Free Legal Help Hotline Opens for Hurricane Helene Survivors in South Carolina
Cayce, SC – Exciting news for those affected by Hurricane Helene! If you or someone you know is feeling the impact of the recent hurricane and needs legal assistance, there’s a brand-new resource available. A free legal help hotline is now open, especially for residents in Lexington County and other affected counties across the state.
Who Can Benefit?
The service is designed specifically for survivors with disaster-related legal needs in the counties declared by FEMA as disaster areas. These counties include South Congaree, Pine Ridge, Three Fountains, Boiling Springs, Gaston, Swansea, Pelion, and more. If you’re in these areas, you’re not alone – help is here!
How to Get Help
Getting assistance is as easy as picking up the phone. You can call (803) 576-3815 and leave a message detailing your legal issue. Don’t forget to mention that you’re seeking disaster-related legal assistance, provide a brief description of your situation, your contact details, and the county where you live. This hotline is a collaboration between the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, South Carolina Bar, and South Carolina Legal Services.
What Kind of Issues Can They Help With?
So, what kind of legal issues can you get help with? Here are a few of the situations they can assist with:
- FEMA and SBA financial benefits – If you’re looking for information or help navigating these benefits, they can assist you.
- Home repair contracts and property insurance claims – This is crucial for those looking to recover and repair their homes.
- Replacing lost legal documents such as wills or custody papers. Legal papers are important, and losing them in a disaster can be challenging.
- Price gouging, scams, or identity theft – It’s tragic that some may try to take advantage of disaster victims, but help is available.
- Landlord or tenant problems, including threats of foreclosure – If you’re in a tight financial spot, they can guide you.
- Disability-related access – For those with disabilities, knowing what federal, state, and local disaster programs are available is essential.
Contact Options
If calling isn’t your style, no worries! You can also request help online by emailing DisasterInfo@SCBar.org. Additionally, for a more interactive approach, head over to SCFreeLegalAnswers.org to submit any disaster-related legal questions.
Who They Can Help
It’s important to note that while this hotline is a fantastic resource, it doesn’t cover every legal scenario. For example, they can’t take cases where a settlement might include legal fees or awards. But don’t worry – there’s still help! Those cases can be referred to the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service at (803) 799-7100.
Help for Non-Hurricane Issues
If you’re outside the declared counties or have legal needs unrelated to the hurricane, you can reach out to South Carolina Legal Services at 888-346-5592. They also have resources that could assist you.
In Conclusion
It’s heartwarming to see such supportive resources being made available for our communities in times of need. If you’re in Cayce, West Columbia, or any of the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to reach out for the help you deserve during this difficult time. You’ve got this, and you’re not alone!
