Community Legal Services – Philadelphia

 

Contact Info:

• Phone: (215) 981-3700

• Email: info@clsphila.org

• Website: https://clsphila.org

• Center City Office: 1424 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

• North Philadelphia Office: 1410 W. Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19140

• Landlord-Tenant Help Center: 1339 Chestnut Street, 10th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

What to Expect When You Contact Them:

1. Initial Contact
   Call their intake line at (215) 981-3700. You may need to leave a message; an advocate will return your call.

2. Eligibility Screening
   CLS serves low-income residents of Philadelphia. Your income must generally be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level (exceptions may apply).

3. Intake Process
   Intake is done by phone. You’ll be asked about your legal issue, income, and household details. No walk-ins are currently accepted.

4. Service Assignment
   Depending on your issue and eligibility, CLS may offer:

   • Full legal representation

   • Brief advice

   • Referrals to other legal aid providers

 

Services Provided:

 

CLS offers free legal help in the following areas:

• Public Benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security, etc.)

• Employment (unpaid wages, discrimination, wrongful termination)

• Housing (evictions, unsafe conditions, foreclosure defense)

• Debt & Consumer Rights (collections, credit reports, scams)

• Utilities (LIHEAP, shutoffs, weatherization)

• Family Law (custody, protection from abuse, bereavement)

• Criminal Records (expungements, employment barriers)

• Senior Issues (benefits, housing, healthcare access)

 

How It Can Help You:

• Prevent eviction or utility shutoffs

• Restore access to benefits like SNAP or Medicaid

• Resolve employment disputes or wage theft

• Clear criminal records to improve job prospects

• Protect vulnerable seniors and families

• Advocate for systemic change in policies affecting low-income residents