Program Spotlight – Legal Aid

Nearly 55 million Americans need legal help each year, according to the American Bar Association. This legal help can cover anything from criminal offenses to domestic or family issues, and even landlord problems. For many, getting legal help can seem out of the budget. If you find yourself in a situation where you need legal assistance, it’s good to know there are free options that might be available to you. 

For criminal cases, those free or low-cost options often include getting help from a public defender. If, however, your legal matters are civil in nature, you may qualify for free legal help through the legal aid program. 

Let’s look at what legal aid offers, who is eligible, and how you can get access to the services you need.

What does the program offer?

Legal aid in the United States typically refers to programs that help individuals access civil legal services. The legal help offered through legal aid programs is free to those who qualify based on income. The program supports individuals in need of legal assistance in three main areas. 

First, legal aid can help people secure necessities. This includes help in accessing government-funded programs like SNAP, TANF, SSI, disability, veterans’ services, housing support and others. 

Second, the program supports individuals on issues of safety. Legal aid can help with issues of domestic violence, stalking, and harassment. It can also help with family law issues like divorce, guardianship, adoption, and child support. 

Finally, the program can help individuals with legal needs relating to economic security.

Legal aid provides help to people with low incomes through direct legal services including pro bono attorneys, self-help, and community education, and through identifying and working to eliminate systematic issues.

Some people may need legal help for a criminal matter rather than a civil one. This is not an area of the law that legal aid typically deals with. If an individual needs legal assistance for a criminal issue, they will want the help of a public defender.

Who is eligible for the program?

Legal aid, like so many assistance programs, is a joint program between the federal and state governments. So, eligibility can vary from state to state. Typically, however, legal aid services are available to those who make 125% of the federal poverty line or less. In some states, there are other factors that can qualify an individual for assistance even if they earn a bit more than this. 

To find legal aid services in your state and ensure you understand the income and other eligibility requirements, click here.

How do you apply? 

Because legal aid is overseen primarily by the states, you’ll need to contact your state or local service. As you get ready to seek help, it is a good idea to be sure you have proof of your income such as pay stubs or previous tax returns. You’ll also want to have any other documentation pertinent to your reason for seeking legal aid readily available. 

How do I maintain my eligibility? 

As legal aid is a program you use as necessary, you don’t need to maintain your eligibility. If you’ve completed your work with the program, and then need more legal assistance you’ll need to reach out to your state or local office again for resources. To be sure you’re eligible for resources again, you’ll want to know the income requirements and any other state-specific requirements you need to meet to qualify for services.