Bronx community resources · Sources reviewed October 26, 2026
Seven contacts and referral tools for housing, public benefits, family and other civil legal questions. Availability depends on the provider, legal issue, eligibility and capacity. This selected guide does not promise a lawyer or determine the merits of a case.
Time-sensitive questions: Tell intake staff about court dates and deadlines. For arrest, a police warrant or ACS contact when you do not have a lawyer, The Bronx Defenders lists its separate 24/7 legal hotline at 347-778-1266.
Legal help and referral resources
1. Bronx Legal Services — civil legal intake
349 East 149th Street, 10th Floor, Bronx, NY 10451; additional office: 369 East 148th Street, 2nd Floor, Suite A, Bronx, NY 10455
917-661-4500
Shared Legal Services NYC intake: Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m., with language assistance. Free civil legal help for eligible low-income residents may include housing, benefits, family, immigration and other matters. Confirm case scope and capacity. The Bronx office’s general number is 718-928-3700; arrange a visit before traveling.
2. The Bronx Defenders — community intake
200 East 161st Street, Bronx — community walk-in location
718-838-7878
Community intake phone hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; the operator lists walk-ins Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Staff assess legal and practical needs and may provide support or referrals. Intake does not guarantee representation. Confirm current arrangements.
3. The Bronx Defenders — public benefits assistance
200 East 161st Street, Bronx — confirm the appropriate intake route
718-838-7849
Leave a message Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Published benefits walk-ins are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., limited to 20 community members per day. This is a separate benefits contact; confirm current capacity.
4. The Legal Aid Society — Access to Benefits helpline
Citywide benefits support for Bronx residents
888-663-6880
Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Ask about help getting, keeping or using public benefits such as SNAP, SSI, SSDI, Medicaid or Medicare. This is a benefits helpline rather than a general hotline for every legal problem.
5. City Bar Justice Center — Legal Hotline
Citywide civil legal hotline
212-626-7383
Attorneys assist callers of limited income with civil legal questions and referrals. The hotline’s own page lists Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–noon and 2–4 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.–noon. Interpreter services are available. Ask about next steps; a hotline call does not automatically include continuing representation.
6. Family Legal Care — family law information and referrals
Phone, email and online support for New York Family Court questions
212-343-1122
The bilingual English/Spanish helpline provides family law information and referrals, and may arrange staff-attorney appointments for more detailed support. Ask whether the issue falls within its services and whether an appointment is available. Helpline information and individual legal advice are different services.
7. LawHelpNY — find additional legal help
Online legal-services directory and information
Search by legal issue and Bronx location to find free legal-service providers and self-help information. Contact the listed organization to confirm eligibility, intake hours and available assistance. The directory itself does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Prepare for intake
Have relevant notices, deadlines and a short description of the problem ready. Confirm whether the service offers information, brief advice or potential representation. If you already have a lawyer, contact that lawyer directly. For older adults, NYC311 lists Legal Services NYC as the Bronx legal-service provider through NYC Aging; ask intake about the appropriate program.
Contact roles, locations and published hours were checked against the linked official provider sources. Telephone numbers have not been tested by calling. This guide is referral information, not legal advice about an individual matter.
NYC311 older-adult legal assistance · Bronx housing help · Bronx immigrant services · BigNY directory