Frequently Asked Questions about Legal Aid

• What is legal aid?

Legal aid is free or low-cost legal assistance for people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Legal aid organizations provide a variety of legal services, including advice, representation, and advocacy, to help low-income people resolve their civil legal problems.

• Who is eligible for legal aid?

Eligibility for legal aid varies depending on the organization. Generally, legal aid organizations serve people with incomes below a certain level, as determined by the federal poverty guidelines. Some legal aid organizations also have additional eligibility criteria, such as citizenship status or immigration status.

• What kind of cases does legal aid handle?

Legal aid organizations handle a wide range of civil legal problems, including:

* Housing
* Education
* Employment
* Family law
* Immigration
* Public benefits
* Consumer law
* Health care
* Disability rights

• How do I get legal aid?

To get legal aid, you can contact your local legal aid organization or a state or national legal aid hotline. Legal aid organizations typically have intake interviews to determine eligibility and assess the need for legal assistance.

• Is legal aid free?

Legal aid is generally free for eligible clients. However, some legal aid organizations may charge for certain services, such as filing fees or expert witness fees.

• What if I don’t qualify for legal aid?

If you do not qualify for legal aid, there are other options available to you, such as pro bono lawyers or legal self-help resources. Pro bono lawyers are lawyers who volunteer their time to provide free legal services to low-income people. Legal self-help resources can provide you with information and tools to help you represent yourself in court.

Here are some additional frequently asked questions about legal aid:

• What is the difference between legal aid and a public defender?

Legal aid organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to people with civil legal problems. Public defenders provide free legal assistance to people who are accused of crimes.

• Can I get legal aid for a criminal case?

No, legal aid organizations do not provide legal assistance for criminal cases. Criminal cases are handled by public defenders.

• How can I find a legal aid organization near me?

You can find a legal aid organization near you by visiting the website of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the national organization that funds legal aid programs. The LSC website has a directory of legal aid organizations by state and county.