The current national network of legal services for the elderly is described, and the importance of such services in preventing abuse and defrauding of the elderly poor is discussed. The proposed eligibility criteria are outlined, and their disproportionate impact on the elderly is noted, particularly those provisions limiting the amounts of permissible home, automobile, and farmland equity, and IRA and Keogh income. The circumstances, special needs, and legal concerns of the elderly are examined, with particular emphasis on the needs of the poor, minority, and handicapped/disabled elderly population. The rationale for the proposed eligibility criteria set forth by the Legal Services Corporation is outlined, and current and proposed eligibility criteria are compared. Overall, testimony opposes the proposed changes on the grounds that they will stifle group and individual efforts on behalf of the elderly poor and are contrary to the spirit of the Legal Services Corporation mission of providing services to those least able to obtain legal assistance.