Through it's distinctive role of committed advocate and community partner, the agency strives to ensure clients' needs will continue to be met now and in the future.

The Dutchess County Office for the Aging funds a Legal Services for the Elderly Program designed to provide legal advice, and in some cases, representation, to Dutchess County Residents age 60 and over. The program has no financial eligibility requirement; however, it is intended for those senior citizens who would otherwise be unable to afford legal assistance. Because the staff attorney on this program is part-time, the primary focus of legal advice and representation is generally on immediate threats to income, shelter, patients’ rights, and health matters, including advance directives. Clients are assisted in areas such as Medicaid and Medicare eligibility and termination; consumer issues and property rights. Help is also available for evictions, access to public assistance and Social Security, and access to SSI. Preparation of simple wills is also available.