Legal

The Minnesota AIDS Project legal services program provide, both free and for a fee, advice, direct representation, and referrals to a network of volunteer attorneys for HIV–related legal matters including estate planning, discrimination, social security, immigration, and employment–related concerns. Participants must be HIV–positive and complete our legal intake process.

We provide free direct representation or consultation (by either staff or volunteer attorney) to clients who have income below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines when the legal issue stems directly from an individual's HIV status.

If the legal issue is not HIV–related, the legal services team will provide referrals to other services or advocacy resources. They also provide referrals to volunteer or low–fee attorneys and other legal services providers, when appropriate. Minnesota AIDS Project legal services provide estate and disability planning services for a fee for clients who are HIV–positive but who have income above 300% of the federal poverty guidelines.

The program also provides support information to HIV service providers and the general public, answering questions as well as providing trainings and educational materials.

How can legal services help?

Minnesota AIDS Project staff and volunteers provide legal assistance for the following:

Public Benefits

Assistance in Social Security (SSI and RSDI) cases, specifically denial of benefits, appeals and hearings, as well as some medical insurance and short or long–term disability questions. staff or volunteer attorneys represent clients during the hearing stage of a benefits appeal (not initial application or request for reconsideration).

Estate Planning and Probate

Assistance with drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and other estate tools, as well support for court proceedings testing the validity of a will.

Employment

Assistance in cases involving discrimination on the job, job security, protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and general employment issues. A monthly clinic provides free consultations.

Confidentiality

Assistance with cases involving privacy, testing, and medical records.

Immigration

Assistance with HIV waiver, asylum, and other HIV–related immigration issues. Monthly legal clinics offer free consultations.

Debtor/Creditor

Assistance with resolving problems involving creditors and debt collectors.

Discrimination

Situations involving unfair treatment relating to HIV status by a government agency or employer, including corrections facilities when medical treatment is inferior or denied. Our intake staff can accept calls from correctional facilities.