Getting started.
Who this helps
Available to Maine residents with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (and below 125% after deductions like housing costs). No charge for services. Free interpreters available for non-English speakers.
How to get started
Call during call-in hours (Mon 12–2:30 PM, Tue & Thu 9–11:30 AM) to speak with an intake specialist. You can also walk in to regional offices during posted hours. PTLA will assess your situation and determine if they can provide advice, brief services, or full representation. Every Tuesday at 9 AM they host an eviction information session.
How they can help.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance has provided free civil legal services to low-income Mainers since 1967. They are Maine's oldest and largest legal aid organization, with offices across the state. PTLA helps people facing eviction, unsafe housing conditions, domestic violence, denial of public benefits, and other civil legal problems. They do not handle criminal cases.
- Eviction defense and tenant rights representation
- Unsafe housing and habitability complaints
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Public benefits appeals (SNAP, MaineCare, SSI/SSDI)
- Consumer debt and utility shutoff prevention
- Immigration legal services
- Self-help guides and legal information online
What to have ready.
Any court papers or notices you've received, lease or rental agreement, correspondence related to your legal issue, and proof of income for eligibility screening.
Call with your questions