Legal Services

Community Legal Clinics in Ontario: Free Help for Low-Income Residents

If you have a low income, a community legal clinic may help you for free. Here is what they do and how to reach one.

A wooden bookcase filled with lots of books

Ontario has a network of community legal clinics, funded mainly by Legal Aid Ontario, that give free legal help to people with low income.

The short answer

Clinics help with "poverty law" issues: tenant problems, ODSP and Ontario Works, employment standards, human rights, some immigration and more. Contact the clinic that serves your area, or a specialty clinic, and ask whether you qualify.

What clinics help with

  • Housing: evictions, repairs, rent increases
  • Income support: ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP Disability, EI
  • Employment: unpaid wages, employment standards
  • Human rights
  • Some immigration and consumer issues

Who qualifies

Ornate classical building facade with columns and windows

Clinics have financial eligibility rules based on income and assets, and each sets its own priorities depending on demand.

Specialty clinics

Some clinics focus on particular groups or issues, such as tenants, workers, people with disabilities, seniors or specific communities.

Finding your clinic

Use Legal Aid Ontario's clinic directory, or call Legal Aid Ontario.

When a clinic can't help

Clinics may refer you to other services, including the Law Society Referral Service, or a private lawyer or paralegal.

Act quickly

Many legal problems have short deadlines. Contact a clinic as soon as the problem arises.

Talk to NEO

Not sure where to start? Book a free first consultation with NEO. Call 647-200-3526 or toll-free 888-519-2435, email info@neolegalservices.com, or book a free consultation.

Sources

Read next: Duty Counsel: Free Legal Help at the Courthouse

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 16 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Unsplash: a wooden bookcase filled with lots of books · Ornate classical building facade with columns and windows.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.

Not sure where you stand? A licensed paralegal can look at your documents and tell you your options.

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Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
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