It is our pleasure to congratulate Attorney Michael Pykosh for his election as President of the Board of Directors of MidPenn Legal Services. MidPenn Legal Services is a non-profit civil law firm that provides free services to low-income residents and victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault throughout Central Pennsylvania. The firm was created in 2000 after the merger of four previously separate legal aid programs. Its services cover a large geographic area that includes Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Centre, Clearfield, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, Schuylkill, and York Counties.
Eligibility for MidPenn Legal Services is determined by household income. Individuals whose household income falls below 125% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines published by the Department of Health and Human Services will be financially eligible for free civil legal services provided by MidPenn. For example, a household size of four must have an annual income of less than $32,740 in order to qualify.
Those who are eligible for MidPenn’s services can take advantage of several programs. First, the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (“LITC”) offers legal advice and representation to eligible taxpayers who are in dispute with the Internal Revenue Service. In addition to low-income taxpayers, the LITC serves taxpayers who speak English as a second language. Second, the Legal Intervention for Victims and Empowerment (“LIVE”) project provides legal services to victims of domestic and sexual abuse in Berks, Blair, Clearfield, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Lancaster, Lebanon, Schuylkill and York Counties. Third, the Employment Law Project provides legal advice and representation to individuals experiencing difficulties associated with obtaining unemployment compensation, maintaining their existing employment, and gaining employment while having a criminal record. Lastly, MidPenn Legal Services represents eligible low-income individuals in cases involving public benefit programs like Medical Assistance, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program, and Women Infants and Children.
In addition to the legal advice and representation MidPenn provides through its various programs, it also provides free resources on its website in the form of news, fact sheets, guides, and presentations on recent legal topics. If you believe that you could take advantage of the programs offered, or wish to donate, volunteer, or purchase a sponsorship to help MidPenn Legal Services carry out its mission, call 1-800-326-9177 or visit midpenn.org for more information.
