Senior legal assistance in Santa Clara County

A directory listing, not an eligibility decision.

UniHealth can identify a possible match, but the responsible program makes the final decision.

What to know

Why it may fit: You can contact this service for free guidance or advocacy.
What to do next: Senior Adults Legal Assistance (SALA) gives free legal help to county residents 60 and older. There is no income test. SALA helps with benefits, housing, elder abuse, care homes, wills and planning papers. It does not handle disability claims.
Who runs it: Senior Adults Legal Assistance (SALA), funded in part by Sourcewise

What the program may consider

Older-adult eligibility or program priority
Civil legal issue within provider scope
Provider conflict and capacity check

How to get it

Senior Adults Legal Assistance (SALA) gives free legal help to county residents 60 and older. There is no income test. SALA helps with benefits, housing, elder abuse, care homes, wills and planning papers. It does not handle disability claims.

How to apply

PhoneCalifornia aging services line: 1-800-510-2020Finds the local aging office that serves your area.
PhoneSenior Adults Legal Assistance (SALA): (408) 295-5991Hotline for elder abuse, losing public benefits, or eviction by the sheriff. Also sets up home visits. Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PhoneSALA from North County (toll-free): (650) 969-8656
PhoneSALA from South County (toll-free): (408) 847-7252
In personSALA appointments at senior centers: Senior centers across the countyCall the senior center to book a visit with a SALA lawyer.

Getting help

Someone can refer you, with your permission

In an emergency, a family member or helper can call the SALA hotline for you, with your OK. Emergencies include elder abuse, losing public benefits, or eviction by the sheriff. For other problems, you book a senior center visit. SALA works for you, so it talks with you directly.

What happens after you apply

For an emergency, you or a helper call the SALA hotline. Give your name, phone, what happened, and any deadlines. For other problems, call a senior center to book a SALA visit.
The program or provider
SALA talks with you by phone to see if it can help right away.
Only for emergencies
The program or providerOnly you can do thisSALA tries to do this within 48 business hours.
You meet a SALA lawyer at a senior center. If you cannot leave home, SALA can visit you. Call the SALA office to set that up.
The program or providerOnly you can do thisSenior center sessions are about once a month. Times may change in 2026 and 2027.
SALA tells you how it can help. It may give advice, a self-help packet, a referral, or take your case.
The program or provider
SALA may ask you for papers. If your case needs it, you may go to a hearing.
If SALA takes your case
The program or providerOnly you can do this

What only you can do

Talk with SALA yourself and tell them what you want.
Bring papers about your problem to the appointment.
Go to court or agency hearings if your case needs it.

How long it takes: Emergencies: SALA tries to reach you within 48 business hours. Other problems: the next senior center session, about a month.
You are enrolled when: You are connected when you have talked with a SALA lawyer. SALA then tells you how it will help.
To keep it: Nothing to renew. Tell SALA about new deadlines or court dates right away. Donations are welcome but never required.