Key Takeaways

  • 2 legal aid organizations serve Indiana.
  • 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 Indiana

Indiana Legal Services

Indiana's primary legal aid provider, offering free civil legal help to low-income Hoosiers through offices across the state.

Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic

Provides free legal services to low-income residents of the greater Indianapolis area through faith-based legal clinics.

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 Indiana?

    Call Indiana Legal Services at 1-844-243-8570 or apply online through their website. They have offices in Indianapolis, Gary, Bloomington, New Albany, and Evansville.

  • What types of legal issues does Indiana legal aid cover?

    Indiana Legal Services handles housing, family law, domestic violence, public benefits, consumer issues, and tax law for qualifying low-income residents.

  • Does Indiana have legal aid clinics I can visit?

    Yes. Indiana has legal aid clinics throughout the state, including Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic in Indianapolis and court-based self-help centers in many counties.

Sources