There are several different ways in which an organization may be able to provide help:

• Full Representation by a lawyer or a legal advocate in court or at a hearing at a government agency
• Brief Advice in person or over the telephone 
• Pro Se Legal Clinic where you are shown how to "help yourself" with a particular legal problem
• Self-Help Materials such as educational factsheets and brochures
• Other workshops and other services

Some organizations have income guidelines that you must meet to receive assistance.  If you have an income higher than the income guidelines, you may not qualify for assistance.  Income guidelines usually appear as a percentage of the federal poverty guidelines or as an income amount (example: $18,000/year).  A personal asset may also affect whether you qualify for assistance.  AlabamaLegalHelp.org does not guarantee that you will be able to receive assistance from an organization even if you meet its income guidelines.

The chart below shows the income guidelines most often used by legal services organizations, 125% to 200% of the federal poverty level.  The amounts listed are rounded to the nearest dollar.  "Family size" is the total number of people in the household.

2009/2010 Federal Poverty Guidelines

Family size	125%	200%
1	$1,128/month	$1,805/month
2	$1,518/month	$2,428/month
3	$1,907/month	$3,052/month
4	$2,297/month	$3,675/month
5	$2,686/month	$4,298/month
6	$3,076/month	$4,922/month
7	$3,466/month	$5,545/month
8	$3,855/month	$6,168/month
Each Additional Houshold Member	Add $390	Add $623

Some organizations may make exceptions for seniors, people who are HIV positive, or people experiencing domestic violence.

Some organizations also take into account expenses such as childcare, medical bills and debts.

Some organizations only serve special groups such as:

• Children 
• Seniors 
• People who are HIV positive or related to those with HIV. 
• People experiencing domestic violence.

Be sure to look at these other requirements carefully before contacting an organization.