New ULS Financial Eligibility Guidelines

ULS & LSC have worked cooperatively to create a ULS’ Financial Eligibility Guideline.  This guideline outlines our income and asset policies for accepting and continuing representation of clients.  The guideline significantly changes some of our prior practices.  Below are some of the "big" differences:

1)  The guideline gives a fuller explanation of what does and does not count as income.  You should become familiar specifically with what DOES NOT count as income;

2)  The household definition is very different.  It is worth quoting:  “Household includes only those people who live together or those separated temporarily for economic reasons but intending to live together long term AND who are related by blood or by law as relatives for whom legal responsibility attaches” (emphasis added).

3)  Finally, the assets have been greatly simplified.  Rather than use all the state exemptions (such as “sofas, chairs, and related furnishings reasonably necessary for one household, up to a total value of $500”), we now count ALL assets (including ALL household items), with just a few exceptions.  Those exceptions are specifically outlined and the dollar value of assets was greatly increased to accommodate the change.  One specific exception that you should be aware of is the vehicles.  Rather than 1 vehicle used for transportation for each licensed income earner (the previous policy), it is now 1 vehicle used for transportation per driver in the household.

There is a lot of other information, of course, including the requirements asked for on our “Exception” form, but the above are the major changes. 

One other note:  we do not expect this new policy to "disqualify" any of our current clients from representation.  But, we are obligated to make that assessment.  If we suspect that any of our current clients are now ineligible, we must verify and if so, we must take steps to withdraw. 

As always, if you have any questions, let Craige or Eric know.