A free COVID-19 Disaster Relief Hotline is available for Nebraskans affected by the coronavirus who need legal assistance.

Legal Aid of Nebraska set up the hotline with support from the Nebraska State Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyers Project to make legal assistance available.

Nebraskans facing legal issues related to the coronavirus or the owners of small businesses (those non-franchise entities with fewer than 50 employees) that is currently closed due to the virus can call 1-844-268-5627 for help.

Callers will be asked to leave a voicemail with their name, phone number, brief details of their legal problem and the assistance they need. They will also be asked to identify their county of residence.

A member of Legal Aid’s staff will call back, and individuals or businesses that don’t qualify for Legal Aid’s free services will be referred to the VLP network.

The hotline is focusing on a variety of legal issues related to COVID-19, including – but not limited to – tenants with rent issues, including those facing eviction; debt problems, including debtors with garnishments or ordered to appear at a debtor’s exam; mortgage foreclosures, including advising on options for delinquent payments; unemployment insurance denials; employee rights, including sick leave and wage payments; government benefits available to low-income persons such as ADC, SNAP, AABD and SSI; Medicaid and medical insurance claims; drafting wills, health care power of attorney, and transfer on death deeds; domestic abuse and safety issues; elder abuse and exploitation; access to education; and helping small, locally owned businesses with business and employment related matters, including human relations issues, unemployment benefits and contracts.

Lawyers interested in volunteering should email Laurie Heer Dale at vlp@nevlp.org.