Check your legal aid eligibility (quick estimate)
Use this tool to estimate whether your household may qualify for civil legal aid services based on income, assets, and case type.
How this legal aid eligibility calculator works
Legal aid organizations generally screen applicants using three big filters: income, assets, and case type. This calculator mirrors that process and gives a practical estimate you can use before applying. It is designed for civil legal aid, not private law firms or criminal defense agencies.
What determines legal aid eligibility?
1) Household income
Many programs use Federal Poverty Guideline percentages. A common baseline is around 125% of guideline, while some specialized or grant-funded programs may accept applicants up to 200% or higher.
| Household Size | Estimated Guideline | 125% Threshold | 200% Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16,000 | $20,000 | $32,000 |
| 2 | $21,600 | $27,000 | $43,200 |
| 3 | $27,200 | $34,000 | $54,400 |
| 4 | $32,800 | $41,000 | $65,600 |
2) Countable assets
Even if income appears low enough, legal aid offices often check available cash and near-cash assets. Typical countable items include checking/savings balances and some investments. Programs may exclude your primary residence, basic household goods, and one vehicle, but rules vary by office.
3) Case type
Most legal aid organizations focus on civil matters: housing, family safety, benefits, disability rights, consumer protection, elder law, and immigration relief. Pure criminal defense is usually handled through public defender systems, not civil legal aid.
4) Priority factors and urgency
Legal aid programs frequently prioritize safety and stability cases, such as domestic violence, imminent eviction, benefit termination, and child-related emergencies. Seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities may also be served through special projects with expanded income limits.
How to use this calculator effectively
- Use gross household income (before taxes), not take-home pay.
- Count everyone who shares finances in your household size.
- Enter liquid assets honestly and conservatively.
- Select the legal issue closest to your current case.
- If you have an urgent deadline, check the emergency box and call a provider immediately.
Documents to gather before applying
- Government photo ID
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letters, unemployment statements)
- Recent bank statements
- Court notices, eviction papers, or agency letters
- Lease, utility shutoff notice, or protection order documents (if applicable)
If your result says "unlikely eligible"
Do not stop there. You still have options:
- Ask for modest-means attorney referrals through your local bar association.
- Check law school clinics and nonprofit legal hotlines.
- Use court self-help centers for forms and procedural guidance.
- Request limited-scope representation for specific hearings or filings.
- Look for mediation or community dispute resolution services.
Frequently asked questions
Is this tool official?
No. It is a screening estimate built from common legal aid criteria.
Can I still apply if the calculator says no?
Yes. Local grants, special populations, and emergency programs can create exceptions.
Does legal aid cover criminal charges?
Usually no. For criminal defense, contact the court or public defender office in your county.
What should I do first if I have a hearing date?
Call legal aid immediately, mention the deadline, and ask for emergency intake options.