Free Legal Aid in Nebraska(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services
Nebraska's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through Legal Aid of Nebraska 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 Nebraska through Legal Aid of Nebraska (call 1-877-250-2016) or apply online at their website. Statewide civil legal services for low-income Nebraskans covering housing, family law, public benefits, consumer issues, and immigration. The Nebraska State Bar Association 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.
Nebraska Legal Aid Organization
Legal Aid of Nebraska
Website: legalaidofnebraska.org
Phone: 1-877-250-2016
Statewide civil legal services for low-income Nebraskans covering housing, family law, public benefits, consumer issues, and immigration.
Lawyer Referral & Self-Help
Nebraska State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
LawHelp.org
lawhelp.org/nebraska-- 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 Nebraskans
Pro bono legal services coordinated through the Nebraska State Bar
Reentry Legal Services
Assists with set-aside of convictions and other reentry legal barriers
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Free assistance with Nebraska's set-aside process for eligible low-income individuals
Law School Clinics
Civil legal services, immigration, and entrepreneurship
Pro Bono Programs
Connects low-income Nebraskans with volunteer attorneys
Public Defender System
Mixed
Nebraska has a mixed system with the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy handling serious felony cases statewide, while counties provide public defenders for other cases.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- 1
Contact Legal Aid of Nebraska
Call 1-877-250-2016 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 Nebraska Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get free legal help in Nebraska?
- Contact Legal Aid of Nebraska at 1-877-250-2016 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/nebraska for a directory of free legal resources, or call the Nebraska State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-742-3005 for a lawyer referral.
- What is the income limit for free legal aid in Nebraska?
- Most legal aid programs in Nebraska 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 Nebraska?
- Yes. Legal Aid of Nebraska — Set-Aside Program provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. Contact them or check LawHelp.org for expungement clinics and resources in your area.
- Does Nebraska 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. Nebraska has a mixed system with the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy handling serious felony cases statewide, while counties provide public defenders for other cases. 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
- Legal Aid of Nebraska — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-877-250-2016 for free civil legal assistance.
- Nebraska LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for Nebraska residents.
- Nebraska State Bar Association 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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