Free legal help for veterans in Illinois
Personal Injury - November 9, 2023 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
Taking care of those who have sacrificed so much
As a veteran, you risked your life for the rights of people in the U.S. Now, you find yourself fighting for your rights, whether it’s trying to get benefits you’re entitled to, resolving a family legal affair, or getting a criminal record expunged.
Many veterans have limited financial resources and may not have access to high-quality legal representation. Fortunately, there are options for free veteran legal help. The Chicago personal injury attorneys with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates have information about free and low-cost legal services for veterans in the greater Chicagoland area and the state of Illinois.
Free veteran legal services for Illinois veterans and their families
These are some of our top picks for free veteran legal services for vets, active service members, and their families. Some offer purely pro bono (free) legal aid, while others may charge on a sliding scale.
Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network
The Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network helps thousands of veterans and their families each year. It provides civil legal help for vets through a network of 10+ legal aid organizations and law school clinics across the state.
Some of the issues that attorneys can help qualified veterans and families with include:
- Discharge upgrades
- VA or SSI/SSDI benefits appeals
- Family law, including divorce, child custody, and support issues
- Housing concerns, like foreclosure help or landlord problems
- Consumer affairs issues
You can call 855-IL-AFLAN (855-452-3526) to speak with a lawyer.
Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD)
For veterans who are in a housing crisis, either about to be evicted or facing foreclosure, the free legal aid services at Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) may help. It also helps those who are being sued by someone to whom they owe a debt or who need help recovering money owed them by filing a lawsuit.
This organization is open to qualifying Cook County veterans. They may also be able to help with property tax concerns or troubles with your deed. You can call (855) 956-5763 for assistance or chat with a representative online.
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) Veterans’ Legal Aid
This is part of a national nonprofit organization with a mission of providing quality legal representation for veterans and their families. IDVA specifically focuses on helping veterans pursue appeals of denied VA claims, representing the case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).
It can also help veterans with their discharge status, upgrading it so that they have access to a better array of benefits.
Nicholas J. Murphy Military Legal Clinic
This veterans’ service organization is part of the Nicholas J. Murphy Foundation. It offers free and pro bono legal aid services to veterans and active service members as well as reduced-rate services to military families.
The Military Legal Clinic focuses on family law, helping veterans and military families with divorce, child support and custody, and other aspects of family law. The services are mainly provided in Peoria, Bloomington, and throughout Central Illinois.
Those in need can find out more about how a family law attorney can help by calling (309) 674-5551.
University of Illinois Chicago Veterans Legal Clinic (VLC)
The UIC VLC offers help for veterans who have been denied VA benefits claims. The clinic is primarily staffed with law students who are passionate about protecting veterans’ rights. The organization represents veterans no matter what type of discharge they have and may also help change their discharge status.
You can find out more by calling (855) 452-3526 or via email at [email protected].
Legal help for those who served their country
If you’re having trouble with civil legal matters, appealing a denied claim from the VA, or securing your SSI or SSDI benefits, one of these organizations may be able to help you find relief. Illinois Legal Aid can help you find attorneys who represent veterans on a pro bono or sliding scale basis.
The entire legal team at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates would like to wish a happy Veterans Day to all our Illinois veterans and their families, thanking them for their service to our country.
