South Carolina Legal Services
Free civil legal help for eligible residents, plus self help tools such as an Order of Protection program.
Official page: sclegal.org/contact-us
Free Legal and Tenant Help in South Carolina: Evictions, Benefits and Court
Where to find free legal help in South Carolina: South Carolina Legal Services, rental help through 211, HUD housing counseling, court self help, and legal clinics at shelters.
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Hi friend. If you got an eviction notice or a court paper, do not ignore it. Free help exists, and acting early gives you more choices.
Quick answers
How do I get free legal help?
South Carolina Legal Services gives free help with many civil, non criminal problems to eligible low income residents. Call the intake line at 888 346 5592 and follow the prompts. Do not use the website contact form, because it cannot process intake applications.
Official page: sclegal.org/contact-us
I got an eviction notice. Where do I start?
Dial 211 to ask about rental assistance programs and legal help. The Lowcountry Continuum of Care says you will likely be asked for your lease, an eviction or late notice, and ID for everyone 18 or older in your home. Also call South Carolina Legal Services at 888 346 5592.
Official page: lowcountrycoc.org/gethelp
Can court staff give me legal advice?
No. South Carolina court staff can explain how the court works, point you to organizations and legal information, give court schedules and approved forms, and make sure your papers are complete. They cannot tell you what to say or what will happen in your case.
Official page: sccourts.org/selfhelp
Is there help with housing problems before I lose my home?
HUD housing counseling helps people get, keep and stay in their homes. Call 800 569 4287, or search for an agency at answers.hud.gov/housingcounseling.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
Is there legal help at a shelter?
Yes, in some places. Transitions in Columbia lists legal aid and Homeless Court. One80 Place in Charleston has a legal team that helps with benefits, tenant issues and getting an ID. SCLS also lists free legal clinics for Veterans.
Official page: one80place.org/programs
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Bunkly tip: take photos of every notice with your phone the day you get it. If you lose the paper, you still have proof of the dates.
Who to call in South Carolina
Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
SC 211
Call 211 to ask about rental assistance and legal help. Available 24 hours a day.
Official page: sc211.org
HUD Housing Counseling
Counselors who help people get, keep and stay in their homes.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
South Carolina Judicial Branch, Self Help Resources
What court staff can and cannot do, FAQs and forms, and a link to scaccesstojustice.org for help.
Official page: sccourts.org/selfhelp
One80 Place, Legal Services
A legal team for clients with benefits, tenant issues and IDs.
Official page: one80place.org/programs
Transitions Homeless Center
Legal aid and Homeless Court at 2025 Main Street.
Official page: transitionssc.org/get-help
More help in South Carolina
Housing help in South Carolina (rent, eviction, utilities)Find Help in South Carolina: Where to Start with 211, SNAP, Medicaid and IDEmergency Shelter Tonight in South Carolina: Columbia, Charleston, Greenville and How to Get HelpNo cost Food Help in South Carolina: SNAP, WIC and Food BanksNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in South CarolinaFree Job Help and Job Training in South Carolina: SC Works, Job Corps and MoreFree and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Care in South CarolinaDomestic Violence Help, Safety and Housing in South CarolinaHelp for Veterans in South Carolina: Housing, Crisis Support and BenefitsHelp for Youth and Young Adults in South Carolina: Safe Places, Support and TrainingGetting ID and Documents Back in South Carolina: State ID and Birth CertificateFree and Low Cost Phone and Internet Help in South CarolinaHow to Make Blessing Bags in South Carolina: Safe Food, Water and Heat Tips
Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.