Key Takeaways

  • 3 legal aid organizations serve Delaware.
  • Income eligibility: generally 125% of federal poverty level.
  • Covers civil matters: housing, family law, consumer issues, benefits.
  • Does not cover criminal cases — contact the public defender.

Legal Aid Organizations in Delaware

Delaware Volunteer Legal Services

Provides free legal services through volunteer attorneys to low-income Delawareans in civil matters.

Legal Services Corporation of Delaware

Delaware's primary legal aid provider, offering free civil legal assistance to qualifying low-income residents.

Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI)

Provides free civil legal services to low-income Delawareans and also serves as the state's Protection and Advocacy organization for people with disabilities.

Additional Resources

What Legal Aid Covers

  • Housing: Eviction defense, landlord disputes, public housing issues
  • Family law: Divorce, custody, protection orders, child support
  • Consumer: Debt collection, credit issues, utility shutoffs
  • Benefits: SSI/SSDI, SNAP, Medicaid, unemployment
  • Immigration: Some programs handle immigration matters

What Legal Aid Won't Cover

  • Criminal cases: Contact the public defender's office
  • Fee-generating cases: Personal injury, workers' comp (find a contingency-fee lawyer instead)
  • Over income limit: Ask about sliding-scale fees or limited-scope representation

If You Don't Qualify

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I apply for legal aid in Delaware?

    Call Legal Services Corporation of Delaware at 302-575-0660 or CLASI at the same number to apply for free legal assistance.

  • What cases does Delaware legal aid handle?

    Delaware legal aid organizations handle housing, family law, domestic violence, public benefits, disability rights, consumer issues, and elder law. They do not handle criminal cases.

  • Can I get help with a disability rights issue in Delaware?

    Yes. CLASI serves as Delaware's Protection and Advocacy organization and helps with disability discrimination, special education, accessibility, and benefits issues.

Sources