Free Legal Aid in South Carolina(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services
South Carolina's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through South Carolina Legal 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 South Carolina through South Carolina Legal Services (call 1-888-346-5592) or apply online at their website. Statewide civil legal services for low-income South Carolinians covering housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer issues. The South Carolina 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.
South Carolina Legal Aid Organization
South Carolina Legal Services
Website: sclegal.org
Phone: 1-888-346-5592
Statewide civil legal services for low-income South Carolinians covering housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer issues.
Lawyer Referral & Self-Help
South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service
LawHelp.org
lawhelp.org/south-carolina-- 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
Systemic advocacy on poverty, education, and housing issues
Reentry Legal Services
Assists with expungement, pardon applications, and other reentry barriers
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Free expungement assistance for eligible individuals in South Carolina
Law School Clinics
Children's law, veterans law, and community development
Pro Bono Programs
Coordinates volunteer attorney services across South Carolina
Public Defender System
Statewide
South Carolina has a statewide Commission on Indigent Defense with circuit public defender offices.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- 1
Contact South Carolina Legal Services
Call 1-888-346-5592 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 South Carolina Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get free legal help in South Carolina?
- Contact South Carolina Legal Services at 1-888-346-5592 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/south-carolina for a directory of free legal resources, or call the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-868-2284 for a lawyer referral.
- What is the income limit for free legal aid in South Carolina?
- Most legal aid programs in South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
- Yes. SC Legal Services — Expungement provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. Contact them or check LawHelp.org for expungement clinics and resources in your area.
- Does South Carolina 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. South Carolina has a statewide Commission on Indigent Defense with circuit public defender offices. 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
- South Carolina Legal Services — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-888-346-5592 for free civil legal assistance.
- South Carolina LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for South Carolina residents.
- South Carolina 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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