Connecticut Legal Aid (Statewide Legal Services)
Last updated August 2026
Free civil legal help in Connecticut starts with Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut, which runs the central intake line for civil, non-criminal legal problems at 1-800-453-3320. You can also apply online any time at apply.slsct.org. For self-help legal information you can read on your own, visit ctlawhelp.org.
There is a faster line for one common problem. For an eviction or a housing-subsidy problem, a dedicated housing hotline connects tenants to free legal representation at 1-800-559-1565. Because eviction moves quickly, handle emergencies by phone rather than through the online form.
Legal aid covers the civil cases that keep a family stable. That includes family law, housing and eviction, public benefits, unemployment, consumer problems, bankruptcy, and debtor's rights. If a court paper or a benefits denial has you worried, this is who to call.
There are limits to what legal aid can do. Statewide Legal Services cannot take criminal defense or immigration cases, and it refers those to other help. Knowing that up front saves you a step.
Eligibility is based on income. Free legal aid is for people with very low household income who cannot afford a lawyer, and each legal aid program sets its own income guidelines. If money is tight, apply rather than assume you earn too much. The self-help information at ctlawhelp.org is free for everyone, with no income screen.
Connecticut's legal aid network works together behind the scenes. It includes Statewide Legal Services, the intake hub, along with Connecticut Legal Services, Greater Hartford Legal Aid, and the New Haven Legal Assistance Association. Move fast the day a notice arrives, and dial 2-1-1 for local rent funds that can clear a balance before a case escalates.
Phone 1-800-453-3320
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Low-income Connecticut residents with a civil, noncriminal legal problem; each legal aid program sets its own income guidelines
- The self-help legal information at ctlawhelp.org is free for everyone, with no income screen
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Call Statewide Legal Services at 1-800-453-3320, or apply online at apply.slsct.org.
- 2
For an eviction or housing-subsidy problem, call the housing hotline at 1-800-559-1565.
- 3
Handle emergencies by phone rather than the online form.
- 4
For information you can read on your own, visit ctlawhelp.org.
- 5
Dial 2-1-1 for local rent funds that can clear a balance quickly.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How do I get free legal help in Connecticut?
Call Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut at 1-800-453-3320, the central intake line for civil legal problems, or apply online at apply.slsct.org.
Is there a faster line for eviction?
Yes. A dedicated housing hotline connects tenants to free legal representation at 1-800-559-1565. Handle emergencies by phone, not the online form.
What kinds of cases do they handle?
Civil matters, including family law, housing and eviction, public benefits, unemployment, consumer problems, bankruptcy, and debtor's rights. They cannot take criminal or immigration cases.
Do I have to qualify by income?
Yes. Free legal aid is for people with very low household income, and each program sets its own guidelines. The self-help information at ctlawhelp.org is free for everyone, with no income screen.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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