Free Legal Aid in Idaho(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services
Idaho's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through Idaho Legal Aid Services and other organizations. These programs cover housing, family law, public benefits, expungement, and other critical legal needs for people who cannot afford an attorney.
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Quick Answer
You can get free legal help in Idaho through Idaho Legal Aid Services (call 1-208-345-0106) or apply online at their website. Statewide civil legal services for low-income Idahoans covering housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer issues. The Idaho State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can also connect you with affordable attorneys. Income must generally be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level for most legal aid programs.
Idaho Legal Aid Organization
Idaho Legal Aid Services
Website: idaholegalaid.org
Phone: 1-208-345-0106
Statewide civil legal services for low-income Idahoans covering housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer issues.
Lawyer Referral & Self-Help
Idaho State Bar Lawyer Referral Service
LawHelp.org
lawhelp.org/idaho-- directory of free legal resources and self-help materials
Income Eligibility
Threshold: 125% of Federal Poverty Level
For a single person, this is approximately $19,088/year (2026). Some programs may accept up to 200% FPL for certain case types like domestic violence or veterans' issues.
Types of Legal Issues Covered
- ✓Housing & eviction defense
- ✓Family law (custody, divorce, protection orders)
- ✓Public benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI)
- ✓Consumer & debt issues
- ✓Expungement & record clearing
- ✓Employment disputes
- ✓Immigration (limited)
Notable Legal Aid Organizations
Statewide civil legal services for low-income Idahoans
Pro bono legal services coordinated through the Idaho State Bar
Reentry Legal Services
Assists with record expungement and reentry barriers for eligible individuals
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Provides free expungement help for qualifying low-income individuals in Idaho
Law School Clinics
General civil legal services for low-income Idahoans
Pro Bono Programs
Coordinates volunteer attorneys for pro bono civil legal services
Public Defender System
County-Based
Idaho uses a county-based public defender system overseen by the Idaho State Public Defense Commission, which sets standards and provides funding.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- 1
Contact Idaho Legal Aid Services
Call 1-208-345-0106 or apply online at their website. You can also visit a local office in person.
- 2
Complete intake screening
Staff will verify your income, residency, and case type. Have proof of income, identification, and relevant documents ready.
- 3
Case assignment
If eligible, you will be assigned an attorney or referred to a volunteer lawyers program, law school clinic, or other appropriate resource.
- 4
Receive legal help
Services may include legal advice, document preparation, negotiation, or full representation depending on the case type and available resources.
Related Idaho Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get free legal help in Idaho?
- Contact Idaho Legal Aid Services at 1-208-345-0106 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/idaho for a directory of free legal resources, or call the Idaho State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-208-334-4500 for a lawyer referral.
- What is the income limit for free legal aid in Idaho?
- Most legal aid programs in Idaho require income at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $19,088/year for a single person in 2026). Some programs accept higher incomes for certain case types like domestic violence, veterans' issues, or disaster relief.
- Can I get free help with expungement in Idaho?
- Yes. Idaho Legal Aid — Expungement Assistance provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. Contact them or check LawHelp.org for expungement clinics and resources in your area.
- Does Idaho have a public defender I can use?
- If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney, you have a constitutional right to a public defender. Idaho uses a county-based public defender system overseen by the Idaho State Public Defense Commission, which sets standards and provides funding. Contact the court clerk in your jurisdiction to request a public defender. Note: public defenders handle criminal cases only, not civil matters.
Take Action -- Direct Links
- Idaho Legal Aid Services — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-208-345-0106 for free civil legal assistance.
- Idaho LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for Idaho residents.
- Idaho State Bar Lawyer Referral Service
Find an attorney through the state bar's referral service.
- ABA Free Legal Answers
Get free answers to civil legal questions from volunteer attorneys online.
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