How to apply for Free legal help for adults 60+ (Legal Assistance Program) in Alabama

Who it's for

The Legal Assistance Program is a statewide network of legal professionals who help adults 60 and older with personal legal problems at no fee. Help can include advice, representation, legal research, and preparing legal documents. Topics include health and long-term care, advance directives, consumer issues, debt collection, elder abuse and fraud, guardianship, housing, income, Medicaid and Medicare, powers of attorney, Social Security, and wills. Call your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463).

What you'll need

• Papers related to the legal problem (notices, letters, bills, leases)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Free legal help for adults 60+ (Legal Assistance Program). 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 papers related to the legal problem (notices, letters, bills, leases) — 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 papers related to your legal problem, such as notices, letters, bills, or leases.
2. Apply online or call 1-800-243-5463 to contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
3. Explain your legal problem and share the papers you gathered.
4. Complete any next steps the local Area Agency on Aging or its legal provider asks for.
5. Ask if your case can be helped through the Legal Assistance Program, since help depends on local provider capacity and not every legal problem can be taken.

What to expect: After you apply, the local Area Agency on Aging or its legal provider will review your legal problem and decide if it can help. If the case is accepted, help may include advice, representation, legal research, or help preparing legal documents. Processing times vary, so ask for an estimate. There is no renewal for this program.

Renewals

none