The National Consumer Law Center receives funding under Title IV of the Older Americans Act to improve the quality and accessibility of legal assistance for vulnerable older Americans with consumer problems.
Consumer problems relating to shelter and fraudulent sales practices are among the most common legal problems of the elderly. Consumer crises threaten independence and sense of security, devastating older Americans most vulnerable to loss of independence -- the poor, women, minorities and rural elderly.
Consumers' legal defenses include a wide range of statutes with powerful remedies. NCLC provides legal assistance to attorneys and advocates for older Americans in the areas of consumer and energy law. NCLC also develops consumer education materials and consumer alerts for the law and aging network.
Major topics of specialization at the Center include consumer credit, bankruptcy,
debt collection, unfair and deceptive practices, sales and warranties, foreclosure
prevention, energy assistance, and public utility practices. Expertise in other
issues of pressing concern to the elderly will be developed as those needs are
identified.
