[Last updated October 27, 2025]
Legal needs may arise for seniors related to housing, family protection, financial security, and personal rights. Hiring an attorney can be expensive, especially if you are on a fixed income. The good news is that many programs offer legal support to older adults at little or no cost. These organizations either provide legal help themselves or connect older adults to local professionals who can. Below you’ll find trusted resources for legal services for seniors as well as a helpful checklist to guide you in choosing the right one.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are local organizations funded through the Older Americans Act that support seniors living independently in their communities. They serve as the first point of contact for many aging services, including legal assistance.
AAAs help connect seniors to local legal aid professionals who handle issues like housing problems, access to public benefits, protection from elder abuse, and advance planning documents. They also coordinate ombudsman services for those in long-term care.
To locate your nearest AAA and learn about legal help, visit the Eldercare Locator or call 1-800-677-1116.
Legal aid or legal services offices
Legal aid organizations are nonprofit law offices that provide free or low-cost civil legal help to people with limited incomes. Many older adults qualify based on fixed retirement income or disability benefits.
These offices help with eviction defense, foreclosure prevention, consumer fraud, financial exploitation, and family law issues involving personal safety. They focus on legal matters affecting a person’s housing, rights, and financial stability.
To find a legal aid office in your area, search the national provider map here.
LawHelp.org
LawHelp.org is a nationwide online directory that guides people to free legal resources in their own state. It also offers helpful legal information and self-advocacy tools written in plain language.
Older adults can use LawHelp.org to learn about their rights, find legal forms, and connect to professionals who help with housing problems, benefit denials, family safety issues, and consumer scams.
Visit https://www.lawhelp.org/ and select your state to search legal topics relevant to your situation.
Adult Protective Services (APS)
The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) supports the reporting and intervention for abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of older adults. APS agencies act locally to investigate and protect vulnerable seniors.
Seniors can receive help investigating suspected physical harm, emotional abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. APS can coordinate legal action and emergency services if needed.
To report concerns or find APS contacts in your state, visit https://www.napsa-now.org/help-in-your-area/.
Long-term care ombudsman programs
Long‑term care ombudsman programs support residents of nursing homes, assisted living communities, and other long-term care settings. Ombudsmen advocate for the dignity and rights of older adults receiving long-term care.
They help solve issues related to care quality, safety concerns, involuntary discharge, misuse of resident funds, and communication problems with facility staff. The service is confidential and free.
To contact your local ombudsman, visit https://theconsumervoice.org/get-help/.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide free counseling to Medicare beneficiaries. Seniors often face legal questions when a claim is denied, they are overbilled, or an appeal is needed to continue receiving care.
SHIP counselors explain Medicare rights and coverage options and assist with filing appeals or handling billing disputes. Many offices also support caregivers.
Locate your state’s SHIP program at https://www.shiphelp.org/.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program is funded by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and provides free assistance preparing and filing federal tax returns for adults age 60 and over.
This program is especially helpful if your income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, or retirement withdrawals. Volunteers help older adults avoid costly filing errors and claim eligible credits or refunds.
To locate a nearby tax site, visit https://freetaxassistance.for.irs.gov/s/sitelocator.
State bar pro bono programs
State bar associations operate pro bono programs that pair older adults with volunteer attorneys for non-criminal legal issues. Seniors can request support for estate documents, guardianship concerns, housing challenges, and scam-related legal actions.
Availability varies by state, but pro bono services typically support those who cannot afford an attorney and need help protecting their rights or finances.
To find your state’s pro bono referral program, visit https://www.lawhelp.org/.
Comparison chart of free legal services for seniors
| Type of help | Organization | How it helps seniors | How to get help |
| General legal issues | Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) | Connects to local legal aid and supports independence | https://eldercare.acl.gov/ or 1-800-677-1116 |
| Housing, benefits, safety | Legal aid offices | Civil legal support for low-income seniors | https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/i-need-legal-help |
| Finding local help online | LawHelp.org | Legal referrals and self-help tools | https://www.lawhelp.org/ |
| Abuse and exploitation | APS | Investigations and emergency protection | https://www.napsa-now.org/help-in-your-area/ |
| Care concerns in facilities | Long-term care ombudsman | Complaint resolution, resident rights | https://theconsumervoice.org/get-help/ |
| Medicare problems | SHIP | Billing disputes, appeals, fraud | https://www.shiphelp.org/ |
| Taxes | TCE | Billing disputes, appeals, and fraud | https://freetaxassistance.for.irs.gov/s/sitelocator |
| Volunteer lawyers | State bar pro bono programs | Estate planning, scams, guardianship | https://www.lawhelp.org/ |
How to choose the right legal resource
Before you reach out for help, reflect on the issue you’re facing. Use these simple questions to guide your choice:
- Is the problem related to housing, eviction, or consumer scams? Contact local legal aid or your Area Agency on Aging.
- Is a senior unsafe, being neglected, or exploited financially? Contact APS or your ombudsman.
- Are there problems with Medicare bills or a denied claim? Contact SHIP.
- Is help needed with tax filing or retirement income reporting? Contact TCE.
- Do you need estate planning help or advice from a volunteer lawyer? Contact your state bar pro bono program.
If you’re unsure where to start, begin with your Area Agency on Aging, which can direct you to the right local service.
Getting free legal services is possible for seniors
If you or a loved one is facing a legal challenge, support is available. These organizations exist so older adults can stay safe, protect their rights, and maintain control over important decisions. Start by contacting your Area Agency on Aging or legal aid office to discuss your situation. They can guide you toward the right resource quickly.
