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Table 3 Types of legal needs identified using the Legal Health Check-up Survey

From: Legal needs of patients attending an urban family practice in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada: an observational study of a legal health clinic

Indicated at least one legal need (n = 648)

Type of Legal Need

n (%)

Income

363 (56.0)a

‘Trouble making ends meet’

293 (45.2)

Needing help getting or keeping benefits

161 (24.8)

Someone taking their money or possessions without permission

42 (6.5)

Medical review date for ODSP

18 (2.8)

Other/unspecified income issue

92 (14.2)

Housing

261 (40.3)a

Problems with home repairs, heat not working, bed bugs, etc.

112 (17.3)

Late with rent this year

85 (13.1)

Problems with neighbours

75 (11.6)

Denied a rental unit due to discrimination

75 (11.6)

Being harassed or discriminated by their landlord

32 (4.9)

Worried rent subsidy will be cancelled

29 (4.5)

Behind with rent

25 (3.9)

Served eviction papers

24 (3.7)

Court order affecting where or with whom they can live

21 (3.2)

Being threatened with eviction

16 (2.5)

Other/unspecified housing issue

45 (6.9)

Employment

304 (46.9)a

Has been hurt at work

195 (30.1)

Having trouble finding work due to discrimination

107 (16.5)

Has been harassed by your employer or colleagues

40 (6.2)

Current or past employer owes them money

22 (3.4)

Other/unspecified employment issue

53 (8.2)

Health

226 (34.9)a

Does not have someone to make health decisions if they are unable to do so

202 (31.2)

Other/unspecified health issue

46 (7.1)

Family/Community

537 (82.9)a

Does not have a will

486 (75.0)

Relationship where someone tries to control them

156 (24.1)

Going through a divorce or separation

63 (9.7)

Problems with child support or access

54 (8.3)

Trouble bringing family members to Canada

29 (4.5)

Trouble attaining citizenship

15 (2.3)

Other/unspecified family or community issue

35 (5.4)

  1. Note: a Respondent indicated at least one item from the respective list