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Civil Legal Aid is a Lifeline in the COVID-19 Crisis
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The pandemic has created many new civil legal needs in Washington. Legal aid programs are ready to help low-income people and displaced workers affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Find free resources to address your legal issue:
For general information and assistance:
- Go to Northwest Justice Project's Know Your Rights Guide to COVID-19
Find current information on how the pandemic is impacting the court system, housing payments, public benefits, employment, insurance, debt, student loans, consumer protection, and more. The page is on WashingtonLawHelp.org, which provides legal information and resources on many types of civil legal problems, forms and instructions for self-representation, and referral information on free legal aid services across Washington.
- Call the CLEAR statewide hotline
Depending on eligibility and type of problem, you can speak directly to a Northwest Justice Project (NJP) advocate to receive telephonic advice and assistance, limited services (i.e. negotiation or document preparation), and/or referral to an NJP regional office or other legal aid attorney.- Outside of King County, call 1-888-201-1014 toll-free (weekdays between 9:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.)
- In King County, call 2-1-1 to be referred to the appropriate legal aid provider
- Seniors (age 60 and over) statewide can also call 1-888-387-7111
For help with unemployment benefits or paid family and medical leave:
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Contact the Unemployment Law Project (ULP)
If you have been denied benefits, or have questions about your eligibility due to layoffs, reduced hours, or illness, ULP can provide free advice and representation over the phone and in multiple languages.-
Call 206-441-9178 or toll-free at 1-888-441-9178
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Watch a Q&A webinar on COVID-19 and unemployment
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For local aid with housing, domestic violence, debt, veterans and elder care, and more:
- Connect with your area pro bono program.
Attorneys continue to volunteer their services remotely, providing free clinics, advice and counsel, and referrals, through 16 local legal aid programs around the state. See the Washington State Pro Bono Council roster for service areas and contact information, or call CLEAR.