dynamics, and conquer other difficult life challenges. | For YES program, call (716) 381-1433 | |
LaborDepartment of Safety and Health Industrial Codes and Rules Wages and Hours |
Unemployment Benefits FAQ | Volunteer Lawyers Project | Income eligible clients (up to 200% of the federal poverty line). Call and our Unemployment insurance attorney will review your case. Will serve other counties | 847-0662 |
| Legal Aid Bureau | Buffalo Only | 853-9555 | ||
Name ChangeName Change Project Attorney Handbook New York State Forms |
Volunteer Lawyers Project | Income eligible clients | 847-0662 | |
Legal Services for Non-Profit Organizations |
Volunteer Lawyers Project | Can help non-profit agencies with: Incorporation Tax Exempt Status Zoning Issues Insurance Questions Building Codes General Business and Corporate Advice Drafting By-Laws and Organizational Constitutions Navigating Federal, State, and Local Government Regulations |
847-0662 | |
PaternityNew York State Family Court Forms |
Petitioner on Public Assistance | Department of Social Services Support Collection Unit | 858-8309 | Petitioner NOT on Public Assistance | File a petition at Family Court's Petition Processing Office (4th Floor). Should problems or issues occur, income eligible clients may visit the Volunteer Lawyers Project's Family Court Help Desk (6th Floor) every week day excluding Wednesdays from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. | For further information from VLP, call 847-0662 |
| Paternity Respondent | On your scheduled court date, ask the judge for Assigned Counsel | |||
Preventive Services |
Family Help Center | Traditional Preventive Services: This comprehensive, family-centered program provides clinical, supportive, and concrete services to address individual needs of families and children who are in crisis and at risk of out-of-home placement. A variety of group and therapeutic activities enhance the home-based services. Families receive two to four hours of one-to-one services per week for 6 to 12 months. Intensive Preventive Services: This intensive intervention provides quick response to families identified by ECDSS as being in severe crisis and at immediate risk of out-of-home placement of their children. Intervention is short-term and provides 24-hour response to families. The Case Worker carries only two cases at a time to ensure that each family receives at least 10 to 12 hours of face-to-face service per week. The Case Worker is on 24-hour call to families via phone as well. |
60 Dingens Street
Buffalo, NY 14206 Phone- 716.822.0919 24/7 Family Helpline- 716.892.2172 |
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| Kinship Preventive Services | Child and Family Services Kinship Preventive Services Program works with kinship caregivers and parents to prevent placement of relative children out of their homes (foster care, residential), and works to expedite the return of children to their parents and/or Article 6 custody to the kinship caregiver Referrals are made by the Erie County Department of Social Services, who sends a B-2195 referral form to the Director of Preventive Services. The referral is then assigned to an appropriate family counselor. |
330 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, New York 14202 Phone:(716) 842-2750 Fax:FAX: (716) 842-0668 | ||
| Gateway Longview | Gateway-Longview’s Preventive Services are designed to maintain family unity, minimize risk of out-of-home placement, enhance safety, and hasten family reunification. Our Preventive Services consist of: Traditional Preventive Services, KinCARES (Kinship Caregiver Advocacy Resources Education & Support), Intensive Preventive Services, Therapeutic Supervised Visitation Services, and Preventive Respite Services (Temporary care and relief to parents who have nowhere else to turn during an emergency or planned event, which requires the parent and child, or children, to be separated. Respite is offered to children from birth to 21 years of age and is offered hourly or overnight). | For Traditional Preventive Services, Intensive Preventive Services, and KinCARES: 716.783.3349 For Supervised Visitations: 716.783.3183 For Respite: 716.783.3497 | ||
Pro Se AssistancePro Se Forms - 8th District Pro Se Forms - NYS | Volunteer Lawyers Project Pro Se Assistance Desk Additional Info |
If you decide to represent yourself (Pro Se) in Federal Court, The Volunteer Lawyers Project can assist you with limited scope legal advice at the Federal Court Help Desk, located on the 2nd floor. While we can not represent you, an attorney can offer you legal advice and answer questions you may have concerning your case. Must be income eligible. | ||
| Dealing With Pro-Se and Non-Attorney Litigants In New York Administrative Hearings | Public Benefits |
NYS Disability and/or Worker's Comp | Fee Generating Cases should be referred to the Private Bar. For help obtaining a lawyer, client should call the Lawyer Referral Service at 852-3100 | |
| Unemployment Benefits | Volunteer Lawyers Project | Income eligible clients (up to 200% of the federal poverty line). Call and our Unemployment insurance attorney will review your case. Will serve other counties | 847-0662 | |
| Legal Aid Bureau | Buffalo Only | 853-9555 | ||
VeteransVA Forms for Benefits |
Veterans Service Agency of Erie County | Erie County Veteran Service Officers will help you navigate the Department of Veterans Affairs' bureaucracy, and our services are free. We will help with gathering the information necessary to support a claim, filing the claim, and tracking the claim through the VA system. We can also assist with filing appeals for denied claims.In addition to the normal benefits provided by law to survivors of deceased veterans, this is the only agency charged with and responsible for processing, at county expense, of the burial of indigent veterans and next-of-kin of veterans. | 858-6363 | |
| Veterans One-Stop Center | Note: Offers Counseling and Linkage Services. Linkage for Legal Services available but client will be linked back to one of the other listed community legal aid organizations. Benefits Counseling, Financial Counseling, Housing and Emergency Services, Education & Employment Services, Outreach | Business hours are Monday-Friday, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. 716.898.0110. Offices are located at 1280 Main St. 2nd Floor Buffalo, NY 14209 | ||
| U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | Buffalo Office website has useful links and information | 846-5191 | ||
| Legal Services for the Elderly | Veterans Health Benefits for clients over 60 | 853-3087 | ||
| Public Benefits For clients with Psychiatric Diagnosis | Mental Health Association of Erie County | Legal aid for all public benefit cases. Client must have a Psychiatric diagnosis, be a resident of Erie County, and be at least 18 years old. | 999 Delaware Ave, Buffalo NY 886-1242 | |
| Public Benefits for Individuals or Families with Cancer diagnosis | Neighborhood Legal Services | Legal Services for individuals or families/households in which someone has been diagnosed with cancer | Cancer hotline for legal services: 716 847-0655 ext 420 | |
| Child Care | The Erie Count Department of Social Services Day Care Unit determines eligibility of families for day care subsidies, promotes quality day care in our community and offers technical assistance to providers in meeting New York State regulations. Plans Offered: Temporary Assistance Day Care: is guaranteed for TANF or Safety Net households involved in approved training programs or work site assignments. This program enables parents to work or participate in approved training programs while receiving child day care services. Transitional Day Care: is available when a Temporary [Public] Assistance case is closed and there is a need for day care services due to employment. Transitional day care is guaranteed for 12 months if working families earn 200% or less of the State Income Standard. Parents contribute to the cost of care based on a sliding income scale. Non-Temporary Assistance Day Care: is available to employed families who earn 175% or less of the State Income Standard. Parents contribute toward the cost of care based on a sliding income scale. This assistance is also provided to teen parents attending high school. Preventive/Protective Services Day Care: is available for children services cases when day care is mandated as part of the individual service plan. |
For information about day care eligibility, program requirements or questions regarding available providers, please call [716] 858-TYKE [858-8953] | ||
| Section 8 | Effective of June 30, 2014 the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will close the waitlist for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) . At this time, the BMHA has an adequate pool of families to use for future Waitlist selections, and the estimated waiting period for housing assistance for applicants exceeds 24 months for current applicants. For all information regarding the BMHA Section 8 program (such as Inspections, Filing a Complaint, Grounds for Program Termination, etc) see the handbook here . Criteria for Buffalo Section 8 here |
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| Social Security and SSI info sheets
What to report to SSI |
Neighborhood Legal Services | A limited number of calls are accepted each day on a first come first served basis. Public Benefit cases are heard Monday through Thursday starting at 9:00 am | 847 - 0650 | |
| Legal Services for the Elderly | If client is over 60 | 853-3087 | ||
Substance Abuse |
Beacon Center | Offers treatment programs for individuals experiencing alcohol and drug problems. Programs include adolescent program focused on dealing with peer pressure and improving self-esteem. Early recovery programs, relapse prevention programs, and continued recovery programs also offered. The Magdalene Program addresses vocational and educational issues to obtain legal employment as an alternative to prostitution. Employment and pre-employment toxicology screenings offered. Judicial assessment and monitoring program provides judges and attorneys with treatment alternatives to incarceration for individuals who would benefit from outpatient therapy. | 295 Main St Suite 105, Buffalo 14203 853-0243 | |
| Kids Escaping Drugs | Campus consists of three buildings that house up to 62 chemically-dependent youths ages 12 to 20. Renaissance House is a 30 bed intensive treatment facility for boys, Stepping Stones is a 16 bed girls’ residence which combines both inpatient and continuum of care programs while Promise House is a 16 bed continuum of care residence for boys. | 920 Harlem Road in West Seneca 827-9462 | ||
| Cazenovia Recovery Systems | In-patient Treatment at various residences, each with own eligibility criteria | 671 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14214 (716) 852-4331 |
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| LakeShore Behavioral Health | In patient and Out patient treatment available. Mental health counseling, Substance Abuse Treatment, Adult and Adolescent Counseling, Vocational and employment Services | Mutiple Locations, Call (716) 842-0440 | ||
| Hispanics United of Buffalo | Out patient treatment only, Substance Abuse Counseling for Individuals and Families. Methadone Dispersement. Bilingual Staff | 254 Virginia St. Buffalo 14201 (716) 856-7110 |
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| Mid-Erie | Outpatient Services available for adults, adolescents, and children. Counseling (individual and family), Aftercare, Relapse Prevention, Mental Health rehabilitation and recovery.Home Health Services available to Medicaid recipients with two or more chronic illnesses (asthma, diabetes, etc) or substance abuse/mental illnesses | Multiple Locations. Broadway (716-896-7350) William St (716-893-0062) | ||
Tort Defense |
Volunteer Lawyers Project | Income eligible | 847-0662 | |
| Legal Aid Bureau | Only if there is no viable counter claim and case is not too time consuming, Buffalo residents only | 853-9555 | ||
Utilities |
Heating Bill Payments | Emergency HEAP | Apply at DSS Rath Building (95 Franklin St), 3rd Floor. Benefits range from $160 to $600. You need a Disconnect Notice and you need to be the tenant/customer on record to receive this service. You can receive one grant for your major heating source and one for heat related electric. Each grant will put a 30 day hold on your account. | |
| Regular HEAP | You do not need a disconnect notice to receive regular HEAP and the benefit will be applied to your major heating source only. The benefits range from $20 to $550 depending on your heat source. You need to be the tenant on record to receive this benefit. Call 716.858-7644 to apply. Income Guidelines apply | |||
| National Fuel's Neighbor 4 Neighbor Heat Fund | You can receive up to $400 per year grant if you qualify. Call Catholic Charities (716) 856-4494 or Salvation Army (716) 883-9800 ext 230 to apply. | |||
| National Fuel's Low Income Customer Affordability Assistance Program | LICAAP offers eligible households discounted natural gas rates and allows monthly forgiveness of past debts. Call National Fuel at 1-800-365-3234 for more info. | |||
| Utility Shut Off | Neighborhood Legal Services | 847-0650 | ||
| Legal Services for the Elderly | If client is over 60 | 853-3087 | ||
| Mental Health Association | Shut-Offs or Nonpayment. Limited Representation for Erie County residents 18 years of age and older with a Pyschiatric Diagnosis | 716 886-1242 | ||
| Water Shut Off | Legal Aid Bureau | 853-9555 | ||
| Legal Services for the Elderly | Low income over age 60 city of Buffalo owner-occupants and tenants only | 438 Main St. Ste. 1200, Buffalo, NY 14202 853-3087 | ||