Response to COVID-19

Our staff will be working remotely until further notice but our main intake lines will remain open, and our staff can be reached through their regular email and phone lines.

To learn more about how we are responding to this crisis , visit Our COVID-19 Response Page.

You can reach an attorney directly for legal advice through our Free Helpline, now open statewide to all ages and income levels. Call 1-844-481-0973 or e-mail helpline@elderjusticeny.org at any time.

For recent press, see CELJ in the News. 

Empower seniors.
Change communities.

Over 40 years of helping our clients live independently and with dignity.

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Zealous advocacy.
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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

22 May

COVID-19: What New Yorkers Need to Know

Erin Riker, Esq. Coordinator, CELJ Legal Advice Helpline This blog entry contains information about changes in laws, emergency declarations, and...
18 May

Legal Services are Essential

Free legal services are in imminent danger of facing devastating cuts. We are deeply concerned about the potential $8.4 billion cut...
11 May

Executive Order on Nursing Home Testing

submitted by Lindsay Heckler, Esq. On May 10, 2020, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order No. 202.30 Continuing Temporary Suspension and...
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."