Legal Aid Income Cap Bumped to 125% of Poverty Level
Published Date: 1/28/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 28, 2025, the Legal Services Corporation updated the income limits for people who can get free legal help. If your income is up to 125% of the federal poverty level, you qualify, and there’s a handy chart for those earning up to 200% to check if exceptions apply. This change follows the latest government poverty guidelines and helps make sure legal aid reaches those who need it most.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Free Legal Help if Income ≤125% FPG
Starting January 28, 2025, you qualify for Legal Services Corporation (LSC) free legal help if your income is up to 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For example, the 125% table lists $19,563 for a 1-person household and $67,688 for an 8-person household in the 48 contiguous States and D.C.; Alaska and Hawaii have higher listed amounts.
200% FPG Reference Chart for Exceptions
LSC also published a reference chart showing 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to help assess applicants whose income is greater than 125% but less than 200% of the Guidelines. For example, the 200% table shows $31,300 for a 1-person household and $108,300 for an 8-person household in the 48 contiguous States and D.C.; persons in this range may be considered under exceptions in 45 CFR 1611.3, 1611.4, and 1611.5.
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