GET HELP
Veterans Legal Services provides free legal assistance to military veterans throughout Massachusetts, helping them live happier and healthier lives. Eligibility requirements include:
1) You served in the United States military, National Guard, or Reserves (any discharge status),
2) You currently reside in Massachusetts,
3) Your household income is less than 300% of the federal poverty level (see chart below),
4) Your legal case must be based in Massachusetts, and
5) VLS must have topical expertise in your case subject matter.
VLS does not provide services on criminal defense matters, Department of Children & Families cases, personal injury cases, or medical malpractice cases.
Or contact VLS by phone (857-317-4474) or email (info@veteranslegalservices.org)
-
Bankruptcy
-
Child Custody
-
Child Support
-
CORI Issues/Sealing Criminal Records
-
Consumer Debt
-
Discharge Upgrades
-
Divorce
-
Domestic Violence Protections
-
Housing (e.g.: Evictions, Conditions Issues)
-
Immigration
-
Access to Public Benefits (e.g.: SNAP, MassHealth)
-
Subsidized Housing Eligibility
-
Social Security
-
State and Federal Veterans Benefits
-
Other Non-Criminal Legal Issues
AVAILABLE LEGAL SERVICES
Veterans Legal Services is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any other government agency.
LEGAL CLINICS
VLS conducts in-person legal clinics at partner sites in Massachusetts.
Remote services are also available by phone, however there is currently a waiting list for remote services. For the fastest service, please see the below list of legal clinics and follow the instructions for the clinic that is most convenient for you.
Questions? Please contact us at (857) 317-4474, info@veteranslegalservices.org, or by filling out an eligibility screening form. All information provided to VLS is confidential.
Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, in Bedford, Mass.
Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital (Bedford VA Medical Center)
200 Springs Road, Building 80
Bedford, MA 01730
(781) 687-2000
Please call the Bedford VA at (781) 687-2575 to schedule or cancel an appointment with VLS representatives for civil legal services. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
This program was made possible in part by a grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which is dedicated to ensuring that impacted veterans, service members, their families, and their caregivers thrive long after they return home.
Boston VA Healthcare System
(Brockton VA Medical Center Campus)
940 Belmont Street, Building 7
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 583-4500
Please contact your VA social worker or other VA personnel to receive a referral to VLS for civil legal assistance.
This program was made possible in part by a grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which is dedicated to ensuring that impacted veterans, service members, their families, and their caregivers thrive long after they return home.
New England Center and Home for Veterans
17 Court Street (Government Center)
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 371-1800
Please contact a New England Center and Home for Veterans representative at (617) 371-1800 to inquire about eligibility for services and a potential referral to VLS for civil legal aid related to housing stability issues under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. Income limits may apply.
Volunteers of America Massachusetts
1419 Hancock Street
Quincy, MA 02169
(617) 770-9690
Please contact a Volunteers of America Massachusetts representative at (617) 770-9690 to inquire about eligibility for services and a potential referral to VLS for civil legal aid related to housing stability issues under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. Income limits may apply.
Chelsea Soldiers’ Home
91 Crest Avenue
Chelsea, MA 02150
(617) 884-5660
This community partner site is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check this page at a later date for any reopening updates.
Norfolk County Veterans Treatment Court
631 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 329-4777 x412
Please note that VLS provides civil (non-criminal) legal
support to veterans participating in the Veterans Treatment Court.
Learn more about Veterans Treatment Courts at this link.
Veterans Northeast Outreach Center
10 Reed Street
Haverhill, MA 01832
(978) 372-3626
Please contact a Veterans Northeast Outreach Center representative at (978) 372-3626 to inquire about eligibility for services and a potential referral to VLS for civil legal assistance under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. Income limits may apply.
VLS's help made my depression get better and made my life a lot better.
— James, Air Force veteran
They have given me hope for myself, my children, and our future together.
— David, Navy veteran
2023 INCOME LIMITS FOR FREE HELP FROM VLS
Federal Poverty Levels (FPL) are set annually by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. VLS serves veterans with a gross household income (before taxes, from all household members) up to 300% of the FPL.
HOUSEHOLD SIZE | 2023 FPL | 300% OF FPL |
|---|---|---|
1 | $14,580/year | $43,730/year |
2 | $19,720/year | $59,160/year |
3 | $24,860/year | $74,580/year |
4 | $30,000/year | $90,000/year |