New Yorkers age 55+ can reach an attorney directly for legal advice through our Free Senior Legal Advice Helpline. Call 1-844-481-0973 or e-mail helpline@elderjusticeny.org at any time.

For recent press, see CELJ in the News. 

Click on the buttons below to access our Senior Financial Safety Tool and Legal Risk Detector App.

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WELCOME TO THE CENTER FOR ELDER LAW & JUSTICE

We provide free civil legal services to seniors, people with disabilities and low-income populations in nine Western New York counties. Our goal is to protect the essentials of life, such as housing, income, access to health care and protection from abuse.

Our services are funded in part by the Erie County Department of Senior Services, the NYS Office for the Aging, and the Administration on Aging.

HEALTH CARE ADVOCACY

Navigating health insurance and long term care issues can be difficult, but we can guide & advocate on your behalf

ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION

Elder abuse takes many forms and isn’t always apparent. We are committed to helping seniors recognize & stop abuse.

HOUSING

Understand and preserve your shelter options with assistance in avoiding eviction or foreclosure.

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Know your rights & protect your finances. We help with debt problems, scam recovery & identity theft

Our Mission

It is the mission of Center for Elder Law & Justice to improve the quality of life for elderly, disabled and low-income persons in Western New York. We do so through the provision of free civil legal services, primarily to individuals age sixty and over as defined by the federal Older Americans Act, but also to younger disabled and low-income individuals, as funding permits. Our primary goal is to use the legal system to assure that our clients may live independently and with dignity.

Latest News

14 Sep

The Misuse of Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes Must Stop

submitted by Lindsay Heckler, Supervising Attorney The details of the misuse of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes in the New...
08 Sep

Resident Rights: When a Nursing Home Transfers a Resident to the Hospital and Refuses to Readmit

Submitted by Bria Lewis, Esq., Staff Attorney Recently, CELJ represented a client who was discharged from a nursing home to...
31 Aug

August Senior Financial Safety Tool Bulletin

2021-08 SFST Bulletin
A senior couple embracing their grand daughter

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Client Testimonials

"You people are a godsend to sick, elderly, disabled people like me who have neither the strength or knowledge or energy to fight misjustices that go around everyday in America. You are REAL ATTORNEYS not the type on TV who practice law for the money instead of for justice."

"I was very happy with your program. They helped me get this long process over with quickly. Would refer your program to friends and family anytime."

"Is almost worth getting old to become eligible to have the opportunity to access this outstanding service. It was top notch."

"Words cannot express my appreciation for all you did for me. You worked very hard to convince the insurance people to reinstate me. I am also thankful the service was available for help."