Who Qualifies for IRS Legal Aid?

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Disabled Veteran Status

If you are a disabled veteran, you may qualify for free IRS legal aid. Eligibility is based upon issues that may range from rental assistance to child visitation matters. To determine if you are eligible, contact your local veterans association. The association will help you to determine if you or a member of your household qualifies for a number of services and free legal aid.

Immigrant Eligibility

Most agencies and organizations offer free IRS legal aid services to immigrants and noncitizens that need help with visa applications, green cards, deportation proceedings, and work authorizations (“Do You Qualify for Free Legal Aid?”). Eligibility varies by local governing bodies, by state, and by program. Contact your local and national immigration organizations for more information.

Civil Rights Issues

You may be eligible to receive free IRS legal aid if your issue falls under civil rights, or lack thereof. “Private attorneys, legal aid clinics and advocacy organizations with lawyers on staff often take on cases that fall within their particular area of interest” (“Do You Qualify for Free IRS Legal Aid”). For example, if your pay discrimination lawsuit has the potential of becoming a larger class-action lawsuit, then your case may qualify for free legal representation. Civil rights issues tend to encourage community and civic responsibility among legal professionals.

Community Organization

Individuals and non-profit organizations seeking to improve their communities economically, culturally, socially, and/or environmentally may qualify to receive reduced legal services as well as free legal assistance. “Community problems may include neighborhood deterioration, inadequate housing and homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse, racial discord, and crime” (“Do You Qualify for Free Legal Aid”). Individuals and organizations interested in receiving legal services should check with their local community legal programs for information about eligibility and intake requirements.

Living with HIV/AIDS

Non-profit organizations whose mission center on providing community assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS often provide or refer clients to organizations that offer legal services. These types of organizations also provide help with estate planning, insurance difficulties, family law questions, employment and housing discrimination, and other related legal issues (“Do You Qualify for Free IRS Legal Aid”). For more information about eligibility requirements, interested persons should contact their local and/or national HIV/AIDS prevention organizations.

Financial Assistance

If you currently receive financial assistance through SSI/SSP, Food Stamps program, county relief, Older Americans Act, and Developmentally Disabled Assistance Act, you may be eligible to receive free legal assistance. For more information about services available to you if you fall under one or more of these categories, contact your local legal aid organization.