Free Legal Aid in Texas
Free and low-cost legal help available in Texas. 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 Texas.
- 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 Texas
Lone Star Legal Aid
Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of eastern Texas, serving 72 counties including Houston and the Gulf Coast.
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
Serves low-income residents of southwestern and central Texas, including the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Austin areas.
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of northern and western Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth 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 Texas — many offer free consultations
- Small claims court in Texas — handle smaller disputes yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I find legal aid in Texas?
Texas is divided into regions: Lone Star Legal Aid serves eastern TX (Houston), TRLA serves southwestern/central TX (San Antonio, Austin), and LANWT serves northern/western TX (Dallas). Visit TexasLawHelp.org for help.
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What types of cases does Texas legal aid handle?
Texas legal aid covers housing, family law, domestic violence, public benefits, consumer issues, immigration, disaster recovery, and farmworker rights for qualifying residents.
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Does Texas legal aid help with immigration issues?
Yes. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid and other Texas legal aid organizations provide immigration legal services, particularly along the Texas-Mexico border region.
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Can Texas legal aid help after a natural disaster?
Yes. Texas legal aid organizations have extensive disaster recovery programs helping with FEMA appeals, insurance claims, contractor fraud, and replacement of legal documents.