Vermont Legal Aid & Legal Services Vermont
Last updated August 2026
Free civil legal help in Vermont comes from two groups that work together: Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont. Their shared website, VTLawHelp.org, is a joint project of the two. They help with civil, noncriminal problems, and Legal Services Vermont screens all requests for help.
The help covers the problems that can upend a household. That includes housing and eviction, public benefits like 3SquaresVT, disability benefits, health care, DCF overpayments, plus debt and consumer problems. Many Vermonters call because they are losing their home or being denied benefits, so this is the right place for those problems.
You get real, free legal support, not just a pamphlet. Legal Services Vermont offers free civil legal advice and information by phone, mail, or email, referrals or representation in some cases, and self-help information and forms on VTLawHelp.org. The service is funded in part by the federal Legal Services Corporation.
There are a few ways to ask for help. The fastest way in is the online Legal Help Request Form, where you pick the area you need help with. You can also leave a message on the legal help line at 1-800-889-2047. The line takes messages Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8am to 1pm, and Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30pm to 7pm.
Plan for a short wait for a callback. Most people hear back within about 5 to 10 days. Because of funding cuts, there are some legal areas where staff cannot offer a callback, so check the current list and use the online tools when that is the case.
The website is open to everyone. The self-help legal information at vtlawhelp.org is free for anyone, with no income screen. If you face eviction or a court paper, ask for help quickly, and dial 2-1-1 for local rent funds that may clear a balance before a case gets worse.
Phone 1-800-889-2047
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Low-income Vermont residents with a civil, noncriminal legal problem; the self-help information at vtlawhelp.org is free for everyone, with no income screen
- Because of funding cuts there are some legal areas where staff cannot offer a callback, so check the current list and use the online tools when that applies
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Start with the online Legal Help Request Form and pick your legal area.
- 2
Or leave a message on the legal help line at 1-800-889-2047 during its posted hours.
- 3
Expect a callback within about 5 to 10 days.
- 4
If your area has no callback due to funding cuts, use the self-help tools at vtlawhelp.org.
- 5
Dial 2-1-1 for local rent funds if you face eviction.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How do I get free legal help in Vermont?
Use the online Legal Help Request Form, or leave a message on the help line at 1-800-889-2047. Legal Services Vermont screens all requests.
What kinds of problems do they handle?
Civil, noncriminal problems like housing and eviction, public benefits, disability benefits, health care, DCF overpayments, and debt and consumer issues.
How long until I hear back?
Most people hear back within about 5 to 10 days. Some areas have no callback due to funding cuts, so use the online tools then.
Is there free help I can use right now?
Yes. The self-help legal information and forms at vtlawhelp.org are free for everyone, with no income screen.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all Vermont programs →Free · Private · No account needed