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GET HELP
Veterans Legal Services provides free legal assistance to military veterans throughout Massachusetts, helping them live happier and healthier lives. VLS team members will treat you with courtesy and respect and you are expected to treat them with courtesy and respect.
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 or you are eligible for Dept. of Veterans Affairs' (VA) SSVF or LSV-H program (see chart below),
4) Your legal case is based in Massachusetts, and
5) VLS has 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)
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Bankruptcy
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Child Custody/Parenting Time
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Child Support
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CORI Issues/Sealing Criminal Records
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Consumer Debt
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Discharge Upgrades
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Divorce
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Domestic Violence Protections
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Estate Planning (Health Care Proxy, Power of Attorney, Simple Wills)
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Housing (Evictions, Conditions, Eligibility)
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Immigration
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Public Benefits (e.g.: SNAP, MassHealth)
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Social Security
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State and Federal Veterans Benefits
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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.
ABOUT OUR SERVICES
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.
SNOW/INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
For the safety of VLS staff, volunteers, and the veterans we serve, in case of poor weather, VLS in-person legal clinics will be cancelled when public schools in the town the legal clinic is located in are cancelled. If this happens, VLS will try to meet remotely with veterans seeking services.
If you have questions or want to confirm, please contact us at (857) 317-4474 or info@veteranslegalservices.org.
LEGAL CLINICS
Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital (Bedford VA Medical Center)
200 Springs Road, Building 80
Bedford, MA 01730
(781) 687-3077
Please call the Bedford VA at (781) 687-3077 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 is made possible in part by funding from the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which is dedicated to ensuring that our nation’s veterans, service members and their families — those who stood for us — have stable and successful futures.
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 is made possible in part by funding from the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which is dedicated to ensuring that our nation’s veterans, service members and their families — those who stood for us — have stable and successful futures.
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.
Volunteers of America Massachusetts
1419 Hancock Street
Quincy, MA 02169
439 S Union Street
Lawrence, MA 01843
(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.
Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea
91 Crest Avenue
Chelsea, MA 02150
(617) 884-5660
Please contact your Chelsea Soldiers' Home case worker to receive a referral to VLS for civil legal assistance. If you do not have a case worker, please contact VLS's office at (857) 317-4474 or info@veteranslegalservices.org.
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.
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
2025 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. These limits do not apply to veterans served through the Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (SSVF) or VA's Legal Services for Veterans grant for veterans experiencing or facing homelessness (LSV-H).
HOUSEHOLD SIZE | 300% OF FPL |
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1 | $46,950/year |
2 | $63,450/year |
3 | $79,950/year |
4 | $96,450/year |
VLS Protections and Complaint Procedure
If you are dissatisfied with the services provided by a VLS team member or volunteer you should first bring your complaint directly to that individual. If, after discussing your complaint, you are still dissatisfied, you may contact managing attorney Cindy Palmquist, at feedback@veteranslegalservices.org.
Click on the Protections and Complaint Procedure image for more information.
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Protections and Complaint Procedure