What a Legal Aid Society does and who runs it
A Legal Aid Society is a nonprofit law office that handles civil cases for people who cannot pay for a lawyer. Unlike a public defender's office, which handles criminal defense, Legal Aid handles landlord-tenant disputes, family law, benefits denials, debt collection, and housing problems. The office is usually run by a local nonprofit board, not by the government, though it receives some public funding alongside private donations.
The key difference from a public defender: you contact Legal Aid directly yourself. There is no court appointment process. You call their intake line, answer questions about your income and the type of problem you have, and they decide whether to take your case. If they cannot help you, they often know which other nonprofits in your area handle the specific issue you face.
Legal Aid offices exist in most counties, but not all. Some rural areas have none, and some regions are served by a single office covering multiple counties. The office name varies — it might be called "Legal Aid Society," "Community Law Center," "Legal Services," or the name of your county plus "Legal Aid." The easiest way to find yours is to search "[your county] legal aid" or call 211, which is a free referral line that knows which office serves your address.
Key Takeaways
- Legal Aid handles civil cases like eviction, custody, and benefits denials for people below certain income limits, which vary by county and case type.
- You contact Legal Aid directly by phone or in person; there is no court referral, and you must call their intake line to be screened.
- Income limits are usually around 125 to 200 percent of the federal poverty line, but some offices prioritize cases involving homelessness, domestic violence, or children.
- If Legal Aid cannot take your case, ask for a referral to a law school clinic, bar association hotline, or specialized nonprofit that handles your type of problem.
- Many offices have long waitlists, so calling early in a dispute — before an eviction notice or court date — gives you the best chance of representation.
Income limits and what counts as income
Legal Aid uses income limits to decide who can receive help. Most offices set the limit at 125 to 200 percent of the federal poverty line. For a single person in 2024, that means roughly $1,600 to $2,600 per month, depending on your state and the type of case. For a family of four, the range is roughly $3,300 to $5,300 per month. These numbers change each year and vary by county, so the intake worker will tell you the exact threshold when you call.
Income includes wages, unemployment benefits, Social Security, child support you receive, and regular help from family members. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or insurance settlements. If you are self-employed, the office counts your net income after business expenses. If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, you almost always fall below the income limit, though you still have to report your actual income to be sure.
Some offices have priority cases that they take even if your income is slightly above the limit. These usually include domestic violence, homelessness, eviction defense, and custody cases involving children. If you are turned down for income, ask whether your case type qualifies for an exception.
What happens during the intake call
When you call Legal Aid, you will reach an intake worker — not a lawyer. They will ask your name, address, phone number, and income. They will ask what your legal problem is, when it started, and whether you have already been to court or received any notices. They will ask whether you have any assets like a house or car. Write down the answers before you call so you do not have to search for them mid-conversation.
The intake worker will tell you whether Legal Aid can take your case based on income, the type of problem, and current caseload. If they say yes, they will schedule you for an appointment with a lawyer or paralegal, usually weeks or months away depending on how busy the office is. If they say no, ask why and ask for a referral. Many offices have a list of other nonprofits, law school clinics, or bar association hotlines they recommend for specific problems.
Bring documents to your first appointment: proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters), proof of address (utility bill, lease), and all papers related to your case (court notices, letters from your landlord, custody orders, denial letters from a government agency). If you do not have everything, bring what you have — the lawyer will tell you what else they need.
Types of cases Legal Aid usually handles
Legal Aid most commonly handles eviction defense — helping tenants respond to landlord lawsuits and negotiate payment plans or stays. They also handle family law cases including custody, visitation, child support, and divorce when children are involved. Many offices take benefits cases, fighting denials of SNAP, Medicaid, unemployment, or disability benefits.
Other common cases include debt collection defense (when a creditor sues you), domestic violence protective orders, housing discrimination, and problems with subsidized housing programs. Some offices handle immigration matters, though many do not — ask when you call.
Cases Legal Aid usually does not handle include criminal defense (that is the public defender's job), personal injury lawsuits, and business disputes. If your problem does not fit their list, they will tell you during intake and point you toward the right office.
When Legal Aid cannot take your case
Legal Aid turns down cases for three main reasons: income above the limit, caseload too full, or the type of problem is outside their scope. If your income is too high, ask whether you may have access to for a reduced-fee lawyer through your local bar association. Many bar associations run referral services that connect people to private lawyers who charge on a sliding scale based on income.
If the office is too busy, ask whether they have a waitlist and how long it typically takes. Some offices prioritize cases by urgency — an eviction with a court date next week moves ahead of a dispute that just started. If you are told the wait is too long, ask for referrals to law school clinics (usually free, though slower) or nonprofit organizations that specialize in your type of problem.
If your case type is outside their scope, the intake worker should know other offices. For example, if Legal Aid does not handle immigration, they should know which nonprofit does. If they do not offer a referral, call 211 or search "[your county] [your problem type] nonprofit" — for example, "[your county] domestic violence nonprofit" or "[your county] housing discrimination."
How to find your local Legal Aid office
Start with a web search for "[your county name] legal aid" or "[your state] legal aid." Most states have a statewide organization that lists all local offices with phone numbers and hours. If you cannot find it online, call 211 — it is a free referral line that knows which Legal Aid office serves your address and can transfer you or give you the number.
Some Legal Aid offices have walk-in intake hours, usually in the morning. Others require you to call first. A few use online intake forms on their website. Check the office website or call to learn their process before you show up.
If you live in a rural area and no Legal Aid office is nearby, ask about remote intake — many offices now handle initial calls and some appointments by phone or video. You may still need to travel for a court appearance, but the lawyer can prepare you by phone.
What to expect if Legal Aid takes your case
If Legal Aid accepts you, a lawyer or paralegal will be assigned to your case. They will review your documents, explain your options, and tell you what the likely outcome is. In many cases, they will negotiate with the other side — your landlord, the government agency, or the creditor — to reach a settlement without going to court. If the case goes to court, the lawyer will represent you at the hearing.
Legal Aid lawyers are real lawyers with law degrees and licenses. Paralegals are trained legal staff who can handle some tasks but cannot represent you in court. Either way, you get real legal help, not just information.
The process usually takes weeks to months, depending on the type of case and how busy the court is. Eviction cases move faster than custody cases. Keep your lawyer updated if your situation changes — for example, if you move, lose your phone, or the other side makes a new offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay Legal Aid back if I win my case?
No. Legal Aid is free for people who meet the income limit. You do not owe them money if you win, and you do not owe them money if you lose. Some offices ask clients to make a small donation if they can afford it, but it is voluntary and never required.
What if I miss my appointment with Legal Aid?
Call the office as soon as you realize you missed it and ask to reschedule. If you miss multiple appointments without calling, the office may close your case. If that happens, you can call intake again and reapply, but you will go back to the end of the waitlist.
Can Legal Aid help me if I already have a court date?
Yes, and having a court date often moves your case up the priority list. Call Legal Aid when ready and tell them the date. Some offices can get you an emergency appointment before court. Bring the court notice or summons when you call so they know exactly when you need help.
What if Legal Aid says no but I think I should may have access to?
Ask to speak to a supervisor or ask for the decision in writing so you understand the reason. If the reason is income, ask whether your case type qualifies for an exception. If the reason is caseload, ask to be put on a waitlist. If the reason is case type, ask for a referral to an office that does handle your problem.
Can I use Legal Aid if I am not a citizen?
Most Legal Aid offices help people regardless of immigration status for civil cases like eviction and family law. However, some offices do not handle immigration cases themselves. Call and ask — the intake worker will tell you whether your specific situation qualifies.