Free Legal Aid in Pennsylvania
Free and low-cost legal help available in Pennsylvania. Includes LSC-funded legal aid organizations, pro bono programs, and self-help resources for people who cannot afford an attorney.
Data last updated: Apr 16, 2026Key Takeaways
- 3 legal aid organizations serve Pennsylvania.
- 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 Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Legal Assistance
Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of Philadelphia, with a focus on housing, family law, and public benefits.
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Serves low-income residents of the Philadelphia suburbs with free civil legal services.
Neighborhood Legal Services Association
Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of the greater Pittsburgh area.
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
- Find a lawyer in Pennsylvania — many offer free consultations
- Small claims court in Pennsylvania — handle smaller disputes yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How do I find legal aid in Pennsylvania?
In Philadelphia, call Philadelphia Legal Assistance at 215-981-3800. In Pittsburgh, call NLSA at 412-255-6700. Visit PALawHelp.org for other regions.
-
What does Pennsylvania legal aid help with?
Pennsylvania legal aid covers housing, family law, domestic violence, public benefits, consumer issues, immigration, and elder law for qualifying low-income residents.
-
Does Philadelphia have a right to counsel for evictions?
Philadelphia has enacted a right to counsel program providing free legal representation to low-income tenants facing eviction. Contact Philadelphia Legal Assistance for details.