Free legal aid in California (LawHelpCA)
Free legal help for people with low income dealing with eviction, debt, benefits, immigration, domestic violence and other civil problems.
Apply on the official site ↗Goes to LawHelpCA.org. Applying is free.
Who generally qualifies
Californians with low income who need help with a civil legal problem.
Exact income limits and rules are set by LawHelpCA and California legal aid organizations and can change. Check the official site for current details.
How to apply
- Search by county and topic on LawHelpCA.org.
- Contact the legal aid office it lists.
What to have ready
- Court papers or letters about your problem
- Proof of income
Common questions
- Does it cost anything to apply?
- No. Applying through the official site is free. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to apply for you.
- Do I have to pay it back?
- No. It's a free or low-cost service, not a loan.
- Who decides if I qualify?
- LawHelpCA and California legal aid organizations makes the final decision. This page explains the program in general terms only.
- Where can I find current income limits and amounts?
- Income limits, benefit amounts and deadlines change, so check LawHelpCA.org for the latest details.
Added October 21, 2026. BenefitSearch is not affiliated with LawHelpCA and California legal aid organizations.