LawHelp.Org/DC provides answers to legal questions, contact information for legal aid offices and links to courthouses and local community organizations.

There are several different ways in which an organization can provide help:

• Full Representation - by a lawyer or a legal advocate in court or at a hearing at a government agency.
• Brief Advice - in person or over the telephone.
• Legal Clinic - where you can briefly talk to an attorney about your legal problem.
• Pro Se Clinics - where you are shown how you can "help yourself" with a particular legal problem.
• Self-Help - educational materials such as factsheets and brochures.
• Other - workshops, referrals to private attorneys, and other services.

Note: Not all organizations provide all the services listed. 

Some organizations cannot serve people with incomes higher than their guidelines.  LawHelp.org does not guarantee assistance from an organization even if you meet its income guidelines.

Many legal aid organizations use the chart below to decide who can receive help. 

The chart shows you how much you have to earn to be at 125% or 200% of what the Federal government considers to be the poverty level.  "Family Size" is the total number of people in the household.

Percentages of the Federal Poverty Level

(1) For families of more than 10 people, add $4,500 for each additional family member.
(2) For families of more than 10 people, add $7,200 for each additional family member.

Some organizations may make exceptions for seniors or people experiencing domestic violence. Also, some organizations take into account expenses such as childcare, medical bills and debts.

 Some organizations/projects only serve special groups such as:

• Children
• Seniors
• Persons with disabilities
• People experiencing domestic violence