Who provides free eviction lawyers for seniors?

Use LSC and LawHelp.org to find free or low-cost legal aid in your county. In some areas, HUD’s Eviction Protection Grant Program providers and Right to Counsel policies also offer no-cost representation.

Does 211 actually help with rent and eviction?

Yes. 211 connects you to active local rental and utility assistance, legal aid, and eviction diversion programs, and can provide phone numbers and application links.

What is eviction diversion or mediation?

A court-connected program that pauses or avoids a formal judgment while tenants and landlords negotiate payment plans or settlements, often paired with rental assistance.

How do seniors request a reasonable accommodation?

Tell your landlord or the court that you have a disability and need a change, such as a new hearing date or communication through a caregiver. Put the request in writing and keep proof. If denied, you can file a complaint with HUD Fair Housing.

Is there special eviction prevention help for Veterans?

Yes. VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) funds eviction prevention and rapid rehousing, and in some areas offers a shallow subsidy to reduce rent burden.

Can past-due utilities lead to eviction, and who helps?

Utility shutoffs can trigger lease violations. Apply for LIHEAP through your state office to cover heating and cooling bills and arrears.

Where can seniors find a HUD-approved housing counselor?

Use the CFPB/HUD counselor finder or call HUD’s 800-569-4287 hotline. Many agencies help renters with budgeting, landlord negotiation, and eviction prevention.

Facing eviction on a fixed income? You still have options—today. This guide gives seniors and caregivers a one-hour plan, the phone numbers that matter (211, legal aid, Eldercare), and the local programs—from housing counselors to utility aid—that can slow or stop an eviction. Start with the quick answer below.

Quick answer: who to call today to stop/slow an eviction

Dial 211 and say: “I’m a senior behind on rent. I need emergency rent help, legal aid, and eviction diversion/mediation.” They’ll route you to local rent/utility programs and legal resources. (Call 211 or use 211.org). 211.org 211.org
Find free legal help through LSC or LawHelp.org (enter ZIP). Ask for eviction defense and any HUD EPGP-funded provider in your county. lsc.gov LawHelp hudexchange.info
Call your AAA via the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116) for senior-specific case management and connections to ADRCs and local benefits. eldercare.acl.gov ACL Administration for Community Living
Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor (often free) for help with budgeting, landlord negotiation, and locating assistance. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Apply for LIHEAP if utilities are past due—shutoffs can trigger eviction. Use the state finder to apply. LIHEAP
Veterans: Ask VA SSVF about prevention or shallow subsidy options. Veterans Affairs+1

Sources last checked: September 9, 2025 — 211, CFPB, LSC/LawHelp, Eldercare Locator/ACL, HUD EPGP, LIHEAP, VA SSVF. 211.org Consumer Financial Protection Bureau lsc.gov LawHelp eldercare.acl.gov hudexchange.info LIHEAP Veterans Affairs

Bottom line: Make three calls today—211, legal aid, Eldercare (800-677-1116)—and start a LIHEAP application if utilities are behind. 211.org lsc.gov eldercare.acl.gov LIHEAP

The 60-minute plan (what to do in the next hour)

Minute 0–10: Gather your papers (lease, notices, ID, income proof, utility bills, medical/disability documentation).
Minute 10–25: Dial 211 → ask for eviction prevention, legal aid, rental assistance, LIHEAP, and mediation/diversion hotlines. Request names, case numbers, and email addresses. 211.org
Minute 25–40: Use LSC/LawHelp.org to identify legal aid and submit an intake (many allow phone or online). lsc.gov LawHelp
Minute 40–55: Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116) → ask to speak to your Area Agency on Aging for case management and help completing applications. eldercare.acl.gov
Minute 55–60: If you have a court date, set calendar reminders, note the location, and draft a reasonable accommodation request if disability affects deadlines/attendance. hudexchange.info

Bottom line: Speed matters. Document every call and apply everywhere at once—that’s how approvals happen.

Core local resources for seniors (what they do + how to reach them)

211 (rent/utility aid & referrals)

What it does: Local navigators connect you to rent help, eviction prevention, utility assistance, and food—often the fastest way to find programs open right now. How to reach: Dial 211 or search online. 211.org
Why it helps: Programs change weekly; 211 tracks what’s active in your county. 211.org
Bottom line: Start here to map all local options in one call.

Free legal help (LSC-funded legal aid, LawHelp.org, and HUD EPGP)

What it does: Free/low-cost eviction defense, negotiation, and court representation for eligible tenants; some cities fund Right to Counsel. How to reach: Use LSC or LawHelp.org to find your local provider; ask about EPGP-funded services. lsc.gov LawHelp hudexchange.info
Bottom line: Lawyers change outcomes. Ask for help before your hearing. (HUD’s EPGP funds no-cost legal services to prevent evictions.) HUD User

HUD-approved housing counselors

What they do: Certified counselors help renters with budgeting, landlord communication, eviction prevention, and referrals; many services are free. How to reach: CFPB/HUD counselor finder or HUD’s hotline 800-569-4287. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau HUD.gov
Bottom line: A counselor can help you negotiate a payment plan while legal aid works your case.

Eldercare Locator & ADRCs

What they do: Connects you to your Area Agency on Aging for case management, home-delivered meals, transportation, and benefits navigation. ADRCs are “no wrong door” entry points for long-term services and supports. How to reach: Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116); ask for your AAA/ADRC. eldercare.acl.gov ACL Administration for Community Living
Bottom line: If you’re overwhelmed, AAAs/ADRCs can coordinate multiple applications for you.

Veterans: SSVF

What it does: Prevents eviction and funds rapid rehousing for eligible Veteran households; in some places offers Shallow Subsidy to reduce rent burden. How to reach: VA SSVF local providers. Veterans Affairs+1
Bottom line: If any household member is a Veteran, call SSVF immediately.

Utilities: LIHEAP

Why now: Utility shutoffs can speed up eviction. LIHEAP pays heating/cooling bills and arrears; apply through your state office. How to reach: LIHEAP state finder; some states accept online applications. LIHEAP USAGov
Bottom line: Keep utilities on while you work the rent side.

Eviction diversion & mediation: ask your court and 211

Many cities and courts run eviction diversion or pre-filing mediation programs that can pause filings, set payment plans, and connect you with rent help. Ask 211 or the court clerk if your court requires mediation before filing and how to enroll. U.S. Department of the Treasury National League of Cities

Bottom line: Diversion = time + a plan. It can keep an eviction off your record while you stabilize. U.S. Department of the Treasury

Requesting a reasonable accommodation (disability)

If a disability affects your ability to meet deadlines, attend court, or comply with lease terms, you may request a reasonable accommodation (e.g., new hearing date; communication via caregiver; different rent-due timing). Ask in writing and keep proof. File a Fair Housing complaint if denied and you believe it’s discriminatory. hudexchange.info HUD.gov

How to file a fair housing complaint: Online or by phone (HUD FHEO: 1-800-669-9777). HUD.gov

Bottom line: Accommodation requests can pause or adjust the process so you’re not penalized for disability-related issues. hudexchange.info

Checklist: Eviction Response Pack for Seniors (30–60 minutes)

Photo ID(s); proof of age (if 62+ programs apply).
Lease and any notices (pay-or-quit, court summons).
Rent ledger or list of payments made; bank statements.
Income proof: Social Security/SSI award letter, pension.
Utility bills/shutoff notices (for LIHEAP). LIHEAP
Medical/disability documentation (for accommodation requests). hudexchange.info
Contacts list: landlord, court clerk, 211, legal aid, AAA/ADRC, housing counselor. 211.org lsc.gov eldercare.acl.gov Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Case numbers from any applications; keep a simple log.

Bottom line: A complete packet makes it easier for counselors, lawyers, and judges to help you—fast.

Comparison table: Which program fits your situation?

Resource	What it does	Speed	How to reach	Best for
211	Maps local rent/utility help, legal aid, diversion	Same day referrals	Dial 211 or 211.org	Anyone needing where to apply now. 211.org
Legal aid (LSC/LawHelp)	Free eviction defense/negotiation	Intake in days; emergency triage faster	LSC & LawHelp ZIP tools	Court cases, notices, lockouts. lsc.gov LawHelp
HUD EPGP grantees	HUD-funded no-cost legal services	Varies by locality	Ask 211/legal aid	Areas with active EPGP funding. HUD User
Housing counselors	Budgeting, landlord talks, referral help	Often same week	CFPB/HUD counselor finder; 800-569-4287	Payment plans, organizing docs. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau HUD.gov
AAA/ADRC	Case management; benefits; aging supports	Varies; can coordinate	Eldercare 800-677-1116	Seniors needing multi-program help. eldercare.acl.gov ACL Administration for Community Living
LIHEAP	Pays energy bills/arrears	Weeks (emergency faster)	State LIHEAP finder	Preventing utility-triggered evictions. LIHEAP
VA SSVF	Eviction prevention / rapid rehousing; shallow subsidy	Varies; can be rapid	VA SSVF local providers	Veteran households. Veterans Affairs+1

Bottom line: Use 211 to map options, legal aid to protect your rights, counselors to negotiate, and LIHEAP/SSVF to plug urgent budget holes.

If a court date is set: scripts, timelines, and what to say

Always attend — missing court leads to default judgments.
Script: “Your Honor, I’m a senior on a fixed income. I have active applications with 211, legal aid, [LIHEAP], and [AAA]. I’m requesting time to finalize assistance and propose a payment plan. I can provide documentation and case numbers.”
Ask about diversion/mediation and reasonable accommodation if health affects attendance or deadlines. U.S. Department of the Treasury hudexchange.info
Bring proof of every application; ask the court how to submit updates before the next hearing.

Bottom line: Showing good-faith action plus pending aid can earn continuances or settlements.

Avoid scams & know your fair housing rights

Never pay anyone who “guarantees” eviction dismissal or a voucher; use .gov sites, PHA/AAA, LSC/LawHelp, and HUD-approved counselors. lsc.gov Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
If you suspect discrimination (e.g., denial of accommodation; different treatment because of protected class), file with HUD FHEO or your state civil rights agency. FHEO: 1-800-669-9777. HUD.gov USAGov

Bottom line: Stick to official channels and report discrimination promptly.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information, not legal or financial advice. Eviction law varies by state/city. Always verify details with your local court, legal aid, or a licensed attorney.

Key resources & phone numbers (bookmark)

211 — community referrals for rent/utility help and legal aid. 211.org
Eldercare Locator → your Area Agency on Aging (AAA)/ADRC: 800-677-1116. eldercare.acl.gov
HUD-approved housing counselors (renters included): Find a counselor or call 800-569-4287. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau HUD.gov
Legal Services Corporation & LawHelp.org — find free/low-cost eviction defense. lsc.gov LawHelp
LIHEAP (utility assistance): state finder. LIHEAP
HUD Fair Housing (FHEO) complaint line: 1-800-669-9777. HUD.gov
Veterans: VA SSVF providers (eviction prevention/rapid rehousing). Veterans Affairs
CFPB renter hub (step-by-steps): “Help for renters.” Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

3–5 takeaways & next steps

Takeaways

Act today: 211 + legal aid + Eldercare (AAA/ADRC) → fastest path to real help. 211.org lsc.gov eldercare.acl.gov
Ask for mediation/diversion and reasonable accommodations to gain time and avoid a judgment. U.S. Department of the Treasury hudexchange.info
Plug utility arrears with LIHEAP; veterans should contact SSVF. LIHEAP Veterans Affairs
Use official channels (HUD/CFPB/LSC) and report fair housing violations. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau lsc.gov HUD.gov

Next steps

Make the three core calls (211, legal aid, Eldercare).
Start LIHEAP and counselor intake today.
Prepare your Eviction Response Pack and bring it to every meeting/hearing.

FAQ section

Q: How can seniors stop an eviction quickly?

Call 211 for local rent help and legal referrals, contact LSC-funded legal aid or LawHelp.org for free eviction defense, and ask your court about diversion/mediation. If disability affects deadlines, request a reasonable accommodation in writing.

1) How can seniors stop an eviction quickly?
Call 211 for local rent help and legal referrals, contact LSC/LawHelp.org for free legal aid, and ask your court about eviction diversion/mediation. If disability affects deadlines, request a reasonable accommodation. 211.org lsc.gov U.S. Department of the Treasury hudexchange.info

2) Who provides free lawyers for eviction cases?
Check LSC-funded legal aid in your area and LawHelp.org. Some places also have HUD’s Eviction Protection Grant Program providers and Right to Counsel policies for eligible tenants. lsc.gov LawHelp hudexchange.info

3) Does 211 actually help with rent?
Yes—211 connects you to active local rent/utility programs and social services; they can also direct you to LIHEAP and legal aid. 211.org

4) What is eviction diversion?
A court-connected mediation approach that helps landlords and tenants make payment plans or settlements before judgment, often paired with rental assistance. Ask your court or 211 if it’s available. U.S. Department of the Treasury

5) How do I request a reasonable accommodation?
Tell your landlord/court you have a disability and need a change (e.g., new date, communication method). Put it in writing and keep proof. If denied, file a complaint with HUD FHEO (1-800-669-9777). hudexchange.info HUD.gov

6) I’m a Veteran. Is there special help?
Yes. VA SSVF offers eviction prevention and rapid rehousing; some areas provide Shallow Subsidy rent support. Veterans Affairs+1

7) My utilities are past due—can that cause eviction?
Utility shutoffs can lead to lease violations or uninhabitable conditions. LIHEAP can help pay bills/arrears through your state office. LIHEAP

8) Where can seniors find a housing counselor?
Use CFPB/HUD’s counselor finder or call HUD’s 800-569-4287 hotline. Many agencies assist renters with eviction prevention. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau HUD.gov

Prevent Eviction: Local Help for Seniors (2025 Guide)