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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

nebar.com/page/LRS|1-800-742-3005

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

Legal Aid of Nebraska

Statewide civil legal services for low-income Nebraskans

Nebraska State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Project

Pro bono legal services coordinated through the Nebraska State Bar

Reentry Legal Services

Legal Aid of Nebraska — Reentry Project

Assists with set-aside of convictions and other reentry legal barriers

Expungement & Record Clearing Programs

Legal Aid of Nebraska — Set-Aside Program

Free assistance with Nebraska's set-aside process for eligible low-income individuals

Law School Clinics

University of Nebraska College of Law — Civil Clinical Program

Civil legal services, immigration, and entrepreneurship

Pro Bono Programs

Nebraska Volunteer Lawyers Project

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. 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. 2

    Complete intake screening

    Staff will verify your income, residency, and case type. Have proof of income, identification, and relevant documents ready.

  3. 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. 4

    Receive legal help

    Services may include legal advice, document preparation, negotiation, or full representation depending on the case type and available resources.

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

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Legal aid eligibility, programs, and services change periodically. Contact the organizations listed above for exact current availability. For immediate help, call 211 or visit 211.org.