Eligibility for Services

Who is Eligible for HDRC Services?

HDRC has authority to represent individuals when:

• The individual has a disability, as defined in our CAP or P&A programs.
• The individual meets the eligibility criteria as defined in our CAP or P&A.
• The individual has a problem that has resulted from, or is related to the disability.
• The individual’s problem is within HDRC’s current client services priorities.

HDRC considers the following questions to help determine when to offer assistance:

• Is the individual able to advocate for the resolution of their own problem?
• Are there other advocacy resources available to this individual?
• How immediate, severe and long-lasting are the effects of the problem on the individual?
• How complex is the individual’s problem or the bureaucracy or service delivery system causing the problem?
• Does the individual have a claim backed up with strong moral or legal grounds or other evidence?
• Does this claim have the potential to impact the legal rights of other people with disabilities?
• Does this claim have a good possibility of satisfactory resolution through HDRC intervention?
• Does HDRC staff have the expertise necessary to resolve this problem?
• Does HDRC have adequate staff and resources to accept this case without negatively affecting existing clients?

Who is NOT Eligible for HDRC Services?

HDRC does not provide assistance when:

• The individual does not have a disability, or does not have a disability-related problem.
• The individual is already represented by another attorney or agency.
• The individual’s problem is one commonly accepted by the private bar or by local legal services programs, or the legal expertise is available elsewhere.
• The individual’s problem involves a statutory right to appointed counsel.
• The problem concerns the interests of service providers or families, guardians, or conservators of persons with disabilities, unless that interest is consistent with the interest of the person with a disability.

There are no income requirements to receive HDRC services free of charge. 

TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE:
• Visit our Office
• Call Us
• Complete the Application for Assistance