During this unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, we are committed to continuing to serve our clients.

Thank you for your understanding during these uncertain times.

 

Resources for you to monitor the latest information about the COVID-19 pandemic: Please check back as we will be updating it regularly.

 

Here’s how we are responding:

• Our clients depend on us and we do not see the need to suspend intakes or close our offices at this time. However until further notice, our office will be closed to the general public, including walk-in clients.
• Staff members are working remotely (from home) when possible or medically necessary.
• Throughout all our offices, we are making additional efforts to clean and disinfect individual work areas and our public spaces.
• If you need assistance, please call the Legal Aid office serving your county. If we are unable to answer your call please leave a message and your call will be returned. Please visit our contact page for individual office phone numbers.

 

Domestic Violence Protection:

We are continuing to help victims of domestic violence.

• Protective order hearings are being conducted by telephone, polycom, videoconferencing, Zoom or any other method that does not require the physical presence of persons in Court Buildings. (They are doing their best to limit in-person hearings.)
• If you have questions about your current protective order or upcoming hearing date, please call your local Legal Aid office.
• Please remember you can TEXT 9-1-1 in Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray counties in Missouri and Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami and Wyandotte counties in Kansas. Please confirm if your county is not listed,

Shelters and Hotlines:

• Crisis hotlines across the KC metro region are still staffed 24 hours a day.
• Shelters are still operating, though some have had to alter or halt admittance of new clients.
• Counseling and therapy sessions are held over the phone.
• Agencies are searching for creative ways to serve victims and survivors while maintaining social distancing.
• Any of the six Kansas City area metro shelters can be reached at 816-468-5463.
• If you are outside the Kansas City area the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233.

 

Tax-Related COVID-19 Updates:

1. The IRS and MODOR have extended deadlines for income tax return filing and payment to July 15. These extensions are automatic, so they don’t require any request.
2. All free (in-person) tax preparation sites have closed for now, including IRS VITA and AARP Tax-Aide.
3. Free filing is available online at www.irs.gov. More general info at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
4. The IRS is urging those who are due refunds to file ASAP, electronically–we know that many are facing financial difficulties during this time, so getting that possible refund in can be a smart idea.
5. For any questions and concerns, contact the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic at Legal Aid @ 816-474-6750.

 

MO Dept. of Social Services COVID-19 Updates (SNAP, MOHealthNet, etc)

The Department of Social Services will continue to make sure you get the services you need while protecting your health and the health of our team members.  Please check this website frequently for the most recent information.

SNAP/Food Stamps

• The Family Support Division received approval to extend food stamp benefits for individuals up for recertification in March, April, and May. Those benefits will be extended by 6 months and recipients do not need to call in or submit any verification.
• Pandemic SNAP benefits mean all households currently eligible for SNAP will receive the maximum amount for the household size in April.
• The Family Support Division is waiving all work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents through the end the federal emergency COVID-19 declaration.
• Families with children eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in all MO school districts that close at least five consecutive days will get a Pandemic EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) (P-EBT) card benefit for March, April and May. The amount is determined by the federal government and will be the value of the number of missed meals. This benefit will automatically be added to the Food Stamp/SNAP recipient’s EBT card.

 

Free Lunches for Kids: In addition to area school districts providing free lunches, Children’s Mercy Hospital has free sack lunches at many of their locations. (click on the Resources for Food tab)

 

Consumer Issues:

Our Consumer Protection Unit has put together information on mortgage relief options and utility relief for KCMO.

Mortgage Relief
The CARES Act signed on March 27^th includes federally mandated prohibitions on some foreclosures and requires forbearance options for some mortgage loans. Find out if your loan is covered by reading the National Housing Law Project’s informational sheet on the CARES Act here. Be sure to visit their website here for more updates as the situation changes.

COVID-19 / CORONAVIRUS UTILITIES RELIEF

The National Consumer Law Center has made their “Surviving Debt” book available for FREE online during the COVID situation. You can access it here: https://library.nclc.org/sd/0101

 

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

• Small Businesses
• Individuals
• Possible Scams

 

Kansas City-Focused: Most are frequently updated, so continue to check back.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources – Kansas City Public Library
• Coronavirus Information – Kansas City Health Department
• PrepareMetroKC – Mid-America Regional Council
• What you need to know as the Coronavirus hits the Kansas City metro– KCUR
• COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and Kansas City Arts – ArtsKC
• Kansas City COVID-19 Community Resources – The Beacon
• Disaster Resources – United Way of Greater Kansas City 2-1-1
• COVID-19 Relief Resources for Kansas City – Uncover KC

 

To learn more about the virus, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
• The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)