The Economic Impact of Civil Legal Aid

The fundamental mission of civil legal aid is to ensure fairness in our legal system by providing access to justice. The economic benefits it generates are substantial and undeniable.

For every $1 invested, civil legal aid returns an average of $7. 

How Civil Legal Aid Delivers Return on Investment:

Protects families’ housing and financial stability by preventing wrongful evictions, foreclosures, and unfair debt collection. Helps domestic violence survivors secure protective orders, safe housing, and financial support, reducing the risk of homelessness and future violence.

Empowers self-reliance by ensuring American workers receive lawfully earned wages, veterans’ benefits, and Social Security payments, directly increasing economic contributions. 

Lower costs for emergency shelters, healthcare, social services, emergency financial assistance, and law enforcement by resolving legal issues early and preventing crises before they require government intervention.

Legal aid fuels economic growth. Every dollar secured through legal aid circulates through local businesses, increasing spending, job retention, and overall economic stability. 

*Information provided by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). LSC is the single largest funder of civil legal aid in the country. LSC promotes equal access to justice by funding high-quality civil legal assistance for low-income Americans.