Resources for Legal Assistance and Financial System Navigation
KCLS & Solid Ground: Rent Smart Tentants’ Rights
Solid Ground’s tenant counselors offer workshops for current and future renters. Know and assert your rights as tenants, navigate the housing search and landlord screening process, protect yourself from eviction and housing loss, and learn how to get deposits back and repairs made. Online workshops will be held twice a month and will cover a variety of topics in English and Spanish. If you are currently living in King County and being threatened with eviction, contact the Housing Justice Project for legal assistance at 206.267.7069 or hjpstaff@kcba.org. Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Wed, January 8, 2025 3:00pm–4:45pm Rent Smart: Learning the Basics * Wed., Jan 22, 2025 5:00pm - 6:45pm Rent Smart: Looking for Housing-The Basics
Solid Ground: RENT SMART/¡INQUILINOS INTELIGENTES! Next: Jan 30, 2025
Spanish sessions are held monthly on Thursdays, 5:30-6:45pm on Zoom. Virtual Renters’ Rights Webinar Series presented by Solid Ground Tenant Counselors, with Tenant Law Center attorneys available to help answer question
KCLS: Free Credit Report Review Mon, Jan 6, 2025 10:00am–12:00pm View all dates Issaquah
Meet with a Hopelink financial coach on select Mondays to learn how to safely request a copy of your free credit report and then review it together. Presented by Hopelink. Can’t make the Monday drop-in hours? Email FinancialCoaching@hopelink.org or call 425.250.3003. No appointments needed. First come, first served. All events in the series: Monday, January 6, 10am-12pm * Monday, January 13, 10am-12pm * Monday, January 27, 10am-12pm
KCLS: Citizenship Test Preparation Class Mon, Jan 6, 2025 12:00pm–1:30pm View all dates Renton Highlands
Enhance your knowledge of the N400 Application for Naturalization form. Practice for the reading and writing test. Answer the U.S. History and Civics questions. Instructor Alysan Croydon, International Rescue Committee (IRC) Civics Specialist. Each class is 90 minutes long and operated on a ten-week quarter system. No class on Monday, January 20, February 10 and 17. You must be a Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) and have lived in the United States more than four years.
KCLS: Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test Mon, Jan 6, 2025 , 2:00pm–4:00pm Issaquah
These sessions will provide basic information about the United States Naturalization process. Learn about requirements and steps to becoming a U.S. Citizen. Get help preparing for the written and oral parts of the examination. For adults. Registration not required.
The Circle: Financial Education Workshop [ARABIC] Fri, Jan 17, 2025
Are you new to the US financial system and want to learn how to navigate it? This workshop offered by The Circle in a partnership with Hopelink will give you the knowledge to build a strong foundation for your financial future. You will learn the basics about banking and understand more about the world of Financial Institutions. This talk is designed to help newcomers understand and effectively use banking services in the US. Limited spots available.
The Circle: Financial Education Workshop [SPANISH] Wed, Jan 22, 2025
Are you new to the US financial system and want to learn how to navigate it? This workshop offered by The Circle in a partnership with Hopelink will give you the knowledge and skills to make financial decisions and build a strong financial foundation with confidence. Money Management: Learning how to plan and control your finances can help you manage your finances to meet your needs and desires, now and in the future. This lesson includes setting goals, setting a budget, tracking your spending, and making informed financial decisions.
ELAP: Free Wills Clinic! Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 9am - 12pm Renton
Do you have a plan for the future that includes a legal will? Get help drafting an important legal document like a Will, Advanced Directive, or Power of Attorney at ELAP's upcoming legal clinic. You may qualify if: - You live in King County - You are a low-income household. Located at Renton Senior Activity Center Clinic appointments: Appointment is required; no walk-ins. To make an appointment, call our help line: 425-747-7274 or sign up HERE
Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network
“Know Your Rights” Information Flyer in English
“Know Your Rights” Information Flyer in Spanish
PIM/VITA Free Tax Help Weekly in Renton and Everett
In partnership with the Washington State Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), PIM Savvy provides FREE IN-PERSON and DROP-OFF TAX PREPARATION throughout King and Snohomish Counties in Washington State. We ensure taxpayers maximize their refunds by claiming all credits they are eligible for, including the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Washington State’s Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC).
Solid Ground: Working Families Tax Credit Information
You can now get your Working Families Tax Credit as a prepaid debit card, which means you don’t need a bank account to get your refund. You will also have access to your money right away and can use your card to make purchases, pay bills, or get cash. You can still get your refund as a direct deposit or a paper check as well. Under the Working Families Tax Credit, Washington state individuals and families may receive up to $1,255 back if they meet certain eligibility requirements. If you didn’t get your refund last year, there’s still time to apply. TO APPLY: Working Families Tax Credit – Prepaid debit cards MORE INFO: Go to Working Families Tax Credit – Apply
Hopelink: Financial Capability Program Flyer in English * Flyer in Spanish
This program provides free, professional financial coaching to help members of our community sort through complex financial challenges and build long-term financial stability. There is no income eligibility requirement to access our services and we can also provide on-demand interpretation in multiple languages as needed. In addition to financial coaching, we also offer customizable financial education classes. We work in collaboration with many partners in the community to offer financial education classes based on topics that are most relevant to the clients they serve. We can provide classes virtually and in-person. For more information, please contact Donna O’Connor
Hopelink Financial Coach Donna O’Connor discusses what credit is and ways to use it. Watch the YouTube Video Series on how to Take Control of Your Credit! Visit here
Hopelink Financial Coaching & Education Program: If you feel overwhelmed by your financial situation or just want to learn more about how to successfully manage your money, we are here to help. Flyer English * Flyer Spanish
Drop-In Hours Every Tuesday on Zoom! Join Hopelink’s financial coach and local financial institutions every Tuesday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. for an informal session to get answers to your credit, banking, and money management questions. Interpreters are available. No registration is required
The ARC of King County Guardianship & Alternatives
In January of 2022, Washington State has revised guardianship law, which includes the new adult guardianship, conservatorship and other protective arrangements. Visit here for the new guardianship forms from King County. The Arc of King County doesn't offer any legal advice, and this section should not be taken as such. We are not able to refer you to a specific attorney or service. However, if you have further questions about how to start the process, please call us!
ELAP: Legal Clinic Topics
Talk to an attorney at one of ELAP’s free legal clinics. Legal clinics are one-time appointments to meet with an attorney to get resources or advice on a specific topic. Our new online intake tool is making it easier for people seeking legal help to apply through our website portal. Potential clients can now make a request to see if they qualify for services outside of our office hours in addition to having the option to call us during the workday.
Debt/bankruptcy: Bankruptcy, student loans, unfair debt collection, credit card debt
Domestic violence/family law: Protection orders, divorce, custody, parenting plans
Employment: Workplace issues, wage claims, benefits, discrimination
Housing: Eviction, landlord issues, discrimination
Immigration: Petitions, applications for adjustment of status or citizenship
Wills/estate planning: Wills, Advance Directive, Power of Attorney
Other: Veterans’ benefits, landlord/tenant, employment, social security benefits
King County Tenant Resource Line Opens Jan 13, 2023
The King County Tenant Resource Line will be open to King County renters M-F from 9a-1p and will be staffed by attorneys from Tenant Law Center and Housing Justice Project. You'll be able to leave a voicemail and request a call back; from a real person! There'll be interpretation service available, too. Call us if you are a renter in King County and you have received an eviction notice, a pay or vacate notice, or otherwise need legal counsel (and advice) on another residential landlord tenant matter. Number(s) to follow: Starting at 9 a.m on 1/13/23, King County, you can hit us up toll free: 1-855-485-8767 Seattle, here's the local line: 206-580-0762.
King County Immigration Fee Support Program
The King County Immigration Fee Support Program can help King County immigrants pay eligible fees associated with applying for legal status, including filing fees with U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Executive Office for Immigration Review. Immigration application costs vary from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars per applicant. When multiple family members apply for relief together, the cost burden can be insurmountable for low-income families. Applicants must be living, working, going to school in King County or currently detained in ICE facilities but previously living, working or going to school in King County in order to be eligible for support. Approved applicants can receive up to $3,000 per individual and up to $6,000 per household, depending on fees incurred or expected for the year 2022. Learn more about eligibility criteria and how to apply at kcfeesupport.org Call for support: 1-844-724-3737 (Monday to Friday from 9am – 6pm)
King County Relief Fund
The King County Relief Fund can provide financial assistance to help King County immigrants who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic but are ineligible for federal stimulus money and unemployment benefits. Approved applicants can receive $1,000. Learn more about eligibility criteria and how to apply at kingcountyrelief.org Call for support: 1-844-724-3737 (Monday to Friday from 9am – 6pm)
NWIRP: DACA General Information and Resources
The DACA Portal is a one-stop experience to get information on DACA, learn more about our free DACA renewal clinics, and register for any of these upcoming clinics.
NWIRP, through its partnership with Microsoft and with the law firm of Perkins Coie LLP, offers free monthly virtual DACA clinics to assist clients seeking to renew their DACA status. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our partners at Microsoft and Perkins Coie LLP (and all those involved in making these virtual DACA clinics possible) who continue to serve our clients during these challenging times. We HIGHLY encourage you to secure registration for a virtual DACA Renewal Clinic at least six months before the expiration date on your EAD (Employment Authorization Document/work permit) to minimize the risk of a lapse in your DACA status.
Assistance with tax support for the undocumented community at no charge, and offer language support in Spanish, Korean, Hindi, and Telugu. We can help you and your family: Legally obtain taxpayer ID numbers * Fill out basic tax forms * Set up appointments with the IRS * File final tax forms to the IRS
King County: Mediation Services for Residents, Landlords and Small Businesses
The Dispute Resolution Center of King County (DRC) is a nonprofit organization that has offered affordable mediation and conflict resolution services for individuals, businesses, and families in King County since 1986, including: Community mediation * Small Claims Court mediation * Conflict coaching * Individual consultation * Group mediation or facilitation * Information and referral * Training. Contact Marylin Littlejohn, marilynl@kcdrc.org for assistance in mediation for renters, landlords and small businesses. Open to all income levels, free for low income individuals.
Nov 2023: Info from the Dispute Resolution Center of King County about free, voluntary mediation available for tenants and landlords through Dec. 31, 2023: VISTA (Voluntary Initiative for Stable Tenancy and Affordability) is a new housing program of the DRC. VISTA assists with a wide variety of conflicts in rental housing throughout King County. Our VISTA team uses conflict coaching and mediation to prevent eviction and de-escalate conflicts to improve housing stability. What types of conflict can we help with? * Leasing Violations, including unpaid rent * Neighbor disputes such as noise, parking, and use of common spaces * Disagreements regarding property maintenance, repairs, amenities, and others. VISTA services are free for tenants and landlords through December 31, 2023. After you complete the mediation request form, a member of our team will review your situation and determine if VISTA is right for you. kcdrc.org/vista
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV)
We are creating communities where all people can live and love without fear.
Civil Legal Aid King County
If you are experiencing a crisis but can’t afford a lawyer, there is help. We are fortunate to live in a region that has many dedicated nonprofit organizations that provide free legal assistance to people of all backgrounds. If you reside in King County, this website is a resource for you.
CISC Chinese Information and Service Center Legal Clinic
One of 30 legal clinics organized by the Asian Bar Association of Washington (ABAW) and sponsored by the King County Bar Association. The purpose of the clinic is to reduce the cultural and linguistic barriers faced by community members in their efforts to participate in and access the legal protections of the American justice system. The clinic utilizes volunteer attorneys through the ABAW and Perkins Coie to assist Pro Bono Clients on family, immigration, employment, housing and discrimination issues. The Clinic operates on Tuesday evenings, 5:30-7:30pm. Contact Karia Wong at 206-957-8538 to schedule an appointment. Interpretation is provided upon request with advance notice.
King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinics Bellevue: Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00pm
The purpose of the Neighborhood Legal Clinics program (NLC) is to offer free, limited legal advice and referrals to King County residents and Washington State residents with legal issues in King County who might otherwise have no access to the legal system. It is a goal of the program to make the clinics accessible regardless of barriers such as income, education, language or disability.
King County Law Library: Recorded Webinar - Introduction to Protection Orders
Staff from the King County Superior Court Clerk’s office and the King County Law Library discuss some important procedural aspects of filing for a civil protection order.
Immigration Legal Services from World Relief Seattle
World Relief Seattle and their Immigration Legal Services team has been expanding their services to meet the needs of Kent and other nearby communities. They can serve the undocumented community, including DACA initial and renewals. Their team is multilingual in Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, & French. Postcard in English Postcard in Spanish
Northwest Justice Project (NJP) provides free legal assistance to address fundamental human needs such as housing, family safety, income security, health care, education, and more. Our work challenges structural and racial inequities to promote the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families and communities across Washington State.
Ask the Court to Waive Your Filing Fee: If you cannot afford to pay the filing fee to start a new case, use the Washington Forms Online interview to help you!. A judge will look at your financial information and decide if you qualify for a waiver under Washington Courts' General Rule 34 . Learn more HERE
Learn how to file a petition for a short term (emergency) guardianship: Use this only to file for guardianship lasting 2 months to 4 months (60 – 120 days) of a child under age 18 who is living in Washington State. #4408EN. Details HERE
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project promotes justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education. Explore the NWIRP Webinars covering various topics
Benefits Law Center provides accessible legal advocacy to people living with physical and mental disabilities so that they may obtain the resources necessary to overcome barriers to financial and medical stability. We further our mission through targeted advocacy projects that help people with Social Security disability problems.
Washington Law Help is a guide to free civil legal services for low-income persons and seniors in Washington. This site provides legal education materials and tools that give you basic information on a number of legal problems, and in some cases, detailed instructions and forms to help you represent yourself in court. You can also locate information on free legal aid programs in Washington, including basic eligibility and contact information.
Got unpaid non-criminal traffic fines? You may be able to get your license back.
Department of Homeland Security Publishes Final Public Charge Rule Sept 2022
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule on the “public charge” regulation on Sept. 8, adding critical protections to immigrant families’ access to social safety net programs, including housing. The final rule clarifies that several health and social services are not considered in a public charge determination, a decades-old test to deny temporary admission into the U.S. or deny requests to change one’s status to lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder). The final rule takes effect on December 23, 2022, and restores the historical understanding of public charge, according to which receipt of certain non-cash benefits – such as housing and Medicaid benefits – are not considered under public charge determinations.
WA DOL: ID help for the unhoused
Are you experiencing homelessness and need help getting an ID? These resources will help you get and pay for an ID. If you are experiencing homelessness, you're eligible for a no cost ID (one per lifetime) or a reduced-fee ID for $5. Anyone receiving public assistance may be eligible for an ID card at a reduced cost. Find your local Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) community services office (dshs.wa.gov). They can help you complete a Request for Identicard form that you can bring to a driver licensing office. If you're under 25-years old, you don't need a letter for a $5 ID card.
WA and King County Property Tax Relief
WA State Dept of Revenue Property tax exemptions and deferrals, available to individuals whose primary residence is located in the State of Washington
King County Assessor Office Learn more about exemptions and deferrals for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and disabled veterans. Find out how to qualify and apply.