VETERANS

Austin Bar Veterans Assistance Programs

CLICK HERE to complete an online intake application and apply for our services.
Veterans can also complete an intake application via phone. Call 512.472.0279 x110 to see if you qualify.

The Austin Bar Association's Veterans Legal Assistance Program (VLAP) organizes a free legal advice clinic each month. Dates vary. Please see our Events section to preview upcoming dates. You will need to schedule an appointment. Attorney volunteers are able to provide brief legal advice.

Funders

The Austin Bar Foundation’s Veterans Legal Assistance Program is funded by grants from Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF), Funds for Veterans Assistance from the Texas Veterans Commission, the Texas Bar Foundation, the Central Texas Community Foundation, and support from the board of directors and members of the Austin Bar Association who volunteer their pro bono services through our program.

In addition, the Austin Bar may be able to provide additional legal assistance to veterans who qualify. Every veteran who attends the Free Legal Advice Clinic for Veterans (whether in-person or virtual) must complete an intake application in order to verify qualification.

Legal advice is provided in the following areas: divorce, child support, custody, consumer, contracts, criminal, wills, estate planning, guardianship, probate, housing, landlord/tenant, and bankruptcy.

If you are an income ineligible veteran seeking assistance for legal matters unrelated to military issues (divorce, business start-up, drafting a will or an estate plan, criminal matters, etc.), call the Lawyer Referral Service to find out if you qualify for a 20% discount on legal work. To find a lawyer in the Austin area, call 512-472-8303, or 866-303-8303.

Texas Veterans Commission
Do you have a question about your benefits or discharge? TVC has four districts in Texas to meet your needs. Contact accredited benefits advisors at 512-463-6564 for more information.

Texas Legal Services Hotline for Veterans
Low-income veterans and their families may be eligible to receive referrals to and/or legal advice from a licensed attorney.
800.622.2520

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
This agency has a local veterans program where they provide advice and services to veterans who are on a certain income level.

Texas Legal Services Center
This is a state veterans program. For more information, call 512.374.2753.

Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas
Legal advice is available by calling 512-476-5550 or visit their website: https://www.vlsoct.org/

Financial Aid Guide for Military Service Members
This guide from AffordableColleges.com provides information on financial aid opportunities for veterans and active duty military students and their families.  The guide covers three of the most critical issues for students:

• A handpicked list of 70+ scholarships for veterans and active duty service members;
   
• How to fill out FAFSA as a veteran and maximize your federal financial aid package; and
   
• A breakdown of the most common benefits available to veterans.

Substance Abuse Rehab for Veterans
Help.org has compiled information to walk you through each step of the process – from learning about substance abuse treatment programs to accessing treatment. They also provide additional resources, hotlines, and funding programs to supplement or help make treatment possible.