Tennessee Legal Aid (HELP4TN)
Last updated August 2026
Facing eviction, a benefits denial, or a debt collector in Tennessee? Free legal help exists, and it is real lawyers. If you are 60 or older, start with one number: 1-844-HELP4TN, that is 844-435-7486. Seniors get free advice from a licensed Tennessee lawyer at any income. Everyone else calls the legal aid office for their region. Every one of them is free.
Where you live picks your office. Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands: Legal Aid Society, 1-800-238-1443. East Tennessee: Legal Aid of East Tennessee. Call Knoxville (865) 637-0484, Chattanooga (800) 572-7457, or Johnson City (800) 821-1312, or apply online. West Tennessee: West Tennessee Legal Services, 800-372-8346, online too. Memphis and Shelby County: Memphis Area Legal Services, (901) 523-8822.
These offices take civil cases only. That means eviction and housing, family matters, benefits appeals, debt trouble, wills. Criminal charges go to the Public Defender instead. Income limits sit near 125 percent of the poverty line. But seniors, foreclosure cases, and some others get in at any income. Call before ruling yourself out.
The intake call is a short money-and-facts screen. They ask your household income and what you own. They need your court dates. Call the moment you get court papers. Civil deadlines are unforgiving, and missing one usually means losing by default.
Two things while you wait. First, help4tn.org has free self-help tools for everyone, no income screen: court forms, guides, and chat helpers for landlord and family law questions. Second, legal aid never charges and never asks for bank details. Anyone demanding payment for this help is running a scam.
Phone 1-844-435-7486
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Low-income Tennessee residents with a civil, noncriminal legal problem; each local legal aid office sets its own income guidelines
- The self-help information and forms at help4tn.org are free for everyone, with no income screen
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
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60 or older? Call 844-435-7486 first. Free attorney advice at any income, any assets.
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Otherwise call your region's office: Middle TN 1-800-238-1443, East TN (865) 637-0484, West TN 800-372-8346, Memphis (901) 523-8822. East and West Tennessee also take applications online.
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Have your court papers, lease, denial letter, or disputed bill in front of you, plus every date and deadline on them.
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Answer the income and asset questions in the screen. Near the line? Apply anyway; several case types skip the limit.
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If you reach voicemail in Middle Tennessee, leave a message; callbacks come within 24 to 48 hours.
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If the office cannot take your case, ask for the Tennessee Bar Association's lawyer referral service, and use the free tools at help4tn.org in the meantime.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Is legal aid free in Tennessee?
Yes, completely. The lawyer's work is free, and legal aid never asks for bank details or payment. Treat any request for money as a scam.
What is the free legal help number in Tennessee?
Age 60 and older: 844-435-7486 (844-HELP4TN), free at any income. Under 60, call your region: Middle TN 1-800-238-1443, East TN (865) 637-0484, West TN 800-372-8346, Memphis (901) 523-8822.
What cases does legal aid take?
Civil cases: eviction and housing, family law, benefits denials, debt trouble, wills. Never criminal cases. Those belong to the Public Defender.
What are the income limits for legal aid?
Near 125 percent of the poverty level, plus an asset check. But the limits bend. Seniors 60 and up get advice at any income. Memphis waives limits for elderly, foreclosure, and tax cases. Call and let them screen you.
Can I get help without talking to anyone?
Yes. help4tn.org is free for everyone, no income screen. It has court forms, plain guides, chat helpers for landlord and family law, and a free clinic where Tennessee lawyers answer posted questions.
What if legal aid can't take my case?
Ask for a referral. The Tennessee Bar Association's referral services, linked from help4tn.org, match you with vetted private lawyers. The self-help tools stay free either way.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all Tennessee programs →Free · Private · No account needed