ELIGIBILITY
DC Affordable Law Firm generally serves individuals and families whose household income level is within 200% - 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, offering a range of free and low-cost legal services.
How We Determine Eligibility
DC Affordable Law Firm generally serves individuals and families with household income levels up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. You may qualify for our services if your monthly or annual income falls within the range listed in the chart, based on household size.
We encourage you to complete an intake to see if you are eligible for services from DC Affordable Law Firm.
> This income chart reflects 2025 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines; DCALF updates our eligibility screening tools as these figures are updated by the Federal government and local funders.
Free and Affordable Service Options
Most DC residents within our service income range qualify for free legal services from DC Affordable Law Firm.
Free legal assistance from DCALF is available in all areas of legal practice, based on residency and household income.
If a person does not qualify for DCALF’s free legal services, DCALF offers affordable consultations for $200 or less, based on household size, income, and residency. In some cases, fees may be waived depending on available funding and the type of legal issue.
A consultation is the first step in understanding your particular situation and legal needs.
Once you conduct an intake through our website or by telephone, DCALF attorneys will schedule a consultation meeting with you to review your particular situation. During a consultation meeting, our attorneys will learn more about your particular situation and provide you with tailored guidance and information to understand how the law applies to your needs. All legal consultations are confidential to safeguard your privacy.
Following a consultation, DC Affordable Law Firm attorneys will work with you to explore your legal options and determine the level of support that best fits your needs and the strength of your case.
DCALF attorneys will work with you to discuss opportunities for you to receive further assistance from DCALF, based on your particular needs and merits of your legal claim.
In many cases, if you and DCALF agree to continue working together, DCALF can provide ongoing support at no cost to you, based on your continued eligibility for our services.
If you do not qualify for DCALF’s free legal services, we offer clear and predictable payment options for ongoing assistance. We will explain the maximum monthly and overall costs specific to your case type and scope of representation so you can understand your full options before entering into a continuing relationship with DC Affordable Law Firm.
Please click the Client Intake tab to complete an online intake or contact our office at (202) 844-5430 with any questions regarding eligibility for DC Affordable Law Firm’s services or to complete an intake in a language other than English, Spanish, or Tigrinya.
“From the very first consultation, the DCALF attorneys made me feel heard and validated. They acknowledged my pain and the injustice I had experienced, and supported my desire to pursue a just outcome…. My attorneys listened attentively to my fears and concerns, provided answers and insights to resolve my questions and points of confusion, and supported my goals every step of the way. Despite the uncertainty and fear that often consumed me throughout the process, I knew that I had DCALF on my side….I remain and will continue to be extremely grateful for DCALF and the services they provide to the people who need them most.”
— Mrs. M, DCALF Client