How to apply for Legal Assistance for Older Adults in North Carolina

Who it's for

North Carolina funds free civil legal help for residents age 60 and older through the Older Americans Act, with the money going to the Area Agencies on Aging. Lawyers help with income matters such as Social Security, pensions and unemployment; health care matters such as Medicaid, Medicare and veterans' benefits; housing matters such as evictions, unsafe conditions, foreclosures and predatory lending; and defense against guardianship and powers of attorney. There is no income limit, but the program is aimed at older adults with the greatest economic and social need — including people in rural areas, people with severe disabilities, people with limited English, people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, and people at risk of being placed in an institution. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to be connected to a legal services provider, or call the NCDHHS Customer Service Center at 1-800-662-7030.

What you'll need

• Proof of age 60 or older
• Proof of North Carolina residency
• Any paperwork about the legal problem — notices, letters, court papers, or benefit denials

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Legal Assistance for Older Adults. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age 60 or older, proof of North Carolina residency, any paperwork about the legal problem — notices, letters, court papers, or benefit denials — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your proof of age (showing you are 60 or older) and proof of North Carolina residency.
2. Collect any paperwork related to your legal problem — this may include notices, letters, court papers, or benefit denial letters.
3. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to be connected to a legal services provider in your area, or call the NCDHHS Customer Service Center at 1-800-662-7030. You can also apply online through the program's official application channel.
4. Describe your legal situation to the intake staff. They will ask about your issue — such as a housing problem, a benefit denial, or a health care matter — and determine how to connect you with help.
5. Submit your documents and any legal paperwork to the legal services provider as requested during the intake process.
6. Wait to hear whether the legal services provider can take your case. The provider makes the final decision based on available funding, caseload, and program guidelines.

What to expect: After you reach out, intake staff will review your situation and connect you with a legal services provider if one is available in your area. The provider will decide whether it can take your case based on funding, caseload, and the type of legal matter involved — some case types are not covered under this program. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate when you apply. Because this program serves older adults with the greatest economic and social need, priority is given to people in rural areas, people with severe disabilities, people with limited English, people with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders, and people at risk of institutional placement. There is no set renewal schedule — you may reach out again if a new legal matter comes up. Keep in mind that this walkthrough is not legal advice, and qualifying for help depends on the provider's capacity and your specific situation.

Renewals

as needed (per legal matter)