Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance (GBLA)
Last updated August 2026
GBLA's lawyers work free for low-income Kern County residents on the problems that hit hardest: eviction defense, benefits that were denied or cut off (CalWORKs, CalFresh, SSI), restraining orders for domestic violence survivors, and health coverage disputes. Residents 60 and older get their own Seniors Law Center.
Call (661) 325-5943, but note the office closes 12–1pm for lunch.
When you call, intake staff ask what happened, what deadlines exist, and about your income, since most services carry the low-income requirement. Have any court or agency papers in front of you; the dates printed on them drive everything that follows. If GBLA can't take the case, ask where to go instead before you hang up. Pointing you somewhere is part of what intake does.
Deadlines are the whole game in legal trouble. An eviction summons in California typically allows just 5 business days to respond, so call the same day papers arrive, not after the weekend. Benefits cutoffs run on their own clocks too: the denial letter states its appeal deadline. Read it, write the date somewhere you'll see daily, then call. Missed dates close doors that lawyers can't reopen.
If income rules keep you out, you still have moves. Free self-help centers operate at every California courthouse, the California Courts Self-Help (Eviction) guides walk through responding step by step, and LawHelp.org lists legal aid programs statewide. In danger at home right now, call the Open Door Network's 24-hour line first: (661) 327-1091.
Phone (661) 325-5943
Hours Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm (closed 12–1pm)
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Low-income Kern County residents
- Seniors Law Center serves residents age 60+
- Fair housing (discrimination) help available regardless of income
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Do I have to be low-income to use GBLA?
For most services, yes. The exception is fair housing (discrimination) help, which is available regardless of income.
When can I actually reach someone?
Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5pm at (661) 325-5943, just not between 12 and 1, when the office closes for lunch.
My benefits were cut off. Is that something GBLA handles?
Yes. Denied or terminated CalWORKs, CalFresh, and SSI cases are core GBLA work, at no charge for low-income residents. Bring the denial letter to the first conversation; its dates and reasons drive the appeal.
What should I have ready when I call GBLA?
The papers (summons, notices, denial letters), plus rough income information for the eligibility screen. The dates on your documents determine how urgent your case is, so read them to intake exactly.
Does GBLA help with restraining orders?
Yes, free of charge for domestic violence survivors. For safety this minute, the Open Door Network answers 24 hours a day at (661) 327-1091; call GBLA at (661) 325-5943 for the court side.
What if GBLA can't take my case?
Ask intake for a referral before hanging up. Courthouse self-help centers are free and open to everyone, the California Courts self-help site covers evictions in detail, and LawHelp.org lists other free legal aid statewide.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all Bakersfield / Kern County, CA programs →Free · Private · No account needed