Overview
Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is Washington State’s largest publicly funded legal aid program, a statewide civil law firm that provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals and families on issues affecting fundamental human needs. Each year NJP helps thousands of Washington residents navigate housing, family safety, income security, health care, education, and more, at no cost to eligible clients.
For families navigating disability services, NJP is one of the most important resources to know about. Benefit denials, evictions, fair housing violations, special education disputes, guardianship questions, and DSHS appeals are all areas where NJP can provide real legal help, not just information, but actual advice and representation when you qualify.
NJP is not a general-purpose legal help line. It handles civil legal matters only, it does not assist with criminal cases. But for the civil legal issues that most commonly affect low-income families navigating disability services, NJP covers an unusually broad range.
Who It’s For
Low-income Washington State residents, generally those with household income at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $19,088/year for a single person in 2026). Some programs accept higher income thresholds for specific case types including domestic violence, veterans’ issues, and disaster relief.
Income is screened during intake, don’t assume you don’t qualify without calling. NJP also serves individuals regardless of immigration status for many case types.
What NJP Can Help With
NJP specializes in civil legal problems affecting basic human needs. For CAA families, the most relevant areas include:
Housing
- Eviction defense and eviction prevention
- Tenant rights and landlord disputes
- Fair housing violations — including disability discrimination and reasonable accommodation denials
- Unsafe housing conditions
- Mortgage foreclosure
Government Benefits
- DSHS benefit denials, reductions, or terminations — including DDA services, Apple Health, and SNAP
- SSI/SSDI application support and appeals
- Appealing government agency decisions affecting income or services
Special Education
- IEP disputes and special education rights under IDEA
- School discipline and placement issues
- Advocacy for students with disabilities in educational settings
Family Law
- Domestic violence protective orders and legal safety planning
- Family law cases involving domestic violence or child abuse
- Guardianship and legal decision-making for adults with disabilities
Health
- Insurance coverage disputes
- Access to health care and Medicaid issues
Consumer and Debt
- Debt collection harassment
- Illegal debt practices
Immigration
- Immigration status issues affecting access to benefits or housing
- Deportation defense in certain circumstances
Record Vacating
- Assistance clearing eligible criminal records under Washington’s New Hope Act — important for individuals whose record creates a barrier to employment or housing
Civil Rights
- Disability discrimination
- Fair housing rights enforcement
How to Get Help — Two Entry Points
Option 1 — CLEAR Hotline (Primary Entry Point)
CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education Advice and Referral) is NJP’s statewide legal hotline — the main entry point for most clients outside King County. Call CLEAR for free legal advice, rights information, self-help materials, and referrals to other legal aid programs or volunteer lawyers. Complex cases are routed from CLEAR to NJP regional offices for direct representation.
CLEAR: 1-888-201-1014
Hours: Weekdays, 9:15 AM–12:15 PM
Seniors (age 60+): Call CLEAR*Sr at 1-888-387-7111 — statewide, same hours
Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Speech Impaired: Call CLEAR using the relay service of your choice, or dial 711 first
If you have a legal deadline in the next few days: Apply online first, then call CLEAR immediately during hotline hours.
Option 2 — Apply Online
Complete NJP’s online application to begin the screening process. Particularly useful for eviction, debt, government benefits, and special education cases — NJP will call you if you appear eligible and your issue falls into one of these priority areas.
Washington LawHelp — Free Self-Help Legal Resources
Even if you don’t qualify for direct NJP representation, Washington LawHelp — maintained by NJP — is a free library of plain-language legal information, videos, court forms, and do-it-yourself packets covering a wide range of civil legal issues. Topics include:
- Family law
- Housing and eviction
- Public benefits and DSHS appeals
- Money and debt
- Domestic violence and anti-harassment
- Immigration
- Civil rights and disability
- Youth law and education
- Employment rights
Available in: English, Spanish, and multiple other languages.
Other Washington Legal Aid Resources
Columbia Legal Services
Statewide impact advocacy focused on systemic legal issues affecting low-income Washingtonians — farmworkers, people experiencing homelessness, individuals with disabilities, and others. Partners with NJP on many Eastern Washington cases.
columbialegal.org
Disability Rights Washington
Free legal advocacy specifically for people with disabilities in Washington State. Handles ADA discrimination, fair housing, special education, and disability rights violations.
(800) 562-2702 | disabilityrightswa.org
Washington State Bar Association Lawyer Referral
For individuals who don’t qualify for legal aid but need a reduced-cost attorney. Referral service connecting people to attorneys for a reduced initial consultation fee.
(206) 443-9722 | wsba.org
Northwest Justice Project | CLEAR Hotline: 1-888-201-1014 | Apply Online | Washington LawHelp | Disability Rights Washington
FAQ
Does NJP handle criminal cases?
No. NJP provides civil legal assistance only, housing, benefits, family law, education, and related issues. For criminal defense, contact the Benton or Franklin County Public Defender if you cannot afford an attorney.
What if I’m slightly over the income limit?
Call CLEAR anyway and explain your situation. Some case types have higher income thresholds, and NJP may be able to refer you to a reduced-cost attorney or provide self-help resources even if direct representation isn’t available.
Can NJP help me appeal a DDA or DSHS decision?
Yes, government benefits appeals, including DDA service denials and DSHS decisions, are within NJP’s scope. Apply online or call CLEAR to discuss your specific situation. Also see the How to Appeal a Denied Service or Benefit page → for the step-by-step process.
Can NJP help with a special education dispute?
Yes, special education is one of NJP’s priority areas. If your family has a dispute with your child’s school over IEP services, placement, or disability-related accommodations, call CLEAR or apply online. Also see Washington PAVE for free family advocacy support specifically in special education.
Is NJP available in Spanish and other languages?
Yes. NJP’s website and Washington LawHelp are available in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Russian, and Somali. ASL support is also available. Tell the CLEAR intake staff what language you need.
What if my legal issue is urgent — like an eviction hearing tomorrow?
Apply online immediately, then call CLEAR at 1-888-201-1014 during hotline hours (weekdays 9:15 AM–12:15 PM) and explain the urgency. Courts sometimes have emergency legal help available at the courthouse on the day of a hearing. Ask the courthouse clerk when you arrive.
