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Work, Money & Legal Help — Finding a Job, Free Legal Aid, Debt Advice & Financial Assistance

Chapter 7 of 18 in Notbroken's Free Metabolic & Mental Health Help Directory: 252 listings in 12 categories, each carefully checked. Open the full directory of 2299 listings.
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Last Updated: November 1, 2026 • For Educational Purposes Only • Not Medical Advice • Created by Nathan Leary
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07
Work, Money & Legal Help — Finding a Job, Free Legal Aid, Debt Advice & Financial Assistance
252 listings · 12 categories
07
Work, Money & Legal Help — Finding a Job, Free Legal Aid, Debt Advice & Financial Assistance
WORK, MONEY & LEGAL HELP
WORK, MONEY & LEGAL HELP

Work, Money & Legal Help — Finding a Job, Free Legal Aid, Debt Advice & Financial Assistance

If you are in danger or at risk of harm, call your local emergency number. Free phone lines for legal aid, debt advice, housing and benefits are in chapter 02 (Helplines & Crisis Lines), and help for people leaving abuse — including legal and money help — is in chapter 03 (Support After Abuse). This chapter gathers 252 programs and resources that help people find work and get free, legitimate legal and financial help, wherever they live: directories of free local help, official job services, work support for people with a disability or a mental-health condition and for others facing barriers, rights at work, free legal aid and legal clinics, legal help with housing, immigration and benefits, free debt advice and financial counselling, government benefits, emergency grants, food and no-interest loans, international organisations that help in many countries, and how to check that an adviser or lender is real. Most are directories that point to many local services. Each is run by a government, a court or legal aid body, a UN agency, or a long-established registered charity or non-profit, and each listing says who it is for, where it works and what it costs, as the organisation states it. Every listing was found on the organisation's own website, checked again independently, and opened a third time before it was added (October 2026). These listings are information, not legal or financial advice. Never pay anyone who promises a job, a grant, a loan or debt relief in return for an upfront fee. Each listing links to the organisation's own website, which has its latest details.

Start Here — Directories of Free Local Help

My Community Directory — find free or subsidised local community services in every state and territory (Australia)

https://www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au/
Free for users (as the site states: 'Free For User'). Listed services may be free or subsidised — check any cost with each one. Note: Organisations list their own services ('List your Organisations services for free'), so confirm details and eligibility with each service.
What It Does
Search by location or browse your state's directory to find local community organisations and services, with a map view and translation into many languages. The site says it lists organisations that provide services that are free or subsidised to the public in thousands of locations; a free My Community Info app is also offered.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Australia looking for local community, health and support services, and workers making referrals.
Free for users (as the site states: 'Free For User'). Listed services may be free or subsidised — check any cost with each one. Note: Organisations list their own services ('List your Organisations services for free'), so confirm details and eligibility with each service.
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Citizens Advice Bureau Community Directory — search over 25,000 local services, including budgeting and foodbanks (New Zealand)

https://www.cab.org.nz/community-directory
CAB describes its own service as 'free confidential information and advice'; organisations found through the directory set their own charges. Note: Directory only: check costs and eligibility with each organisation listed.
What It Does
Search CAB's directory of over 25,000 local services and organisations by keyword, or filter by region and category, such as budgeting and foodbanks, migrants, family violence prevention, counselling or disability. For free advice from CAB itself, trained volunteers work in more than 80 locations — use 'Find a CAB'.
Who It Helps
Anyone in New Zealand looking for local services and community organisations.
CAB describes its own service as 'free confidential information and advice'; organisations found through the directory set their own charges. Note: Directory only: check costs and eligibility with each organisation listed.
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Advicelocal (rightsnet) — find free local advice on benefits, debt, housing, work, care and immigration by postcode (UK)

https://advicelocal.uk/
Free to use. The site lists 'free, independent advice organisations' that 'will usually be able to offer free advice'. Note: Directory only — it does not give advice itself; check with each organisation what it can help with and whether it charges.
What It Does
Enter a postcode and choose a topic — welfare benefits, council tax, debt, housing, employment, disability and social care, or asylum and immigration — to get information tailored to your area and details of independent advice organisations near you, which will usually offer free advice and support.
Who It Helps
Anyone in the UK with a benefits, money, housing, work, care or immigration problem, and people helping them. Advicelocal does not advise individuals itself.
Free to use. The site lists 'free, independent advice organisations' that 'will usually be able to offer free advice'. Note: Directory only — it does not give advice itself; check with each organisation what it can help with and whether it charges.
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Citizens Advice — find your local Citizens Advice for free help with benefits, work, debt, housing and more (England and Wales)

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/nearby/
Free (Citizens Advice describes its help as 'free advice').
What It Does
Search with your postcode or town to find your local Citizens Advice service and how to contact it. Citizens Advice gives free advice on benefits, work, debt and money, consumer problems, housing, family, law and courts, immigration and health.
Who It Helps
Anyone in England or Wales; this search covers local services in England and Wales only.
Free (Citizens Advice describes its help as 'free advice').
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Find a Citizens Information Centre — free, confidential local help with social welfare, work, money and housing (Ireland)

https://centres.citizensinformation.ie/
Free ('Your local Citizens Information Centre provides a free and confidential service').
What It Does
Choose your county on the map or list to find your nearest Citizens Information Centre and its contact details. Centres give information and advice on public services and your rights, including social welfare, employment, money and tax, housing, health and justice.
Who It Helps
Anyone living in Ireland; there are centres in every county.
Free ('Your local Citizens Information Centre provides a free and confidential service').
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Catholic Charities USA Agency Locator — find your local Catholic Charities agency for food, housing and emergency help (United States)

https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/about-us/find-a-local-agency/
The page does not state a fee — ask the local agency when you contact them. Note: The national office does not provide direct services; what is offered, and any cost or eligibility, varies by local agency.
What It Does
Enter a city, state or ZIP code to find the nearest of the 170 local agencies in the Catholic Charities network, then contact that agency directly. The network offers 'a broad array of services to all people in need'; its work includes food and nutrition, affordable housing, disaster relief, immigration services and workforce development.
Who It Helps
Anyone in the United States in need; agencies offer services 'to all people in need'.
The page does not state a fee — ask the local agency when you contact them. Note: The national office does not provide direct services; what is offered, and any cost or eligibility, varies by local agency.
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Finding Work — Official Job Services & Job Boards

Workforce Australia — Find a provider: search for local employment and job-readiness providers (Australia)

https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/coaching/providers
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (Australian Government service). Note: Eligibility differs by program; check the program's page before contacting a provider. Some services are tied to Centrelink payment obligations.
What It Does
Search by keyword and location for a provider near you. The page explains each government program and links to its own provider search: Workforce Australia Services, Transition to Work, Parent Pathways, Remote Australia Employment Service, Inclusive Employment Australia, Self-Employment Assistance, Career Transition Assistance and more.
Who It Helps
People in Australia looking for work. Some programs are for particular groups, e.g. Transition to Work (ages 15–24), Career Transition Assistance (45 and over), Parent Pathways (parents and carers of children under 6).
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (Australian Government service). Note: Eligibility differs by program; check the program's page before contacting a provider. Some services are tied to Centrelink payment obligations.
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Workforce Australia — Find a job: the Australian Government's national job board (Australia)

https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/jobs/search
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (Australian Government service).
What It Does
Search and apply for jobs advertised across Australia, filtered by location, industry, work type, salary and vacancy type (including apprenticeships, government jobs, harvest jobs and Indigenous identified positions). Tabs for recommended jobs, saved jobs, saved searches and job applications help you keep track.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Australia looking for work — the site says any Australian can use Workforce Australia to search and apply for jobs.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (Australian Government service).
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Ministry of Social Development — Find jobs: the government's online job board (New Zealand)

https://findajob.msd.govt.nz/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (government service).
What It Does
Search jobs by title, keyword, category or location and apply online. Create a Jobseeker profile to be matched with jobs and use it as a CV. You can also apply over the phone, with your case manager or at a Work and Income service centre (there are 122 across New Zealand). Client line 0800 779 009, Mon–Fri 8am–6pm.
Who It Helps
People in New Zealand looking for work, including people working with a Work and Income case manager.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (government service).
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GOV.UK Find a job — the government job search, now part of DWP's Work Hub (England, Scotland and Wales)

https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job
Free (DWP describes Work Hub as 'a range of free digital services'). Note: Work Hub is labelled a new 'Beta' service, so its pages and features may change. Not for jobs in Northern Ireland.
What It Does
Find and apply for full or part-time jobs. 'Start now' opens DWP's Work Hub, where you can search jobs by job title and city or postcode, build a CV, make an action plan, use an AI work assistant and get tips on CVs and interviews. It also points to free help for workers hit by job scams or mistreatment and asks you to check your right to work in the UK.
Who It Helps
People looking for work in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate service (JobApplyNI).
Free (DWP describes Work Hub as 'a range of free digital services'). Note: Work Hub is labelled a new 'Beta' service, so its pages and features may change. Not for jobs in Northern Ireland.
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Jobcentre Plus — find your nearest jobcentre office (England, Scotland and Wales)

https://find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (official search tool).
What It Does
An official office search: choose whether you are contacting Jobcentre Plus about Universal Credit or anything else, then find your nearest office's contact details and address. Jobcentre Plus deals with new and existing benefit claims and appointments, and offers the 'Find a job' service.
Who It Helps
People in England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, contact your Jobs and Benefits office instead.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (official search tool).
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My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland) — job search and free careers advice (Scotland)

https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/
Free (the site describes 'our free careers advice service').
What It Does
Search thousands of Scottish job vacancies and apprenticeships by keyword and postcode or town, build a CV and get help with applications and interviews. For one-to-one help, call the helpline on 0800 917 8000 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm) or contact your local centre for a face-to-face appointment with a careers adviser.
Who It Helps
People of all ages in Scotland — school pupils, school leavers, adults looking for a change, people whose job is ending and armed forces leavers.
Free (the site describes 'our free careers advice service').
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Working Wales (Careers Wales) — free careers advice and help finding work for anyone aged 16 or over (Wales)

https://workingwales.gov.wales/
Free (the site says it offers 'free and impartial careers advice and guidance').
What It Does
Free and impartial careers advice and guidance: help with CVs, cover letters, interview techniques and finding jobs, plus training, upskilling and funding options. Get support face to face at a Careers Wales centre or outreach venue, by phone on 0800 028 4844, by webchat or online; you can book an appointment on the site.
Who It Helps
People aged 16 or over in Wales.
Free (the site says it offers 'free and impartial careers advice and guidance').
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nidirect — Jobs and Benefits offices: A to Z list and help from a Work Coach (Northern Ireland)

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/jobs-benefits-offices
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (government service). Note: Northern Ireland only. If you are asked to attend an appointment and do not, your benefit may be affected.
What It Does
An A to Z of the 35 Jobs and Benefits offices in Northern Ireland. Work Coaches help with job applications, CVs and interview preparation, training, work experience and job programmes, redundancy and benefits. Call 0800 001 5782 to arrange an appointment. Job vacancies are on JobApplyNI (jobapplyni.com).
Who It Helps
People in Northern Ireland looking for work or claiming benefits, including people with a health condition or disability.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (government service). Note: Northern Ireland only. If you are asked to attend an appointment and do not, your benefit may be affected.
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WorkBC Centres — free employment services and centre finder (British Columbia, Canada)

https://www.workbc.ca/get-support/workbc-centre-services
Free (the page says WorkBC Centres offer employment services 'all for free'). Note: British Columbia only; you need to apply to confirm you are eligible for WorkBC Employment Services.
What It Does
WorkBC Centres across British Columbia help people find and keep a job: job-search support, skills training, work experience and support after you start work. Use the interactive map or regional list to find your nearest centre, and register online for WorkBC Employment Services; staff can help you apply.
Who It Helps
People in British Columbia looking for work; eligibility for Employment Services is checked when you apply online.
Free (the page says WorkBC Centres offer employment services 'all for free'). Note: British Columbia only; you need to apply to confirm you are eligible for WorkBC Employment Services.
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Intreo (Department of Social Protection) — find your local Intreo Centre for employment services (Ireland)

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/find-your-local-intreo-centre/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (government service).
What It Does
Intreo is Ireland's public employment service and a single point of contact for employment and income supports. At your local Intreo Centre a Case Officer can advise on jobs, training and career changes and connect you with employers hiring; you can also get information on jobseeker's and other payments.
Who It Helps
People of working age in Ireland — jobseekers, people on social welfare payments, people wanting to change jobs or return to work, and International Protection applicants with permission to work.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (government service).
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CareerOneStop — American Job Center Finder: free local job-search and training help (United States)

https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/find-american-job-centers.aspx
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (US Department of Labor–sponsored tool). Note: Services vary by center; the finder advises contacting a center about the services you need before you visit.
What It Does
Search by location to find one of nearly 2,300 American Job Centers that help people search for jobs, find training and answer employment questions. Comprehensive centers serve veterans, young people and laid-off workers; affiliate centers offer some services and referrals. Phone 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627).
Who It Helps
Anyone in the United States looking for work or training.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (US Department of Labor–sponsored tool). Note: Services vary by center; the finder advises contacting a center about the services you need before you visit.
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Job Bank — Canada's national employment service: job search, job alerts and resume builder (Canada)

https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/findajob
Free to use; Job Bank describes its tools and job alerts as free.
What It Does
Search thousands of jobs across Canada by keyword and location, sign up for free daily Job Alerts, build a resume and get matched with employers. It has resources for youth, newcomers, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, veterans and temporary foreign workers, and a mobile app.
Who It Helps
People looking for work in Canada; foreign candidates are told what steps to take before applying.
Free to use; Job Bank describes its tools and job alerts as free.
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Employment Ontario — free one-to-one job-search help at over 700 locations (Ontario, Canada)

https://www.ontario.ca/page/employment-ontario
Free (the page says 'Get free, 1-on-1 support'). Note: Ontario only.
What It Does
Get free one-to-one support from an employment counsellor with resumes, interview training, skills training and job search. Make an appointment online, or contact Employment Ontario by email, phone or live chat; the page also links to a search for employment and training services near you and to Canada's Job Bank.
Who It Helps
People in Ontario looking for work, training or a career change; there is extra help for youth and for apprenticeships.
Free (the page says 'Get free, 1-on-1 support'). Note: Ontario only.
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Québec government — Find an Employability Services Organization (Répertoire des organismes spécialisés en employabilité) (Québec, Canada)

https://www.quebec.ca/en/employment/find-job-internship/find-employment-agency
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (official directory). Ask each organisation about its services. Note: Québec only; the directory itself is in French. Services vary between organisations, so the page suggests checking what each one offers before you go.
What It Does
Employability organisations across Québec's 17 administrative regions help with job search, résumés, interviews, career counselling, returning to work or school, and internships. Search the directory (in French) by region, type of clientele (e.g. 45+, Indigenous people, women, youth) and service, then call to make an appointment.
Who It Helps
People in Québec looking for work, changing careers or returning to the labour market.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (official directory). Ask each organisation about its services. Note: Québec only; the directory itself is in French. Services vary between organisations, so the page suggests checking what each one offers before you go.
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EURES — the EU's official job mobility portal: job vacancies across Europe, living and working conditions, and advisers (European Union)

https://eures.europa.eu/index_en
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Mainly for EU/EEA citizens moving within Europe; non-EU nationals usually need a work permit. Check any job offer carefully.
What It Does
Search jobs posted across Europe, read about living and working conditions in each country, and join European (Online) Job Days. You can chat with a EURES Adviser or contact the EURES Helpdesk for help with moving to work in another country.
Who It Helps
Jobseekers who want to work in another EU or EEA country (and employers recruiting). Rules on who may work where depend on your nationality and residence rights.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Mainly for EU/EEA citizens moving within Europe; non-EU nationals usually need a work permit. Check any job offer carefully.
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France Travail (public employment service) — job offers, registering as a jobseeker and estimating your benefits (France)

https://www.francetravail.fr/accueil/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. It is a public service. Note: In French. Registered jobseekers must update their situation ('s'actualiser') in set periods to keep receiving allowances and services.
What It Does
France's public employment service. Search job offers by job and place, register or re-register as a jobseeker, use the simulators to estimate your allowances and aid, and find help with applications, training and starting a business. It also has a page on recognising fake job offers.
Who It Helps
People in France looking for work, including people who have lost their job and want unemployment allowances.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. It is a public service. Note: In French. Registered jobseekers must update their situation ('s'actualiser') in set periods to keep receiving allowances and services.
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Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) — job search, unemployment benefit and Grundsicherungsgeld (Germany)

https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/arbeitslos-arbeit-finden
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. It is a public service. Note: Mostly in German (some English pages for international workers). Grundsicherungsgeld is claimed from the Jobcenter, not the employment agency.
What It Does
Germany's public employment service. This page covers registering as unemployed, Arbeitslosengeld (unemployment benefit), Grundsicherungsgeld via the Jobcenter if you cannot cover your living costs, the national job search, application training, funding from the placement budget and free local events. A 'Dienststelle finden' search gives your local office.
Who It Helps
People in Germany who are out of work or looking for a job. Arbeitslosengeld usually needs at least 12 months of insured work in the 30 months before you register.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. It is a public service. Note: Mostly in German (some English pages for international workers). Grundsicherungsgeld is claimed from the Jobcenter, not the employment agency.
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Labour Department Interactive Employment Service (iES) — free government job vacancies, job fairs and job centres (Hong Kong)

https://www2.jobs.gov.hk/0/en/
Free — 'all employment and recruitment services provided by the LD are free of charge. Job seekers need not go through any intermediary' (as the page states).
What It Does
Search Labour Department job vacancies by type, district and salary, see job fairs and a job calendar, and use dedicated pages for part-time work, older and middle-aged jobseekers, ethnic minorities and jobs needing little or no Chinese. Register online or in person at one of the department's job centres; site in English and Chinese.
Who It Helps
Jobseekers in Hong Kong, including older and middle-aged workers, young people and members of ethnic minorities.
Free — 'all employment and recruitment services provided by the LD are free of charge. Job seekers need not go through any intermediary' (as the page states).
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National Career Service (NCS) — free government job portal, career counselling and job fairs (India)

https://www.ncs.gov.in/
Free — 'NCS does not charge any fee at any stage of registration, job application, interview processing and other employment related services' (as the page states). Note: Some websites and people falsely claim a link to NCS or use its logo; NCS says it never charges fees and jobseekers should not pay fees to employers.
What It Does
The Ministry of Labour & Employment's job portal lists government, private and international vacancies, job fairs, career counselling, mentoring and training, with sections for jobs for people with disabilities and for ex-servicemen. Register online or through the NCS app; the toll-free helpline is 1514.
Who It Helps
Jobseekers anywhere in India — students, new graduates and experienced workers — including people with disabilities and ex-servicemen.
Free — 'NCS does not charge any fee at any stage of registration, job application, interview processing and other employment related services' (as the page states). Note: Some websites and people falsely claim a link to NCS or use its logo; NCS says it never charges fees and jobseekers should not pay fees to employers.
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Karirhub (Kementerian Ketenagakerjaan, Ministry of Manpower) — official job vacancy portal, including verified jobs abroad (Indonesia)

https://karirhub.kemnaker.go.id/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned for jobseekers (posting vacancies is free for employers, as the page states). Note: Indonesian only. No fee for jobseekers is mentioned — do not pay anyone who asks for money to apply for or be placed in a job.
What It Does
The Ministry of Manpower's job portal (part of SIAPkerja): search domestic vacancies, overseas vacancies checked by Indonesia's labour attachés, and Kemnaker job fairs. Jobseekers register and have their identity verified through the civil registry (Dukcapil) or the local manpower office. The site is in Indonesian.
Who It Helps
Jobseekers in Indonesia, including people looking for verified work abroad.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned for jobseekers (posting vacancies is free for employers, as the page states). Note: Indonesian only. No fee for jobseekers is mentioned — do not pay anyone who asks for money to apply for or be placed in a job.
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Hello Work (ハローワーク, Public Employment Security Offices) — national list of 500+ free job centres, with special desks (Japan)

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/koyou_roudou/koyou/hellowork.html
Free — Hello Work 'さまざまなサービスを無償で提供する' (provides its services free of charge), as the page states. Note: Page in Japanese (machine-translation option offered). Fake emails posing as Hello Work are circulating — Hello Work does not send hiring results by email.
What It Does
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's list of Hello Work offices by prefecture. Hello Work offers job matching, employment insurance and other national job support, with specialist desks for people with disabilities, parents of young children, foreign nationals (some with Spanish or Portuguese interpreters), young people, people aged 35–59 and people aged about 60 and over. In Japanese.
Who It Helps
Anyone looking for work in Japan, including people with disabilities, parents, foreign residents, new graduates, young people and older workers.
Free — Hello Work 'さまざまなサービスを無償で提供する' (provides its services free of charge), as the page states. Note: Page in Japanese (machine-translation option offered). Fake emails posing as Hello Work are circulating — Hello Work does not send hiring results by email.
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Portal del Empleo (Job Portal) of the Servicio Nacional de Empleo (SNE, National Employment Service) — free job search and 160+ offices (Mexico)

https://www.empleo.gob.mx/
Free — the SNE 'atiende de manera gratuita' (serves people free of charge), as the page states. Note: In Spanish only. The SNE says it serves jobseekers free of charge — do not pay anyone for a job offer that uses its name.
What It Does
Mexico's public employment service: search current job vacancies, job fairs, workshops for jobseekers and government jobs, get guidance and training, and get help finding work in other parts of the country or abroad. Register online, request an appointment, or find your nearest SNE office for face-to-face help. In Spanish.
Who It Helps
Jobseekers anywhere in Mexico, including young people aged 18–29 who are not studying or working (through the linked Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro programme).
Free — the SNE 'atiende de manera gratuita' (serves people free of charge), as the page states. Note: In Spanish only. The SNE says it serves jobseekers free of charge — do not pay anyone for a job offer that uses its name.
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PhilJobNet (Department of Labor and Employment) — official job-matching portal, with DOLE-accredited employers only (Philippines)

https://philjobnet.gov.ph/
Free — 'PhilJobNet is FREE for all and accessible 24/7' (as the page states). Note: Accredited 'employers' include DOLE-licensed local and overseas recruitment agencies as well as companies; you can check an employer on the site's list of accredited employers.
What It Does
Search vacancies, run automatic job matching and receive job invitations from employers that DOLE has checked and accredited; also lists DOLE-authorised job fairs, training and career information. Has job categories for persons with disability, displaced workers, high school graduates and government jobs. Create a free account to start.
Who It Helps
Jobseekers in the Philippines, including persons with disability, displaced workers and new graduates.
Free — 'PhilJobNet is FREE for all and accessible 24/7' (as the page states). Note: Accredited 'employers' include DOLE-licensed local and overseas recruitment agencies as well as companies; you can check an employer on the site's list of accredited employers.
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MyCareersFuture — government job portal with skills-based job matching and career guidance (Singapore)

https://www.mycareersfuture.gov.sg/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Some training courses shown on the site charge fees. Note: Aimed at citizens and permanent residents; some courses advertised on the site have fees.
What It Does
Search jobs matched to your skills and experience, see openings and salary ranges by occupation, search for jobs that come with government support, and book a session with a career guidance team for help with your resume, skill gaps and interview tips. Create a profile to get tailored job and training suggestions.
Who It Helps
Designed for Singapore citizens and permanent residents — recent graduates, experienced workers and people looking for a career change.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Some training courses shown on the site charge fees. Note: Aimed at citizens and permanent residents; some courses advertised on the site have fees.
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Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA, Department of Employment and Labour) — national work seeker database and job matching (South Africa)

https://essa.labour.gov.za/EssaOnline/WebBeans/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (it says employers 'recruit for free' from the work seeker database). Note: The website is old (2014 release): when checked, the first click on 'Register' gave an error and worked after reloading. The department has warned work seekers about job scams.
What It Does
The Department of Employment and Labour's public employment service database. Register as an individual, capture your CV and search available work and learning opportunities; the system matches you to employers who recruit through it. The department's Public Employment Services staff also register work seekers at community recruitment drives.
Who It Helps
Work seekers in South Africa looking for jobs, learnerships or other learning opportunities.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (it says employers 'recruit for free' from the work seeker database). Note: The website is old (2014 release): when checked, the first click on 'Register' gave an error and worked after reloading. The department has warned work seekers about job scams.
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Work24 (고용24, Ministry of Employment and Labor) — official job search, unemployment benefits and training portal (South Korea)

https://www.work24.go.kr/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned for job search or benefit claims. Some government-funded training found through it involves a personal contribution (본인부담금), and calls to its help lines are charged at normal rates. Note: In Korean only; some services need a Korean login certificate or account.
What It Does
The government's one-stop employment site: search job postings by region, occupation or theme, get AI job recommendations, register a CV, apply for unemployment benefits (실업급여) and parental leave pay, and find government-funded training. It also has a 'find a job centre' tool for in-person employment counselling and a checker for known fake job ads. In Korean.
Who It Helps
Jobseekers and workers in South Korea, including people who have lost their job, middle-aged jobseekers and parents.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned for job search or benefit claims. Some government-funded training found through it involves a personal contribution (본인부담금), and calls to its help lines are charged at normal rates. Note: In Korean only; some services need a Korean login certificate or account.
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Arbetsförmedlingen (Swedish Public Employment Service) — register as a jobseeker, Platsbanken jobs and support for disabled jobseekers (Sweden)

https://arbetsformedlingen.se/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. It is a public service. Note: Mainly in Swedish, with some pages in other languages and sign language. Jobseekers register ('Skriv in dig') and send activity reports ('Aktivitetsrapportera') online.
What It Does
Register as a jobseeker, search jobs in Platsbanken, get help with your CV, applications and interviews, and find out about labour-market training, work placements and support if you have a disability. The site explains what to do when you become unemployed (registering, the planning meeting and unemployment insurance, a-kassa). Information is available in other languages and sign language.
Who It Helps
People in Sweden who are looking for work, including people with disabilities.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. It is a public service. Note: Mainly in Swedish, with some pages in other languages and sign language. Jobseekers register ('Skriv in dig') and send activity reports ('Aktivitetsrapportera') online.
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Work Support for People With a Disability, Illness or Mental-Health Condition

JobAccess — find an Inclusive Employment Australia provider near you (Australia)

https://jobaccess.gov.au/find-a-provider
Free ('Inclusive Employment Australia is a free service funded by the Australian Government', as JobAccess states). Note: Age, work-hours and residency or visa rules apply; a provider or JobAccess (1800 464 800) can confirm whether you are eligible.
What It Does
Official search for Inclusive Employment Australia providers, the disability employment program that replaced Disability Employment Services on 1 November 2025. Enter a postcode, suburb or town and a distance to list local providers, who help you prepare for, find and keep work. You can register with a provider directly, or Centrelink may refer you.
Who It Helps
People in Australia with disability, injury or a health condition who are looking for work or need help to keep a job, aged at least 14 and under Age Pension age. Residency or visa rules apply. You can join even if you do not get a Centrelink payment.
Free ('Inclusive Employment Australia is a free service funded by the Australian Government', as JobAccess states). Note: Age, work-hours and residency or visa rules apply; a provider or JobAccess (1800 464 800) can confirm whether you are eligible.
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JobAccess Employment Assistance Fund — money for workplace changes, equipment and Auslan interpreting (Australia)

https://jobaccess.gov.au/i-am-a-person-with-disability/looking-applying-job/government-services-help-you/funding-workplace-changes/what-eaf
Free workplace assessment ('JobAccess will arrange it for you for free'); approved costs are reimbursed, so you or your employer may pay first. Note: Australian residents only, with work-hours and job-length rules; approved costs are usually paid first and then reimbursed, and assessing an application can take up to 10 working days.
What It Does
Government fund for work-related changes for people with disability, such as building modifications, changes to work vehicles, special equipment, assistive technology and Auslan interpreting. You, your employer or a service provider apply online through JobAccess; a workplace assessment is arranged free if needed (usually for requests over $1,000). Items are bought after approval and the costs are paid back.
Who It Helps
Australian residents (citizens, permanent residents, protected SCV holders; TPV/SHEV holders may qualify) with a disability lasting 2+ years, working 8+ hours a week in a job of 13+ weeks, self-employed, or eligible job seekers. Others can apply for you.
Free workplace assessment ('JobAccess will arrange it for you for free'); approved costs are reimbursed, so you or your employer may pay first. Note: Australian residents only, with work-hours and job-length rules; approved costs are usually paid first and then reimbursed, and assessing an application can take up to 10 working days.
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headspace Work & Study — free one-to-one job and study support for young people, online or at headspace centres (Australia)

https://headspace.org.au/services/work-and-study-support/
Free (the page offers 'free tailored 1-on-1 support'; the online service is 'Completely free'). Note: In-person support is only in some headspace centres; online one-to-one support lasts up to three months.
What It Does
One-to-one help from a Work & Study Specialist with job hunting, resumes, interviews, study choices and balancing mental health with work or study. Online support by video, webchat or phone is available anywhere in Australia; in-person support runs in over 50 headspace centres alongside your mental health clinician. Online career mentoring and a peer group chat on Thursday evenings in school terms are also offered.
Who It Helps
Young people in Australia: online support for ages 15–25, career mentoring for 18–25, and in-centre support for 12–25. The service is youth-led and voluntary; family can call 1800 810 794 with questions.
Free (the page offers 'free tailored 1-on-1 support'; the online service is 'Completely free'). Note: In-person support is only in some headspace centres; online one-to-one support lasts up to three months.
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Work and Income Employment Service — job help for disabled people and people with health conditions, with a regional provider list (New Zealand)

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/work/find-jobs/how-to-choose-the-right-job/employment-service
No fee is mentioned on the page; providers are contracted by Work and Income. Note: Only for NZ citizens or permanent residents aged 16–64 who have left school and are ready to work.
What It Does
Contracted providers who specialise in disability, health and mental health conditions and neurodiversity help with career planning, CVs and interviews, job search and placement, flexible working arrangements and talking with your employer, then support you in work for up to a year. Choose a provider from Work and Income's list by region; if you get a benefit you may already have one.
Who It Helps
NZ citizens or permanent residents living in New Zealand, aged 16–64, who have left school and are ready to work, with a disability or health condition (including mental health or neurodiversity) likely to last 6+ months. A benefit is not needed.
No fee is mentioned on the page; providers are contracted by Work and Income. Note: Only for NZ citizens or permanent residents aged 16–64 who have left school and are ready to work.
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Access to Work — grants for practical and mental health support at work if you have a disability or health condition (England, Scotland and Wales)

https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Grant — it does not affect other benefits and is not paid back, but you or your employer may need to pay some costs up front and claim them back. Note: Does not pay for reasonable adjustments your employer must legally make; Northern Ireland has its own scheme (Access to Work (NI)).
What It Does
A government grant that can pay for specialist equipment and software, support workers such as a BSL interpreter, job coach or travel buddy, travel to work if you cannot use public transport, and changes to your vehicle or workplace. It also offers mental health support at work and communication support at job interviews. Check your eligibility and apply on GOV.UK.
Who It Helps
People aged 16+ in paid work or starting within 12 weeks (including self-employment and apprenticeships) in England, Scotland or Wales, with a physical or mental health condition or disability. No diagnosis is needed; voluntary work is not covered.
Grant — it does not affect other benefits and is not paid back, but you or your employer may need to pay some costs up front and claim them back. Note: Does not pay for reasonable adjustments your employer must legally make; Northern Ireland has its own scheme (Access to Work (NI)).
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IPS Grow services map — find an Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment service (England)

https://ipsgrow.org.uk/providers/services-map/
Free to use (map). The page does not state a fee for the services — ask your treatment team. Note: IPS is usually reached through your mental health or drug and alcohol treatment team, not by walking in.
What It Does
Map and postcode search for local IPS employment services, filtered by type (severe mental illness, or drugs and alcohol). IPS employment specialists work inside treatment teams to help you find and keep paid work, including approaching employers for you, and keep supporting you once you start. Ask your care coordinator or key worker about seeing an employment specialist.
Who It Helps
People using mental health and/or drug and alcohol treatment teams where IPS employment specialists are based, who want to work — however long they have been out of work.
Free to use (map). The page does not state a fee for the services — ask your treatment team. Note: IPS is usually reached through your mental health or drug and alcohol treatment team, not by walking in.
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Connect to Work — find your local supported employment programme (England and Wales)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/connect-to-work
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Run by local councils, and some areas use a different local name; Greater Manchester is not covered, and the page says some local programmes are not yet open.
What It Does
Voluntary, locally run supported employment programme giving intensive help to find work, or to stay in work if your condition or barrier puts your job at risk. The page links to a 'Find your Connect to Work service' spreadsheet, updated monthly, with links to each local authority's information on how to apply or how someone can refer you.
Who It Helps
People in England and Wales who are disabled, have long-term health conditions or face complex non-health barriers to work. You do not need to be on benefits.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Run by local councils, and some areas use a different local name; Greater Manchester is not covered, and the page says some local programmes are not yet open.
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Access to Work (NI) — practical help and extra costs at work for disabled people (Northern Ireland)

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/access-work-ni-practical-help-work
No fee is mentioned; it helps towards approved extra costs (not reasonable adjustments employers must make). Note: Northern Ireland only; it does not pay for reasonable adjustments, standard equipment or medical aids used outside work.
What It Does
Helps towards the extra costs disability causes at work: communication support at work or at interview, special aids and equipment, workplace adaptations, a support worker, and extra travel costs to and from work. Contact the Department for Communities by email or ask a work coach at your local Jobs and Benefits office. Help can be approved for up to three years at a time.
Who It Helps
Disabled people in Northern Ireland who want to start work or are in work and have difficulties because of their disability; employers can also get help. The application must be made by the disabled person.
No fee is mentioned; it helps towards approved extra costs (not reasonable adjustments employers must make). Note: Northern Ireland only; it does not pay for reasonable adjustments, standard equipment or medical aids used outside work.
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EmployAbility services — list of local organisations for jobseekers with a disability, injury or illness (Ireland)

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/publications/list-of-employability-organisations/
Free to use (official list). The pages do not state a fee — ask your Intreo Case Officer. Note: Access is through referral by an Intreo Case Officer, not by contacting a provider directly.
What It Does
Department of Social Protection list of local EmployAbility organisations, grouped by region and county, with addresses, phone numbers and websites. EmployAbility is an employment support service for people with disabilities, injuries and illnesses; it also advises employers on recruitment and gives in-work support. You are referred by your Intreo Case Officer.
Who It Helps
People in Ireland with a health condition, injury, illness or disability who want to work, referred through Intreo.
Free to use (official list). The pages do not state a fee — ask your Intreo Case Officer. Note: Access is through referral by an Intreo Case Officer, not by contacting a provider directly.
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Work and Access — grants for equipment, interpreters, readers, in-work support and workplace changes for disabled workers (Ireland)

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/work-and-access/
No application fee is mentioned; some supports are paid by the employer first and then reimbursed. Note: Jobseekers can only get communication support; unpaid or voluntary work and public-sector jobs are not covered.
What It Does
Department of Social Protection supports to help disabled people get or keep a job: communication support and Irish Sign Language interpreting, a personal reader, work equipment, a workplace needs assessment, in-work support, workplace adaptation up to €25,000 and disability equality training for employers. Employees use form WA1; your local Intreo Centre can help.
Who It Helps
People over 18 and under 70, not getting a State pension, working or planning to work in the Republic of Ireland, with a disability or condition expected to last over 12 months. Jobseekers can get communication support only.
No application fee is mentioned; some supports are paid by the employer first and then reimbursed. Note: Jobseekers can only get communication support; unpaid or voluntary work and public-sector jobs are not covered.
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Ticket to Work Find Help — search for free job support providers for people on SSI or SSDI (United States)

https://choosework.ssa.gov/findhelp
Free ('free job support', as the page states). Note: Only for people aged 18–64 who receive SSI or SSDI.
What It Does
Social Security's search for Ticket to Work service providers, which offer job coaching, job counselling, training, benefits counselling and job placement. Use the Guided Search to get a shortlist that fits your readiness, or the Direct Search by ZIP code, choosing in-person or virtual services and narrowing by services offered and disabilities served.
Who It Helps
People aged 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work.
Free ('free job support', as the page states). Note: Only for people aged 18–64 who receive SSI or SSDI.
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State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies — official contact list for all 78 VR agencies (United States)

https://rsa.ed.gov/about/states
Free to use (official directory); ask the state agency about any costs. Note: Eligibility and services are decided by each state VR agency.
What It Does
The federal Rehabilitation Services Administration's list of phone numbers and websites for the 78 state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies in all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico and the territories. VR agencies run vocational rehabilitation and supported employment programs for people with disabilities; 22 states have a separate agency for people who are blind or have low vision.
Who It Helps
People with disabilities in the US and its territories who want help to prepare for, find or keep a job. Contact your state agency about eligibility.
Free to use (official directory); ask the state agency about any costs. Note: Eligibility and services are decided by each state VR agency.
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VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) — job, training and education help for veterans with service-connected disabilities (United States)

https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Needs a service-connected disability rating; veterans discharged before 1 January 2013 usually have a 12-year eligibility period.
What It Does
VA program that helps you explore jobs, get training or education, find a new job, start a business or return to your former job. Services can include an evaluation of your skills and interests, vocational counselling, job training and resume help, help finding and keeping a job with accommodations, and on-the-job training or apprenticeships. Check eligibility and apply online.
Who It Helps
Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 10% and no dishonorable discharge, and some service members about to leave with a 20%+ pre-discharge rating or a severe illness or injury.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Needs a service-connected disability rating; veterans discharged before 1 January 2013 usually have a 12-year eligibility period.
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ASEE (Association for Supported Employment Europe) — national supported-employment associations for disabled jobseekers (Europe)

https://a4se.eu/about-euse/member-organizations/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Ask national services about costs. Note: A list of national umbrella bodies, not of services; members are mainly organisations and professionals, so you may need to ask them to refer you to a local provider.
What It Does
Lists ASEE's member organisations — the national associations of supported employment in countries such as Germany (BAG UB), France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Norway, Sweden and Finland — with links. National associations can point you to supported-employment services in your country.
Who It Helps
People with disabilities, including mental-health conditions, who want paid work with support, and their families and workers.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Ask national services about costs. Note: A list of national umbrella bodies, not of services; members are mainly organisations and professionals, so you may need to ask them to refer you to a local provider.
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Selective Placement Division (Labour Department) — job counselling, matching and follow-up for people with disabilities (Hong Kong)

https://www2.jobs.gov.hk/0/en/information/ourservices/spd/
Free — the Labour Department states that 'all employment and recruitment services provided by the LD are free of charge'.
What It Does
Employment consultants give people with disabilities job counselling, labour-market information, job matching and referrals, plus workshops on job search and interviews. After you start a job, the consultant follows up for at least six months to help you settle in. Contact the Hong Kong, Kowloon or New Territories office, or use the Interactive Selective Placement Service website.
Who It Helps
People with disabilities in Hong Kong who are able to work in open (mainstream) employment.
Free — the Labour Department states that 'all employment and recruitment services provided by the LD are free of charge'.
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Work Support for Refugees, Migrants, People With a Criminal Record, Older & Younger Workers

Workforce Australia Transition to Work — intensive help into work, training or study for 15–24-year-olds (Australia)

https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/coaching/assistance/transition-to-work
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Eligibility depends on your circumstances; a Transition to Work Provider confirms whether you can join.
What It Does
Government program for young people who left school early or are finding it hard to get a job after school. A local Transition to Work Provider gives tailored support: life skills, career guidance, job-specific training and work experience, job search and interview help, and links to services such as housing or mental health support. Use the page's link to search for a provider, who will check your eligibility.
Who It Helps
Young people aged 15 to 24 with Australian citizenship or an appropriate visa. Eligibility also depends on whether you have Year 12 or equivalent, recent work, an income support payment, or are in another employment service.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Eligibility depends on your circumstances; a Transition to Work Provider confirms whether you can join.
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Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) — work, training and community project support in remote areas (Australia)

https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/obligations/learn/get-started/remote-australia-employment-service
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Only in RAES regions (check the NIAA website); people on a Centrelink payment have mutual obligation requirements in their Job Plan.
What It Does
The employment service for remote Australia, which replaced the Community Development Program on 1 November 2025. A local RAES provider offers training for work, links you to local community projects and mentoring, and helps you find and keep a job, including Remote Jobs and Economic Development jobs with real wages. Centrelink refers you, or search for your local provider.
Who It Helps
People living in a RAES region of remote Australia. Centrelink payment recipients are referred; people without a payment can join as voluntary participants. Workforce Australia lists RAES in its support for First Nations people.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Only in RAES regions (check the NIAA website); people on a Centrelink payment have mutual obligation requirements in their Job Plan.
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Career Transition Assistance — free job search and skills course for people aged 45 and over (Australia)

https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/training/activities/career-transition-assistance
No cost (as the page states). Note: Only for people aged 45+ who are registered with one of the listed employment services.
What It Does
A course of at least 75 hours over 3 to 8 weeks, in person or blended, that helps you improve your job search, transfer your skills to a new job or industry, set career goals, and build digital skills to apply for jobs online and use workplace technology. Sign in or register with Workforce Australia to check eligibility and enrol.
Who It Helps
People aged 45 or over who are registered with Workforce Australia Online, Workforce Australia Services, Inclusive Employment Australia or Parent Pathways.
No cost (as the page states). Note: Only for people aged 45+ who are registered with one of the listed employment services.
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Mana in Mahi — paid work with apprenticeship-level training for people out of work a long time (New Zealand)

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/mana-in-mahi.html
No fee is mentioned; it is paid work, and a current benefit continues until you start work. Note: Citizens or residents only; Work and Income talks with you first to decide whether Mana in Mahi suits you.
What It Does
Work and Income works with employers to place you in part-time or full-time work while you train towards an NZQA-approved qualification at apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship level, with learning, mental health and in-work support. Ask Work and Income, or fill in the online job seeker enquiry form; they aim to contact you within 5 working days.
Who It Helps
NZ citizens or residents available for work who may otherwise need a benefit for a long time, for example people who have never worked or have been out of work a long time, and who want to train towards a qualification.
No fee is mentioned; it is paid work, and a current benefit continues until you start work. Note: Citizens or residents only; Work and Income talks with you first to decide whether Mana in Mahi suits you.
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Employability in Scotland — local No One Left Behind employability contacts by council area (Scotland)

https://www.employabilityinscotland.com/local-employability-services/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Contacts and services differ by council; the site's header says it is 'under construction', so if a contact is out of date, check your council's website.
What It Does
Choose your council area to get the single point of contact for local all-age employability services. Under No One Left Behind, people who take part get an Employability Key Worker and an individual plan to prepare for work, training, education or volunteering, linked with health, justice, housing and advice services.
Who It Helps
People of all ages in Scotland who want help towards or into work, including disabled people, people with convictions, care-experienced young people, single parents, minority ethnic people and people in the most deprived areas.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Contacts and services differ by council; the site's header says it is 'under construction', so if a contact is out of date, check your council's website.
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Unlock — guides to finding work with a criminal record, disclosure tools and a helpline (England and Wales)

https://unlock.org.uk/topic/employment-business-and-volunteering/
Free to read online; the helpline page does not state a fee. Note: Covers the law in England and Wales only; the helpline is busy and asks you to search the guides first.
What It Does
Plain guides on criminal record checks (basic, standard and enhanced DBS), whether and how to disclose to employers, your rights at work, convictions that are filtered from checks, and lists of employers known to be open to people with convictions, plus a 'Do I need to disclose my criminal record?' tool and a disclosure calculator. Its helpline takes calls, messages and WhatsApp on weekdays.
Who It Helps
People with criminal records in England and Wales, and people who advise them.
Free to read online; the helpline page does not state a fee. Note: Covers the law in England and Wales only; the helpline is busy and asks you to search the guides first.
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Find organisations that support veterans and their families — official directory with a careers and jobseeker filter (UK)

https://www.gov.uk/veteran-support-organisations
Free to use (official directory); each organisation sets its own terms. Note: The list is not exhaustive, and inclusion is not an endorsement by the Office for Veterans' Affairs.
What It Does
Searchable government directory of 147 organisations that support UK armed forces veterans and their families. Filter by location and by 'Employment, education and training' (transition support, career advice and support for jobseekers, starting a business, apprenticeships, training) as well as housing, money, health and legal help. Each entry describes the organisation and how to contact it.
Who It Helps
Veterans of the UK armed forces and their families, anywhere in the UK.
Free to use (official directory); each organisation sets its own terms. Note: The list is not exhaustive, and inclusion is not an endorsement by the Office for Veterans' Affairs.
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EPIC (Employment for People from Immigrant Communities) — free 6-week online job programme for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants (Ireland)

https://bitc.ie/programmes/jobseekers/epic-programme/
Free ('EPIC is a free online programme', as the page states). Note: Needs intermediate spoken and written English and one of the immigration statuses listed on the page.
What It Does
A free online programme over 6 weeks: advice on CVs and job applications from recruitment professionals, explaining gaps in your CV, interview practice with business volunteers, networking with employers, mentors and recruiters, IT and LinkedIn skills, Irish work culture and a career plan. Check your eligibility and apply through the form on the page.
Who It Helps
Unemployed, job-ready adults living in Ireland with intermediate English who are asylum seekers with work permits, refugees or others with protection or Stamp 4, beneficiaries of temporary protection, or certain migrants resident 6+ months.
Free ('EPIC is a free online programme', as the page states). Note: Needs intermediate spoken and written English and one of the immigration statuses listed on the page.
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Hire Heroes USA — free one-to-one career help for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses (United States)

https://www.hireheroesusa.org/what-to-expect/
Free ('our free, personalized career services'; 'Personalized career support at no cost').
What It Does
Register online and you are matched with a dedicated Career Advisor who helps you set goals, make a job search plan, sharpen your resume and prepare for interviews, including mock interviews with volunteer industry professionals. The charity also runs a job board and virtual career events.
Who It Helps
Transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses.
Free ('our free, personalized career services'; 'Personalized career support at no cost').
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CareerOneStop ReEntry Program Finder — local job programs for people with a criminal record (United States)

https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-reentry-programs.aspx
Free to use (official search tool); ask each program about its services. Note: The list mixes public, non-profit and some company-run programmes, and services vary; ask each one what it offers and whether anything costs before sharing personal details.
What It Does
Enter a city, state or ZIP code to list nearby reentry employment programs with addresses, phone numbers and websites. These programs help people whose criminal record gets in the way of work with job search, career planning or training. Services differ, so contact a few programs and ask what each offers.
Who It Helps
People with a criminal record anywhere in the United States.
Free to use (official search tool); ask each program about its services. Note: The list mixes public, non-profit and some company-run programmes, and services vary; ask each one what it offers and whether anything costs before sharing personal details.
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CareerOneStop Refugee Assistance Finder — refugee employment services by state (United States)

https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-refugee-services.aspx
Free to use (official search tool); ask each organisation which services it offers. Note: Mainly for refugees and other ORR-eligible groups, usually within 5 years of arrival; ask each organisation whether it can serve you.
What It Does
Choose a state to list refugee assistance programs with contacts. Services often include job search, placement and keeping a job, job and vocational training, English classes, help with transport or childcare for work, interpreting and case management. Each state has one coordinating organisation, marked RSS (Refugee Support Services).
Who It Helps
Refugees and other groups eligible for Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) services in the United States; ORR says states can provide these services to refugees in their first 5 years in the country.
Free to use (official search tool); ask each organisation which services it offers. Note: Mainly for refugees and other ORR-eligible groups, usually within 5 years of arrival; ask each organisation whether it can serve you.
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CareerOneStop Native American Program Finder — job and training programs for Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians (United States)

https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-native-american-programs.aspx
Free to use (official search tool); ask the program about eligibility. Note: For unemployed or low-income people; contact the local program about who it can serve.
What It Does
Search by state or location for employment and training programs for unemployed and low-income Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. The programs are administered by the Department of Labor's Division of Indian and Native American Programs (DINAP) to fit the cultural values and beliefs of the people they serve.
Who It Helps
Unemployed and low-income Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.
Free to use (official search tool); ask the program about eligibility. Note: For unemployed or low-income people; contact the local program about who it can serve.
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CareerOneStop Youth Program Finder — local job, career and training programs for young people aged 14 to 24 (United States)

https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-youth-programs.aspx
Free to use (official search tool); the page says you 'may be able to find free job, career, and training assistance' — ask each programme. Note: Programmes differ in what they offer and who they serve; contact a few and ask before you sign up.
What It Does
Enter a location to find local youth programs offering job, career and training help. Different programs offer different services, so contact a few to ask what they offer.
Who It Helps
Young people aged 14 to 24 in the United States.
Free to use (official search tool); the page says you 'may be able to find free job, career, and training assistance' — ask each programme. Note: Programmes differ in what they offer and who they serve; contact a few and ask before you sign up.
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Find free newcomer services near you — IRCC settlement services search, including help finding a job (Canada, except Quebec)

https://ircc.canada.ca/english/newcomers/services/index.asp
Free ('You can get our free settlement services if you're eligible'). Note: Eligibility depends on immigration status, and the finder does not include providers in Quebec.
What It Does
Search Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's list of settlement organisations for free services such as help finding a job, language assessment, learning English or French, preparing for the citizenship test, and services for specific groups.
Who It Helps
Permanent residents (including resettled refugees), people approved for permanent residence, protected persons with a positive IRB decision and some temporary residents in certain programs. Since 1 April 2026 economic-class PRs have time-limited access.
Free ('You can get our free settlement services if you're eligible'). Note: Eligibility depends on immigration status, and the finder does not include providers in Quebec.
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Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) — find your local Indigenous service delivery organization (Canada)

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/indigenous-skills-employment-training/service-delivery-organizations.html
Free to use (official list). The page does not state a fee — ask the organization. Note: Services differ by organization and community; contact your local organization to learn what is available.
What It Does
Government of Canada list of Indigenous service delivery organizations, grouped as First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban/non-affiliated and then by province or territory, with links or contact details. They offer employment services and training, from literacy and numeracy to training for in-demand jobs, plus supports such as help with child care and transport while you train.
Who It Helps
First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban or non-affiliated Indigenous people in Canada.
Free to use (official list). The page does not state a fee — ask the organization. Note: Services differ by organization and community; contact your local organization to learn what is available.
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Youth Digital Gateway — search Government of Canada youth employment programs and job opportunities (Canada)

https://youth-jeunesse.service.canada.ca/en/programs
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Each program has its own eligibility rules and application periods.
What It Does
Government of Canada site for exploring the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (11 partner programs) and Canada Summer Jobs. Search programs by interest, including opportunities for Indigenous youth, and browse job opportunities, volunteer roles, how-to guides and support services; you can save items to a list.
Who It Helps
Young people in Canada. The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy serves ages 15 to 30, including youth facing barriers such as Indigenous, Black and racialized youth and youth with disabilities.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Each program has its own eligibility rules and application periods.
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Your Rights at Work — Pay, Unfair Treatment & Discrimination

Fair Work Ombudsman — information, pay and leave calculators and the Fair Work Infoline (Australia)

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (Australian Government regulator). Note: Its information is general; if unsure how it applies to you, it suggests calling the Infoline or speaking with a union, industry association or workplace relations professional.
What It Does
Check your minimum pay, award, leave and notice entitlements with the online calculators and 'Find my award', read guides to fixing a workplace problem, or send an anonymous tip-off. Call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94; interpreters are available through TIS on 13 14 50.
Who It Helps
Everyone in Australia — the site says it helps 'everyone in Australia' and has sections for groups such as small business and young workers and students.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (Australian Government regulator). Note: Its information is general; if unsure how it applies to you, it suggests calling the Infoline or speaking with a union, industry association or workplace relations professional.
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Fair Work Commission — Workplace Advice Service: free legal help with dismissal, bullying or sexual harassment (Australia)

https://www.fwc.gov.au/resources/where-get-legal-help/workplace-advice-service
Free (the page describes it as 'free legal help' for eligible people). Note: Appointments may be unavailable when demand is high. Using the service does not start a case, and some Commission applications have strict deadlines.
What It Does
Free legal help from a lawyer, usually a one-hour appointment by phone or in person, about dismissal, general protections, bullying at work or sexual harassment at work. Check your eligibility in the request form; the Commission then organises an appointment or puts you in touch with a lawyer.
Who It Helps
Employees in Australia who have no lawyer or paid agent and are not union members, with an issue in one of the four areas; also small businesses with fewer than 15 employees that meet further conditions (e.g. no in-house HR or legal staff).
Free (the page describes it as 'free legal help' for eligible people). Note: Appointments may be unavailable when demand is high. Using the service does not start a case, and some Commission applications have strict deadlines.
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Australian Unions (ACTU) — find and join your union, and the Australian Unions Support Centre (Australia)

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/which-is-the-union-for-you/
Using the finder and Support Centre: no fee is mentioned. Union membership costs money — the page says about $28 (casual/part-time) or $56 (full-time) for the first month, then fees vary by union. Note: Membership fees apply, and the page warns unions may not help with a workplace problem that began before you joined.
What It Does
Use the online join form, which guides you through a few steps to find the right union for your job, or call the Australian Unions Support Centre on 1300 486 466 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). The Support Centre also gives general information about your rights at work, in confidence.
Who It Helps
Workers in any job or industry in Australia.
Using the finder and Support Centre: no fee is mentioned. Union membership costs money — the page says about $28 (casual/part-time) or $56 (full-time) for the first month, then fees vary by union. Note: Membership fees apply, and the page warns unions may not help with a workplace problem that began before you joined.
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JobWatch — free, confidential telephone information service on rights at work (Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania, Australia)

https://jobwatch.org.au/
Free (the telephone service is described as 'free and confidential'). Note: Only for workers in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania. Office hours are 9am–5pm weekdays (to 8.30pm Wednesdays), Victorian time.
What It Does
An employment rights community legal centre. Workers can call its free and confidential Telephone Information Service — (03) 9662 1933 in Melbourne or 1800 331 617 from regional Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania — for information about their rights at work. It also runs projects for particular groups, such as Victorian women facing pregnancy-related discrimination.
Who It Helps
Workers in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania.
Free (the telephone service is described as 'free and confidential'). Note: Only for workers in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania. Office hours are 9am–5pm weekdays (to 8.30pm Wednesdays), Victorian time.
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Employment Mediation Services (MBIE) — free mediation for employment relationship problems (New Zealand)

https://www.employment.govt.nz/resolving-problems/how-to-resolve-problems/mediation
Free (the page says 'Mediation services provided by MBIE are free'); a representative you hire may charge. Note: Mediation is voluntary for both sides; the page suggests trying to raise the problem with the other party first.
What It Does
An independent mediator helps you and your employer talk through a work problem and reach an agreement, which can be made legally binding. Apply online (RealMe login) or phone 0800 20 90 20 for help. You can bring a support person, whānau, advocate, lawyer or union representative.
Who It Helps
Any employee or employer in New Zealand with an employment relationship problem. If you feel unable to raise bullying, discrimination or harassment with your employer first, you can apply directly.
Free (the page says 'Mediation services provided by MBIE are free'); a representative you hire may charge. Note: Mediation is voluntary for both sides; the page suggests trying to raise the problem with the other party first.
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Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission — free complaints service for discrimination and harassment (New Zealand)

https://tikatangata.org.nz/resources-and-support/make-a-complaint
Free (the page says 'We provide free, confidential services'). Note: The Commission offers dispute resolution but does not investigate or decide whether the law was broken; it reports a high volume of complaints and longer response times.
What It Does
A free, confidential information and dispute resolution service for unlawful discrimination, sexual or racial harassment and victimisation under the Human Rights Act, including at work. Use the online complaint form, or email infoline@hrc.co.nz or call 0800 496 877 and leave a message for a case advisor.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Aotearoa New Zealand who has experienced unlawful discrimination or other behaviour prohibited by the Human Rights Act.
Free (the page says 'We provide free, confidential services'). Note: The Commission offers dispute resolution but does not investigate or decide whether the law was broken; it reports a high volume of complaints and longer response times.
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NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi — Find your union, by industry or occupation (New Zealand)

https://union.org.nz/find-your-union/
No fee is mentioned for using the finder; ask the union you choose about its membership fees. Note: Not every New Zealand union is affiliated to the NZCTU, so the finder may not list all unions. Ask the union you choose about membership fees.
What It Does
Choose the area you work in (health, education, transport, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, government and more) to find a union that covers your job, or browse the list of affiliated unions. The page suggests first asking workmates whether they already belong to a union.
Who It Helps
Workers in New Zealand.
No fee is mentioned for using the finder; ask the union you choose about its membership fees. Note: Not every New Zealand union is affiliated to the NZCTU, so the finder may not list all unions. Ask the union you choose about membership fees.
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Acas helpline — free, confidential advice on employment rights and workplace problems (England, Scotland and Wales)

https://www.acas.org.uk/contact/get-advice
Free advice (the page says 'confidential, free advice'), but your phone provider may charge for the call. Some other Acas services, including mediation, are paid. Note: Advisers cannot take sides, give a legal opinion or act for you. Early conciliation is busy — it can take around 9 weeks to start.
What It Does
Advisers explain what employment law says, talk through most work problems and discuss your options. Call 0300 123 1100 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm); interpreters, Relay UK (18001 0300 123 1100) and BSL video relay are available. If you are thinking of an employment tribunal claim, you must first notify Acas, which will then offer early conciliation.
Who It Helps
Workers and employers — the page says the helpline is 'for anyone who needs employment law or work advice'. GOV.UK points people in Northern Ireland to the Labour Relations Agency instead. You do not have to give personal details.
Free advice (the page says 'confidential, free advice'), but your phone provider may charge for the call. Some other Acas services, including mediation, are paid. Note: Advisers cannot take sides, give a legal opinion or act for you. Early conciliation is busy — it can take around 9 weeks to start.
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GOV.UK — Pay and work rights complaints: report underpayment of minimum wage, agency or working-time problems (UK)

https://www.gov.uk/pay-and-work-rights
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (official government service). Note: The page does not say which UK nations each enforcement body covers. For advice in Northern Ireland, GOV.UK points to the Labour Relations Agency.
What It Does
Make a complaint about your employer or employment agency, or on behalf of someone else — even if you no longer work there. Complaints go to HMRC (National Minimum Wage), the Fair Work Agency (employment agency rules and some agency workers), the Health and Safety Executive (working time) or the Rural Payments Agency (agricultural wages). The page also gives the Acas helpline.
Who It Helps
Workers in the UK, or someone complaining on their behalf.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (official government service). Note: The page does not say which UK nations each enforcement body covers. For advice in Northern Ireland, GOV.UK points to the Labour Relations Agency.
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Labour Relations Agency — free Workplace Information Service and early conciliation (Northern Ireland)

https://www.lra.org.uk/
Free (the Agency says it provides 'free, impartial and confidential services'). Note: Northern Ireland only (in Great Britain, use Acas).
What It Does
Call the Workplace Information Service on 03300 555 300 to ask about your employment rights and get information on your own circumstances; an interpreter can be arranged. The Agency also offers early conciliation for disputes that might go to an Industrial or Fair Employment Tribunal, plus mediation.
Who It Helps
Employees, workers and employers in Northern Ireland.
Free (the Agency says it provides 'free, impartial and confidential services'). Note: Northern Ireland only (in Great Britain, use Acas).
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Workplace Relations Commission — employment rights information line and complaints (Ireland)

https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/what-we-do/employment-rights-information/info_cust_serv/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (statutory body). Note: There are strict time limits for making a complaint (IHREC notes this for discrimination cases); contact the WRC early.
What It Does
Information Officers answer questions on employment rights, equality and industrial relations by phone on 059 9178990 (9.30am–4pm, Mon–Fri) or through an online enquiry form. Complaints, including discrimination at work, are made through the eComplaint portal and may go to adjudication, inspection or, if both sides agree, mediation.
Who It Helps
Employees and employers in Ireland.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (statutory body). Note: There are strict time limits for making a complaint (IHREC notes this for discrimination cases); contact the WRC early.
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Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission — Your Rights information on discrimination at work (Ireland)

https://www.ihrec.ie/your-rights/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (statutory body). Note: The Your Rights service gives information only — not legal advice on your case — and cannot take drop-in visits.
What It Does
Plain information about the laws that protect you from discrimination at work (Employment Equality Acts) and in services, the nine protected grounds, how to complain to the Workplace Relations Commission and its strict time limits, plus factsheets and a form to report discriminatory adverts.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Ireland who thinks they have been discriminated against at work or when using services.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (statutory body). Note: The Your Rights service gives information only — not legal advice on your case — and cannot take drop-in visits.
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Worker.gov (US Department of Labor) — find out your workplace rights and which agency to contact (United States)

https://www.worker.gov/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (US Government information site). Note: General information that the site says is 'not intended to be comprehensive'.
What It Does
Pick your concern — 'I wasn't paid properly', 'I don't feel safe at work', 'I was treated unfairly', 'I was fired or not hired', 'I was threatened or retaliated against' — to learn the laws that protect you and whom to contact. Covers laws enforced by the Department of Labor, EEOC, Department of Justice and National Labor Relations Board.
Who It Helps
Workers in the United States.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (US Government information site). Note: General information that the site says is 'not intended to be comprehensive'.
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Wage and Hour Division (US Department of Labor) — file a confidential complaint about unpaid wages and other federal labor standards (United States)

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/contact/complaints
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (US Government agency).
What It Does
Call 1-866-487-9243 to file a complaint with the Wage and Hour Division, which enforces federal labor standards (its topics include wages, misclassification, family and medical leave and child labor); general questions can be sent online. Complaints are confidential and your employer may not retaliate; if back wages are owed, the investigator asks the employer to pay them.
Who It Helps
Workers in the United States covered by the federal labor laws WHD enforces; third parties can also complain.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (US Government agency).
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US Department of Labor — State Labor Offices: contact list for every state's labor department (United States)

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/contacts
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (official directory).
What It Does
A list of each state's labor office, with address, phone number and website, for all 50 states plus DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands. It sits in the Wage and Hour Division's State Labor Laws section.
Who It Helps
Workers in any US state or territory.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (official directory).
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EEOC — how to file a charge of employment discrimination (United States)

https://www.eeoc.gov/how-file-charge-employment-discrimination
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (US Government agency). Note: Strict time limits apply. Federal employees and applicants for federal jobs use a different complaint process.
What It Does
Start with an inquiry in the EEOC Public Portal, then have an interview by phone, video or in person at one of 53 EEOC offices; you can also call 1-800-669-4000 or write. The page explains strict deadlines (usually 180 days, extended to 300 in some places) and that you must file a charge before suing under most of the laws it enforces.
Who It Helps
Job applicants and employees in the US who believe they faced job discrimination due to race, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40+), disability, genetic information or retaliation.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (US Government agency). Note: Strict time limits apply. Federal employees and applicants for federal jobs use a different complaint process.
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OSHA — file a workplace safety and health or whistleblower complaint (United States)

https://www.osha.gov/workers/file-complaint
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (US Government agency). Note: Deadlines: OSHA cannot cite safety incidents more than six months old, and whistleblower deadlines are 30–180 days depending on the law.
What It Does
Report unsafe or unhealthy working conditions and ask for an inspection, or report retaliation for raising safety concerns. File online, by phone on 800-321-6742, by fax, mail or email, or in person at a local OSHA office; safety complaints can be anonymous and in any language.
Who It Helps
Workers in the United States, or someone filing for them. For whistleblower complaints in states with an OSHA-approved State Plan, you may file with federal OSHA and with the State Plan.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (US Government agency). Note: Deadlines: OSHA cannot cite safety incidents more than six months old, and whistleblower deadlines are 30–180 days depending on the law.
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Canadian Human Rights Commission — file a discrimination or harassment complaint (Canada)

https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/find-help/file-discrimination-complaint
Free (the page says 'You don't need to pay a fee to file a complaint'). Note: File within 12 months of the incident. The Commission says high volumes mean it cannot guarantee processing times. No walk-in service.
What It Does
Start an online complaint about discrimination or harassment, or send the form by email, mail or fax. You can file for someone else with their consent and do not need a lawyer. The Commission also lists the provincial and territorial human rights agencies that handle non-federal workplaces.
Who It Helps
People in Canada who faced discrimination or harassment from a federally regulated organisation or employer; other workplaces are covered by provincial and territorial agencies.
Free (the page says 'You don't need to pay a fee to file a complaint'). Note: File within 12 months of the incident. The Commission says high volumes mean it cannot guarantee processing times. No walk-in service.
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Ontario Ministry of Labour — file an employment standards claim for unpaid wages or other rights (Ontario, Canada)

https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/filing-claim
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (provincial government service). Note: Ontario only. Generally you must file within two years of the violation (three and a half years for claims under the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act).
What It Does
File a claim online (or by PDF form by fax or mail) if you believe your employer broke the Employment Standards Act — for example unpaid wages, holiday or vacation pay, or leave. An employment standards officer investigates claims filed in time. Foreign nationals can also claim under the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act.
Who It Helps
Most employees working in Ontario; some jobs are exempt or have special rules. Foreign nationals working through immigration or temporary foreign worker programs.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (provincial government service). Note: Ontario only. Generally you must file within two years of the violation (three and a half years for claims under the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act).
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CNESST (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail) — labour standards complaints (Québec, Canada)

https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/en/client-services/complaints-recourses/labour-standards-complaints
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (Québec government body). Note: Québec only. This page does not show time limits — check them with the CNESST before you file.
What It Does
Workers can complain to the CNESST to claim unpaid wages or other money owed, or about psychological or sexual harassment, dismissal without just cause, sanctions, discriminatory measures or reprisals, and other breaches of Québec's labour standards. Start with the online eligibility questionnaire.
Who It Helps
Workers in Québec.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (Québec government body). Note: Québec only. This page does not show time limits — check them with the CNESST before you file.
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Arbeiterkammer (Chamber of Labour) — free advice and legal representation on work rights for employees and jobseekers (Austria)

https://www.arbeiterkammer.at/ueberuns/mitgliedschaft/Mitgliedschaft.html
Advice and legal protection are free for members ('kostenlos', under the AK legal-protection rules). Working members pay a statutory payroll contribution of 0.5% of gross pay (about €11 net a month on a median income in 2026, at most €21); jobseekers, parents on leave, apprentices and low earners pay none. Note: Only for people who are members by law, at the chamber in the state where they work (or live, if unemployed). Court representation is given only if the AK judges the claim well-founded. In German.
What It Does
Almost all employees in Austria are automatically members of the Arbeiterkammer in the state where they work, and get advice and legal representation, for example on employment law, unemployment, social insurance, tax and consumer protection. Jobseekers stay members for at least 52 weeks if they worked at least 20 weeks. Contact the chamber in your state.
Who It Helps
Employees in Austria, including apprentices, marginal part-time workers, freelance employees and people on parental leave, and unemployed people as described. Some groups (e.g. farm and forestry workers, senior managers) are excluded by law.
Advice and legal protection are free for members ('kostenlos', under the AK legal-protection rules). Working members pay a statutory payroll contribution of 0.5% of gross pay (about €11 net a month on a median income in 2026, at most €21); jobseekers, parents on leave, apprentices and low earners pay none. Note: Only for people who are members by law, at the chamber in the state where they work (or live, if unemployed). Court representation is given only if the AK judges the claim well-founded. In German.
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Dirección del Trabajo (Labour Directorate) — file a complaint about an unfair dismissal or unpaid end-of-job money (Chile)

https://www.dt.gob.cl/portal/1626/w3-article-125086.html
No fee is mentioned on the page for filing a dismissal complaint (a public Labour Inspectorate procedure). Note: Court action for unjustified dismissal must start within 60 working days (paused while a complaint is open, never beyond 90). Online filing needs ClaveÚnica. In Spanish.
What It Does
The Labour Directorate's procedure for workers who think a dismissal was unjustified or whose former employer owes them money at the end of the job. File online through the Mi DT portal with ClaveÚnica, or at a Labour Inspectorate office; the Inspectorate holds a conciliation hearing with you and the employer to try to settle without going to court.
Who It Helps
Private-sector employees in Chile whose employment has ended (in person, in some cases, while still employed).
No fee is mentioned on the page for filing a dismissal complaint (a public Labour Inspectorate procedure). Note: Court action for unjustified dismissal must start within 60 working days (paused while a complaint is open, never beyond 90). Online filing needs ClaveÚnica. In Spanish.
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Défenseur des droits (Defender of Rights) — find a free local delegate for discrimination or problems with a public service (France)

https://www.defenseurdesdroits.fr/carte-des-delegues
Free ('Ils vous reçoivent gratuitement sur rendez-vous'; 'Notre aide est gratuite'). Note: In French. Delegates see people by appointment; you can also apply online, by post or by phone.
What It Does
Choose your département on the map or list to find the Defender of Rights' local delegates, who see you free of charge by appointment. They listen, advise and help when your rights are not respected — for example discrimination at work or in housing, or a problem with a public service such as the tax office.
Who It Helps
Anyone in France (and French people abroad, département '99') facing discrimination, a problem with a public administration, a breach of a child's rights, or misconduct by security staff.
Free ('Ils vous reçoivent gratuitement sur rendez-vous'; 'Notre aide est gratuite'). Note: In French. Delegates see people by appointment; you can also apply online, by post or by phone.
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PROFEDET (Procuraduría Federal de la Defensa del Trabajo, Federal Labour Defence Office) — free labour lawyers and representation (Mexico)

https://www.gob.mx/profedet/acciones-y-programas/procuradurias-foraneas-237363
Free — 'todos los servicios ofrecidos por esta Institución son gratuitos, por lo que ningún servidor público o persona ajena a la dependencia puede cobrar' (as PROFEDET states). Note: In Spanish. Nobody may charge you for PROFEDET's help — report anyone who asks for money to quejasdelservicio@stps.gob.mx.
What It Does
Public labour lawyers who advise and defend workers, their beneficiaries and unions in disputes over dismissal, pay and social security: guidance, help during conciliation, and legal representation. This page lists PROFEDET's offices, which sit inside the Federal Centre for Conciliation and Labour Registration in each state, plus phone, WhatsApp and email contacts.
Who It Helps
Workers, beneficiaries of deceased workers, and trade unions in Mexico with a labour or social security dispute.
Free — 'todos los servicios ofrecidos por esta Institución son gratuitos, por lo que ningún servidor público o persona ajena a la dependencia puede cobrar' (as PROFEDET states). Note: In Spanish. Nobody may charge you for PROFEDET's help — report anyone who asks for money to quejasdelservicio@stps.gob.mx.
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Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) — advice and mediation for salary and wrongful-dismissal disputes (Singapore)

https://www.tal.sg/tadm
Advice: no fee is mentioned. Filing a claim for mediation costs $10 per claim for claims of $10,000 or less, or $20 above that (inclusive of GST, not refundable). Note: A $10–$20 filing fee applies to mediation claims and claims have time limits; online filing needs Singpass.
What It Does
Advises employees, self-employed people and platform workers on employment disputes, and mediates salary-related claims (which must be mediated here before they can go to the Employment Claims Tribunals) and wrongful-dismissal claims. Use the 'Ask TADM' chatbot to check your options and time limits, file a claim online, or book an appointment.
Who It Helps
Employees in Singapore (NRIC or FIN holders) with unpaid salary or dismissal disputes; self-employed persons and platform workers with fee-payment disputes. Time limits apply to claims.
Advice: no fee is mentioned. Filing a claim for mediation costs $10 per claim for claims of $10,000 or less, or $20 above that (inclusive of GST, not refundable). Note: A $10–$20 filing fee applies to mediation claims and claims have time limits; online filing needs Singpass.
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CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) — how to refer an unfair dismissal or workplace dispute (South Africa)

https://www.ccma.org.za/get-advice/
The page does not state a fee for referring a dispute. It says a commissioner may order a party to pay the other side's costs (legal fees only if both sides had a legal practitioner), and an arbitrator may order the employer to pay an arbitration fee where a dismissal was only procedurally unfair. Note: Refer unfair dismissal within 30 days (90 days for unfair labour practices, six months for discrimination). Only a legal practitioner or candidate attorney may charge a fee to represent you.
What It Does
Explains how employees (or their registered trade union) and employers can refer disputes about dismissal, unfair labour practices, wages, working conditions and discrimination to the CCMA for conciliation and, if unresolved, arbitration. You file a referral form (LRA Form 7.11) online, by email, fax or post, and serve a copy on the other party; the other side's consent is not needed.
Who It Helps
Employees and employers in South Africa with disputes under the Labour Relations Act and related labour laws. Not for independent contractors; some sectors must use their bargaining council instead. Strict time limits apply.
The page does not state a fee for referring a dispute. It says a commissioner may order a party to pay the other side's costs (legal fees only if both sides had a legal practitioner), and an arbitrator may order the employer to pay an arbitration fee where a dismissal was only procedurally unfair. Note: Refer unfair dismissal within 30 days (90 days for unfair labour practices, six months for discrimination). Only a legal practitioner or candidate attorney may charge a fee to represent you.
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Free Legal Aid — Finding a Free Lawyer, Legal Clinic or Legal Information

National Legal Aid — find the legal aid commission for your state or territory (Australia)

https://nationallegalaid.org.au/find-legal-help
Free legal information and advice are described for several commissions (e.g. Victoria Legal Aid, Legal Aid Queensland); legal aid for representation is means-tested — ask the commission. Note: Free information and advice are offered, but representation by a commission depends on your financial situation and circumstances; contact the commission in your state or territory.
What It Does
Links to all eight state and territory legal aid commissions, with a short note on what each offers — for example legal information, advice, duty lawyers at courts and representation. Choose where you live and contact that commission. National Legal Aid itself does not give legal advice.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Australia with a legal problem. The commissions focus on people who are economically or socially disadvantaged; whether they represent you depends on your financial situation and circumstances.
Free legal information and advice are described for several commissions (e.g. Victoria Legal Aid, Legal Aid Queensland); legal aid for representation is means-tested — ask the commission. Note: Free information and advice are offered, but representation by a commission depends on your financial situation and circumstances; contact the commission in your state or territory.
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Community Legal Centres Australia — find a free community legal centre in your state or territory (Australia)

https://clcs.org.au/legal-help/
Mostly free (as the page states) — ask the centre about any cost. Note: Generalist centres serve only their local area and specialist centres only certain problems or groups; the page says advice is 'mostly' free.
What It Does
The national peak body's 'Find legal help' page links to the community legal centre directory for each state and territory. It says there are more than 160 community legal services giving mostly free advice: generalist centres help people in their local area with fines, credit and debt, parenting orders, family violence and more; specialist centres focus on one area of law or group.
Who It Helps
People anywhere in Australia with a legal problem. Generalist centres serve a defined local area; specialist centres serve particular problems or groups of people.
Mostly free (as the page states) — ask the centre about any cost. Note: Generalist centres serve only their local area and specialist centres only certain problems or groups; the page says advice is 'mostly' free.
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Australian Pro Bono Centre — step-by-step guide to free legal help in each state and territory (Australia)

https://www.probonocentre.org.au/legal-help/individual/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Services listed are free or low cost and set their own eligibility.
What It Does
Choose your state or territory to see numbered options for legal help: the legal aid commission, community legal centres, the local pro bono referral scheme that matches people with volunteer lawyers (e.g. LawRight in Queensland), court-based help for people representing themselves, and legal information sites. The Centre itself does not give advice or refer cases.
Who It Helps
Individuals anywhere in Australia looking for free or low-cost legal help; each service listed has its own eligibility rules.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Services listed are free or low cost and set their own eligibility.
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Justice Connect — apply online for free legal help from its lawyers and pro bono network (Australia)

https://help.justiceconnect.org.au/
Free (as the service states), for people who are eligible. Note: Only some legal problems and places are covered and many programs have an income test; its Domestic Building Legal Service is closed to new clients until 9 November 2026.
What It Does
An online form asks a few questions about your legal problem and matches you to any Justice Connect service that may help — for example its Homeless Law service for Victorian renters facing eviction, or one-hour clinics for people representing themselves in some courts. Some services are delivered by lawyers in its pro bono network. You only give identifying details at the last step.
Who It Helps
People in Australia whose problem Justice Connect covers; coverage depends on the service (e.g. renting help is for Victorian renters; self-representation help covers NSW, the ACT, Victoria and Tasmania). Many programs have an income test.
Free (as the service states), for people who are eligible. Note: Only some legal problems and places are covered and many programs have an income test; its Domestic Building Legal Service is closed to new clients until 9 November 2026.
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NATSILS — find the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service in your state or territory (Australia)

https://www.natsils.org.au/
The page does not state a fee — ask when you contact them. Note: NATSILS itself is a peak body that does policy work and does not give legal advice; the page does not say what each member service charges or covers.
What It Does
The national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS) lists and links its seven members — the community-controlled legal services in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, NSW/ACT and Tasmania. Contact the service for your state for culturally safe legal help.
Who It Helps
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people anywhere in Australia who need legal help.
The page does not state a fee — ask when you contact them. Note: NATSILS itself is a peak body that does policy work and does not give legal advice; the page does not say what each member service charges or covers.
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Ministry of Justice — check if you can get legal aid and find a legal aid lawyer (New Zealand)

https://www.justice.govt.nz/courts/going-to-court/legal-aid/get-legal-aid/
No fee is mentioned for using the lawyer finder. Legal aid is treated as a loan: you may have to repay some or all of it, depending on your income, property and the outcome of your case (as the page states). Note: Legal aid is a loan you may have to repay; civil legal aid is not available for Disputes Tribunal cases or Work and Income reviews.
What It Does
Explains criminal, family and civil legal aid — government funding for a lawyer if you cannot afford one — and how to apply. Its Legal Aid Lawyer Finder lets you search legal aid lawyers by region, area of law, type of case and language. Legal aid is treated as a loan, so you may have to repay some or all of it.
Who It Helps
People in New Zealand who need a lawyer but cannot afford one — for example if charged with a crime, in a family dispute that goes to court, or in a civil case about money, housing, ACC or a job. Eligibility depends on income, assets and the case.
No fee is mentioned for using the lawyer finder. Legal aid is treated as a loan: you may have to repay some or all of it, depending on your income, property and the outcome of your case (as the page states). Note: Legal aid is a loan you may have to repay; civil legal aid is not available for Disputes Tribunal cases or Work and Income reviews.
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Ministry of Justice — free lawyer if you are held by police (PDLA) and a free duty lawyer at court (New Zealand)

https://www.justice.govt.nz/courts/going-to-court/legal-aid/legal-help/
Free (as the service states), whether or not you can afford a lawyer.
What It Does
Explains two free services. If police arrest or hold you, ask them for the Police Detention Legal Assistance (PDLA) list and phone a lawyer, day or night. If you are charged and have no lawyer, a duty lawyer at the District Court can advise you on your first day, ask for bail in some cases and help you apply for legal aid.
Who It Helps
Anyone in New Zealand who is arrested, held or questioned by police, or who is charged with an offence and has no lawyer; there is no minimum age for PDLA.
Free (as the service states), whether or not you can afford a lawyer.
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Community Law — Law Manual Online: free plain-language guides to everyday law (New Zealand)

https://communitylaw.org.nz/law-manual-online/
Free — 'a free pool of plain-language legal information' (as the page states).
What It Does
The online version of the Community Law Manual, browsable by topic: housing, consumer rights and money, criminal and traffic law, family, health and disability, immigration and refugees, jobs and benefits, schools and more. Use it to understand your rights, then contact a Community Law Centre if you need advice.
Who It Helps
Anyone in New Zealand wanting to understand the law on everyday problems.
Free — 'a free pool of plain-language legal information' (as the page states).
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GOV.UK — check if you can get legal aid (England and Wales)

https://www.gov.uk/legal-aid/check-legal-aid
Free — 'You will not be charged for checking your eligibility' (as the page states). Note: Legal aid only covers some kinds of civil problem and depends on income and savings.
What It Does
An online checker asks about your legal problem, income and savings, then tells you what to do next — for example speak to an adviser who can arrange legal advice by phone, or find a legal aid adviser or mediator near you. A legal adviser then applies for legal aid for you. There is a quick-exit option for people who do not want someone to know they are applying.
Who It Helps
People in England and Wales with a civil legal problem who may not be able to afford a lawyer; Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate schemes, and there is a different route if you are arrested or charged.
Free — 'You will not be charged for checking your eligibility' (as the page states). Note: Legal aid only covers some kinds of civil problem and depends on income and savings.
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Find a Legal Aid Adviser or Family Mediator — search by postcode and problem (England and Wales)

https://find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Advice is paid for by legal aid only if you qualify — GOV.UK says that otherwise you can pay for advice, so ask about any cost first. Note: Lists legal aid providers; whether your help is free depends on the legal aid means and merits tests.
What It Does
Search by postcode for organisations with a legal aid contract, filtered by problem: debt, housing, the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service, immigration or asylum, welfare benefits, discrimination, community care, mental health, family, family mediation, crime, prison law and more. The adviser will ask about your problem and money to work out if you can get legal aid.
Who It Helps
People in England and Wales looking for a legal aid solicitor, advice agency or family mediator.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Advice is paid for by legal aid only if you qualify — GOV.UK says that otherwise you can pay for advice, so ask about any cost first. Note: Lists legal aid providers; whether your help is free depends on the legal aid means and merits tests.
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Law Centres Network — list and map of local Law Centres (UK)

https://www.lawcentres.org.uk/list-of-law-centres
Free (as the network states). Note: Law Centres exist only in some towns and cities, cover different areas of law and can have limited capacity.
What It Does
A complete list and map of Law Centres across the UK. Law Centres are not-for-profit legal practices employing lawyers who give free advice and can represent people with everyday legal problems — with landlords, at work, with benefits and immigration. Find your nearest centre and contact it directly.
Who It Helps
People in the UK who cannot afford a lawyer; most Law Centres are in England, with one in Northern Ireland. Each centre covers its own area and areas of law.
Free (as the network states). Note: Law Centres exist only in some towns and cities, cover different areas of law and can have limited capacity.
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LawWorks — search for a free legal advice clinic (England and Wales)

https://www.lawworks.org.uk/find-legal-advice/individuals
Free initial advice (as the page states). Note: Clinics give free initial advice only, and are meant for people who cannot get legal aid.
What It Does
Search the LawWorks Clinics Network by area of law, how advice is given (face to face, phone, email, online) and location. Clinics give free initial advice on social welfare law such as employment, housing, consumer disputes, debt and welfare benefits; the search also lists areas such as immigration, asylum and family. The page explains how to check for legal aid first.
Who It Helps
People in England and Wales who are not eligible for legal aid and cannot afford to pay a lawyer.
Free initial advice (as the page states). Note: Clinics give free initial advice only, and are meant for people who cannot get legal aid.
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Advocate — free help from volunteer barristers when you cannot get legal aid (England and Wales)

https://weareadvocate.org.uk/apply-for-help/how-our-service-works.html
Free (as the service states), after a means test. Note: Needs at least three weeks before your hearing; help relies on volunteers and is not guaranteed. Barristers cannot prepare your paperwork or write letters for you.
What It Does
Apply online (or by email) with your documents and Advocate tries to find a volunteer barrister to give free advice, draft documents or represent you in any court or tribunal. A reviewer checks the legal merits and your means; matching can take several weeks and is not guaranteed. Apply at least three weeks before your hearing or deadline.
Who It Helps
People in England and Wales who cannot get legal aid, cannot afford a lawyer and have no legal expenses insurance; cases with a deadline under three weeks are taken only in exceptional situations.
Free (as the service states), after a means test. Note: Needs at least three weeks before your hearing; help relies on volunteers and is not guaranteed. Barristers cannot prepare your paperwork or write letters for you.
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Support Through Court — free volunteer support if you face a civil or family court without a lawyer (England and Wales)

https://supportthroughcourt.org/get-help/how-we-help/
Free (as the service states: 'our service is free at the point of access'). Note: Practical and emotional support only — not legal advice or representation; no help with criminal cases.
What It Does
Trained volunteers explain how the court works, help you fill in forms and organise papers, help you plan what to say, can go into court with you, and point you to free legal advice. Help is given at offices in courts and universities, through a national helpline and online. They do not give legal advice or represent you, and do not help with criminal cases.
Who It Helps
People in England and Wales going through the civil or family courts without a lawyer.
Free (as the service states: 'our service is free at the point of access'). Note: Practical and emotional support only — not legal advice or representation; no help with criminal cases.
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Advicenow — plain-language legal guides and free self-help letter tools, including benefit challenges (UK)

https://www.advicenow.org.uk/get-help
Free guides and letter tools (as the site states); its separate Affordable Advice service for family matters, with Resolution, charges a low fixed fee. Note: Self-help information, not personal advice; the page does not say which parts of the UK each guide covers, so check before relying on it.
What It Does
Guides on benefits, housing, family, employment, debt, immigration and going to court, written in plain English and checked by legal experts. Free tools write letters for you — for example a PIP or work capability mandatory reconsideration, a Universal Credit sanction challenge, a housing repairs letter or a work grievance — and help you prepare a tribunal submission.
Who It Helps
People in the UK dealing with a legal problem on their own, especially benefit decisions, renting and family matters.
Free guides and letter tools (as the site states); its separate Affordable Advice service for family matters, with Resolution, charges a low fixed fee. Note: Self-help information, not personal advice; the page does not say which parts of the UK each guide covers, so check before relying on it.
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Scottish Legal Aid Board — find a solicitor who does legal aid work (Scotland)

https://www.slab.org.uk/new-to-legal-aid/find-a-solicitor/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Legal aid itself is not always free — you may need to pay a contribution (as the Board states). Note: Solicitors decide whether they can take your case, even if they are registered for legal aid.
What It Does
Search for solicitors registered for legal aid near you, by civil, criminal or children's hearings work and by problem — benefits including Universal Credit, consumer problems, debt, housing and homelessness, immigration and asylum, discrimination, employment, mental health and more. You can only apply for legal aid through a solicitor; the Board's site also has eligibility estimators.
Who It Helps
People in Scotland who need a solicitor and may qualify for legal aid.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Legal aid itself is not always free — you may need to pay a contribution (as the Board states). Note: Solicitors decide whether they can take your case, even if they are registered for legal aid.
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nidirect — legal aid explained: advice and assistance, civil and criminal legal aid (Northern Ireland)

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/legal-aid-information
Free to read. Depending on your finances you may have to pay a contribution, no more than £134 for advice and assistance (as the page states). Note: Legal aid is means-tested and you must apply through a solicitor; higher-court cases may need a contribution to the Legal Services Agency.
What It Does
The Northern Ireland government's guide to the three legal aid schemes — legal advice and assistance, civil legal aid and criminal legal aid — what each covers and how to apply. Applications are made through a solicitor; it points to the Law Society's list of solicitors and to local Law Centres and independent advice centres.
Who It Helps
People in Northern Ireland who cannot afford to pay for legal advice or representation.
Free to read. Depending on your finances you may have to pay a contribution, no more than £134 for advice and assistance (as the page states). Note: Legal aid is means-tested and you must apply through a solicitor; higher-court cases may need a contribution to the Legal Services Agency.
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Legal Aid BC — free legal advice, duty counsel and Family LawLINE (British Columbia, Canada)

https://legalaid.bc.ca/services/advice
Criminal and immigration legal advice is always free (as the page states); some family advice is means-tested. Note: Some family advice services require you to qualify financially, and representation by a legal aid lawyer has its own qualifying rules.
What It Does
If you do not qualify for a free legal aid lawyer, you may still get free advice: criminal duty counsel at Provincial courthouses, the Brydges Line for people arrested or detained, immigration duty counsel for people detained by the CBSA, and family duty counsel, advice lawyers and the Family LawLINE phone service.
Who It Helps
People in British Columbia; criminal and immigration advice is free for everyone, while some family advice services need you to qualify financially.
Criminal and immigration legal advice is always free (as the page states); some family advice is means-tested. Note: Some family advice services require you to qualify financially, and representation by a legal aid lawyer has its own qualifying rules.
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Clicklaw — trusted legal information and help services in one place (British Columbia, Canada)

https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
Browse by legal topic to find practical information, self-help guides and contact details for legal help services from non-profits, government and the legal profession in British Columbia.
Who It Helps
Anyone in British Columbia with a legal question or looking for a legal help service.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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Legal Aid Board — check if you qualify for civil legal aid and contact your local law centre (Ireland)

https://www.legalaidboard.ie/our-legal-aid-service/apply-now/financial-eligibility-and-merits-test/
A contribution usually applies: €30 to €150 for advice and at least €130 if represented in court; it can be waived for undue hardship, and some cases (e.g. barring, safety and protection orders) are free (as the Board states). Note: Means and merits tested and contributions usually apply. On 31 October 2026 the law-centre list said phone lines had technical problems — contact your law centre by email.
What It Does
Explains who qualifies for the Legal Aid Board's civil legal aid and advice (family law, international protection and other civil matters) and has an online financial eligibility calculator. Apply through one of the Board's law centres around the country; a merits test decides whether court representation is given.
Who It Helps
People in Ireland with disposable income under €18,000 a year (after allowances for tax, housing and childcare) and a case that passes the merits test.
A contribution usually applies: €30 to €150 for advice and at least €130 if represented in court; it can be waived for undue hardship, and some cases (e.g. barring, safety and protection orders) are free (as the Board states). Note: Means and merits tested and contributions usually apply. On 31 October 2026 the law-centre list said phone lines had technical problems — contact your law centre by email.
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Citizens Information — plain-language guides to legal aid, the courts and your legal rights (Ireland)

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/justice/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
The Irish State's public information site explains law and rights, civil and criminal law, arrests, legal aid and advice (civil and criminal legal aid, the Garda station legal advice scheme, legal aid for people seeking asylum), the courts, victims of crime and neighbour disputes, in plain English.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Ireland who wants to understand a legal problem or find out about free legal help.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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FLAC — free 15–20 minute phone appointment with a volunteer lawyer, booked through Citizens Information (Ireland)

https://www.flac.ie/help/advice/
Free (as the service states). Note: Appointments are limited, depend on volunteer availability and must be arranged through a Citizens Information Centre or partner.
What It Does
A FLAC volunteer lawyer can give first-stop legal information, basic advice on next steps and a referral in a confidential 15–20 minute phone appointment. Appointments are booked for you by an Information Officer at your local Citizens Information Centre or another partner, after they have discussed your query.
Who It Helps
People in Ireland who cannot afford legal advice and need once-off, early, basic advice on a clear legal question that information alone cannot answer.
Free (as the service states). Note: Appointments are limited, depend on volunteer availability and must be arranged through a Citizens Information Centre or partner.
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Legal Services Corporation — find the free civil legal aid program for your area (United States)

https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/i-need-legal-help
Free to use; LSC-funded programs give no-cost legal help to people who qualify. Note: LSC's federal funding fell 3.6% for 2026 and a House committee has approved a cut of over 50% for 2027, which LSC says could leave 2.8 million people without legal help.
What It Does
Enter an address or click the map to find the LSC-funded legal aid organisation for that area, with its phone number and website. LSC funds non-profits that give free civil legal help to people on low incomes — for example with custody and domestic violence, eviction or foreclosure, and veterans' and other benefits.
Who It Helps
People on low incomes anywhere in the US, DC and US territories with a civil (not criminal) legal problem.
Free to use; LSC-funded programs give no-cost legal help to people who qualify. Note: LSC's federal funding fell 3.6% for 2026 and a House committee has approved a cut of over 50% for 2027, which LSC says could leave 2.8 million people without legal help.
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LawHelp.org — find free legal aid and legal information in your state (United States)

https://www.lawhelp.org/
Free to use (as the site states: 'always free to use'). Note: A referral site: the legal aid programs it lists set their own eligibility and may have limited capacity.
What It Does
Choose your state or territory to reach its legal help website or a list of non-profit legal aid organisations, plus free legal guides, court forms and self-help tools. Linked LawHelp Interactive lets you prepare legal documents free, e.g. for housing, family and debt collection cases.
Who It Helps
People without a lawyer in any US state or territory who need civil legal help or information.
Free to use (as the site states: 'always free to use'). Note: A referral site: the legal aid programs it lists set their own eligibility and may have limited capacity.
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ABA Free Legal Answers — ask a volunteer lawyer a civil legal question online (United States)

https://abafreelegalanswers.org/
Free (as the service states). Note: Only in participating states and for users who meet its qualification questions; answers come later by email, and criminal law questions are not answered.
What It Does
A virtual legal advice clinic: choose your state, answer questions to see if you qualify, then post your civil legal question. A volunteer lawyer licensed in your state answers by email, and you log back in to read the answer and ask follow-up questions. A federal site takes immigration and federal veterans' questions.
Who It Helps
People in participating US states who meet the site's qualification questions (USA.gov describes it as for people with low incomes); not every state takes part.
Free (as the service states). Note: Only in participating states and for users who meet its qualification questions; answers come later by email, and criminal law questions are not answered.
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Department of Justice Canada — links to every provincial and territorial legal aid plan (Canada)

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/aid-aide/index.html
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Legal aid itself is means-tested by each plan. Note: Eligibility, coverage and any contribution differ between provinces and territories; some links on the page are out of date — if one fails, search for your province's legal aid plan by name.
What It Does
The federal government does not give legal aid directly; this page links to the legal aid plan in each of the 13 provinces and territories, from British Columbia to Yukon. Choose yours to find out what legal aid covers and how to apply. Seven provinces also give immigration and refugee legal aid.
Who It Helps
People in Canada who cannot afford a lawyer; each plan sets its own financial rules and the types of case it covers.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Legal aid itself is means-tested by each plan. Note: Eligibility, coverage and any contribution differ between provinces and territories; some links on the page are out of date — if one fails, search for your province's legal aid plan by name.
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Steps to Justice (CLEO) — step-by-step answers to everyday legal problems, with referrals and live chat (Ontario, Canada)

https://stepstojustice.ca/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
Plain-language, step-by-step information on common legal problems — housing and eviction, income assistance, debt and consumer rights, family, immigration, human rights, criminal law and more — plus checklists, fillable forms, guided pathways for some forms, referral information for legal and social services, and live chat and email support. Also in French (Justice pas-à-pas).
Who It Helps
People living in Ontario with a legal problem.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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Pro Bono Ontario — Free Legal Advice Hotline: up to 30 minutes with a lawyer on a civil problem (Ontario, Canada)

https://www.probonoontario.org/free-legal-advice-hotline/
Free (as the service states). Note: Brief advice only (one consultation per day, no ongoing representation); no family, immigration or criminal matters.
What It Does
Phone the hotline to speak to a lawyer for up to 30 minutes of free advice and help with an everyday civil legal problem in Ontario, such as consumer, housing, employment, going to court or appeals. Calls are taken Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; unblock your caller ID first.
Who It Helps
People in Ontario who cannot afford a lawyer and have a civil legal problem; no family, immigration or criminal law.
Free (as the service states). Note: Brief advice only (one consultation per day, no ongoing representation); no family, immigration or criminal matters.
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Éducaloi — plain-language legal information for everyone in Québec (Québec, Canada)

https://educaloi.qc.ca/en/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
Clear explanations of Québec law on everyday topics — families and couples, separation and divorce, wills, consumer protection, credit and debt, work, housing, health, rights and freedoms and more — in English and French, with web guides for particular groups. Use it to understand your rights and options before getting legal advice.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Québec, in English or French.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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Commission des services juridiques (Legal Services Commission) — Québec legal aid, free or with a contribution (Québec, Canada)

https://www.csj.qc.ca/eligibility/
Free, or a contribution of $100–$800 depending on income (as the Commission states). Note: Eligibility can only be assessed at an appointment at a legal aid office.
What It Does
Explains who can get legal aid in Québec and how to apply: make an appointment at the legal aid office in your region, where your finances and the service you need are assessed. Legal aid is either free or given for a contribution of $100 to $800, which can be paid in instalments.
Who It Helps
People in Québec on low or modest incomes; people on social assistance or social solidarity benefits are automatically financially eligible, and minors are eligible free.
Free, or a contribution of $100–$800 depending on income (as the Commission states). Note: Eligibility can only be assessed at an appointment at a legal aid office.
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Defensoria Pública da União (DPU, Federal Public Defender's Office) — free legal help with federal benefits, health and other federal matters (Brazil)

https://www.dpu.def.br/
Free — 'A Defensoria Pública não cobra pela prestação de serviços. O serviço é sempre gratuito' (as its service charter states). Note: Income-tested and federal matters only. The DPU's service charter says it never charges for its services and court costs are not charged.
What It Does
Free public defenders for federal matters: pensions and sickness benefits, BPC/LOAS disability and old-age benefits, Bolsa Família, medicines and health care, federal housing and student loans (FIES), and federal crimes; it also mediates to avoid court. Present in all regions of Brazil; track your case in the DPU Cidadão app. For family, consumer and most other cases, go to your state Defensoria Pública.
Who It Helps
People in Brazil with a gross family income up to R$2,000 a month (or higher with extraordinary expenses such as medicines), and anyone reporting human-rights violations.
Free — 'A Defensoria Pública não cobra pela prestação de serviços. O serviço é sempre gratuito' (as its service charter states). Note: Income-tested and federal matters only. The DPU's service charter says it never charges for its services and court costs are not charged.
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Your Europe – Advice — free personal advice from independent lawyers on your EU rights, usually within a week (European Union)

https://europa.eu/youreurope/advice/index_en.htm
Free ('This free service is provided by legal experts from the European Citizen Action Service'). Note: It cannot give in-depth legal advice, meet you face to face, take a case for you, or deal with issues that are only about national law.
What It Does
Send a question in any of the 24 official EU languages and an independent legal expert replies, usually within one week, about your rights under EU law. If your question is better handled elsewhere, the Your Europe site guides you to the most appropriate service.
Who It Helps
EU and EEA nationals, their family members, non-EU nationals who have EU rights, and information services acting for them. It cannot help with purely national-law issues.
Free ('This free service is provided by legal experts from the European Citizen Action Service'). Note: It cannot give in-depth legal advice, meet you face to face, take a case for you, or deal with issues that are only about national law.
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European e-Justice Portal — legal aid: how to get help with legal costs in each EU country, including cross-border cases (European Union)

https://e-justice.europa.eu/topics/taking-legal-action/legal-aid_en
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Whether legal aid is full or partial depends on each country's rules. Note: Information only — you apply to your national legal aid authority. The main page was last updated on 30/05/2023; the country pages are updated separately (e.g. the Netherlands page on 12/03/2025).
What It Does
Explains the right to legal aid if you cannot afford the costs of a court case or a lawyer, in civil and criminal cases. Select a country's flag for national information on who qualifies and how to apply; there are also standard forms for legal aid in a dispute with someone in another EU country.
Who It Helps
People in an EU country who cannot afford a court case or legal representation, including people with a cross-border dispute in the EU.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Whether legal aid is full or partial depends on each country's rules. Note: Information only — you apply to your national legal aid authority. The main page was last updated on 30/05/2023; the country pages are updated separately (e.g. the Netherlands page on 12/03/2025).
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Oikeusapu (public legal aid) — state legal aid offices for people on lower incomes, from family and debt to eviction and benefit appeals (Finland)

https://www.oikeuspalveluvirasto.fi/oikeusapu/
Free or part-paid depending on your finances ('Oikeusapu voi olla joko täysin maksutonta tai voit joutua maksamaan vain osan kuluista'). Note: Income and asset limits apply, and you may pay part of the costs. Legal aid is usually not given if you have legal expenses insurance covering the matter.
What It Does
Public legal aid offices give state-funded legal help with all kinds of legal matters, for example divorce and child custody, debt restructuring and enforcement, employment and tenancy disputes including eviction, criminal cases, and appeals about Kela benefits or social assistance. You can apply at any legal aid office regardless of where you live; an anonymous chat gives general legal guidance.
Who It Helps
People in Finland whose income and assets are below set limits. Victims of serious violent or sexual crime can get a free counsel regardless of income.
Free or part-paid depending on your finances ('Oikeusapu voi olla joko täysin maksutonta tai voit joutua maksamaan vain osan kuluista'). Note: Income and asset limits apply, and you may pay part of the costs. Legal aid is usually not given if you have legal expenses insurance covering the matter.
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Legal Aid Department — means-tested lawyer for civil and criminal court cases (Hong Kong)

https://www.lad.gov.hk/eng/las/overview.html
Ordinary scheme: no contribution if your financial resources are HK$56,540 or less; from HK$56,540.01 to HK$452,320, a sliding-scale contribution of HK$1,131 to HK$113,080. Costs may be repaid from money or property recovered. Supplementary scheme: a non-refundable application fee (HK$1,000 or HK$5,000), an interim contribution and a share of damages recovered. Note: Court representation only (no general advice); means and merits tested. Scammers have posed as LAD staff asking for 'red packets' — LAD never asks for these.
What It Does
Provides a solicitor and, if needed, a barrister to represent eligible people in civil or criminal cases in the District Court and higher courts, and in committal proceedings. Applicants must pass a means test and a merits test; an online calculator lets you check your financial resources first. It does not give general legal advice — for that it points to the Duty Lawyer Service's Free Legal Advice Scheme.
Who It Helps
Anyone involved in these court proceedings in Hong Kong, 'whether or not resident in Hong Kong', with financial resources up to HK$452,320 (Ordinary scheme) or, for certain types of claim, HK$2,261,600 (Supplementary scheme).
Ordinary scheme: no contribution if your financial resources are HK$56,540 or less; from HK$56,540.01 to HK$452,320, a sliding-scale contribution of HK$1,131 to HK$113,080. Costs may be repaid from money or property recovered. Supplementary scheme: a non-refundable application fee (HK$1,000 or HK$5,000), an interim contribution and a share of damages recovered. Note: Court representation only (no general advice); means and merits tested. Scammers have posed as LAD staff asking for 'red packets' — LAD never asks for these.
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Tele-Law (Ministry of Law and Justice) — free legal advice from a panel lawyer by video or phone at village service centres (India)

https://www.tele-law.in/
Free — 'The service is free of cost for all citizens' (as the FAQ states). Note: Advice only: one 20-minute appointment with a panel lawyer by video or phone, booked through a local CSC or the app. The portal says it is 'under security review' and some services may be slower.
What It Does
Connects people with panel lawyers by video call or phone through Common Service Centres (CSCs) in villages. The centre operator or a para-legal volunteer registers you and books the appointment, and you get an SMS with the time. Advice covers family and domestic violence, maintenance, property and land, equal wages, child protection, FIRs and arrest, and caste atrocities. A Citizens' Tele-Law app also exists.
Who It Helps
People in India — the FAQ says 'all citizens are eligible for free legal advice through Tele-Law' — with a focus on marginalised and disadvantaged people, through CSCs at gram panchayat (village) level. The website is in 22 languages.
Free — 'The service is free of cost for all citizens' (as the FAQ states). Note: Advice only: one 20-minute appointment with a panel lawyer by video or phone, booked through a local CSC or the app. The portal says it is 'under security review' and some services may be slower.
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Houterasu (法テラス, Japan Legal Support Center) — free legal consultations with a lawyer for people on low incomes (Japan)

https://www.houterasu.or.jp/site/soudan-tatekae/goriyounonagare.html
Free consultations ('無料法律相談', up to 3 times per problem); lawyer fees it advances must be repaid. Note: Income and savings limits apply; appointment needed; criminal matters excluded. Main pages are in Japanese.
What It Does
Free 30-minute consultations with a lawyer or judicial scrivener on civil, family and administrative problems — debt, divorce, child support, dismissal and unpaid wages, inheritance and money disputes — up to three times for the same problem. Book in advance through its support line or local offices; it can also advance lawyers' fees. A multilingual information line serves foreign nationals.
Who It Helps
People in Japan with income and savings under set limits (for example, a single person outside major cities: take-home pay up to ¥182,000 a month and savings up to ¥1.8 million). Criminal cases are not covered.
Free consultations ('無料法律相談', up to 3 times per problem); lawyer fees it advances must be repaid. Note: Income and savings limits apply; appointment needed; criminal matters excluded. Main pages are in Japanese.
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Het Juridisch Loket (Legal Services Counter) — free personal legal advice by phone or walk-in for people on low incomes (Netherlands)

https://www.juridischloket.nl/
Free ('Wij bieden gratis persoonlijk juridisch advies aan iedereen met een laag inkomen en weinig spaargeld'). Note: Income and savings limits apply to personal advice. No lawyers work there; it cannot be emailed.
What It Does
Free first-line legal advice on housing and neighbours, work and income, family, police and justice, purchases, and debts and debt collection. Read the website for information and sample letters, call free on 0800-8020 on weekdays, or visit a walk-in session; a legal adviser explains your options and refers you on, including to a subsidised lawyer if needed.
Who It Helps
Anyone can use the website; personal advice is for people with a low income and little savings (2024 limits shown on the site, e.g. income under €35,400 for a single person). It also runs advice sessions for labour migrants.
Free ('Wij bieden gratis persoonlijk juridisch advies aan iedereen met een laag inkomen en weinig spaargeld'). Note: Income and savings limits apply to personal advice. No lawyers work there; it cannot be emailed.
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Legal Aid Council of Nigeria — free legal aid, with offices in all 36 states and the FCT (Nigeria)

https://legalaidcouncil.gov.ng/get-legal-aid-how-to-apply/
Free — 'The Legal Aid Council provides free legal assistance to eligible persons' (as the page states). Note: Only for people who cannot afford a lawyer; the Council reviews each application. Civil help covers set areas, such as accident and employees' compensation claims and breaches of fundamental rights.
What It Does
The federal legal aid body gives free legal advice, representation and alternative dispute resolution in criminal and civil matters, including human-rights cases. Apply online through its Pro Bono & Legal Aid Registration Portal (create a client account, fill in the form and track the status), or go to your nearest state office or the Abuja headquarters.
Who It Helps
People in Nigeria who cannot afford a private lawyer ('indigent Nigerians'), subject to the Legal Aid Act and the Council's guidelines.
Free — 'The Legal Aid Council provides free legal assistance to eligible persons' (as the page states). Note: Only for people who cannot afford a lawyer; the Council reviews each application. Civil help covers set areas, such as accident and employees' compensation claims and breaches of fundamental rights.
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Nieodpłatna pomoc prawna (free legal aid) — about 1,500 free legal advice points, one in every district (Poland)

https://www.gov.pl/web/nieodplatna-pomoc/npp
Free (nieodpłatna). You declare in writing, or orally for remote advice, that you cannot afford paid legal help. Note: In Polish. You need to book an appointment; whether advice is given in person or remotely depends on the point and district.
What It Does
Free legal advice from a professional lawyer (adwokat or radca prawny) at about 1,500 points across Poland, in person or remotely by phone or internet. The lawyer explains your rights and can help draft documents such as a claim or a request for a court-appointed lawyer. Book through your district's phone line or email, at the point, or online at zapisy-np.ms.gov.pl.
Who It Helps
People who cannot afford to pay a lawyer (you sign a statement saying so), and self-employed people with no employees. People with disabilities can ask for adjustments such as a sign-language interpreter, or get advice away from the point or remotely.
Free (nieodpłatna). You declare in writing, or orally for remote advice, that you cannot afford paid legal help. Note: In Polish. You need to book an appointment; whether advice is given in person or remotely depends on the point and district.
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Legal Aid Bureau (Ministry of Law) — free legal advice and means-tested legal aid for civil and family matters (Singapore)

https://lab.mlaw.gov.sg/
Legal advice: no contribution ('LAB does not currently require applicants of legal advice to pay any financial contribution'). Legal assistance or aid: most people pay a means-based contribution, 'usually not more than S$1,650', plus some costs such as expert reports. Note: Citizens and permanent residents only; means-tested; by appointment. Court representation usually involves a contribution of up to about S$1,650.
What It Does
The government's civil legal aid service: oral advice from a duty lawyer, help drafting a will or deed of separation, and representation in civil and family cases — including the Family Courts, Syariah Court and work injury compensation hearings. Register online, then book an appointment through the OneMinLaw Portal before visiting; do not walk in without one.
Who It Helps
Singapore citizens and permanent residents living in Singapore who pass the means test (and a merits test for court cases). People under 21 apply through a parent or guardian. Civil means-test limits were widened from 1 October 2026.
Legal advice: no contribution ('LAB does not currently require applicants of legal advice to pay any financial contribution'). Legal assistance or aid: most people pay a means-based contribution, 'usually not more than S$1,650', plus some costs such as expert reports. Note: Citizens and permanent residents only; means-tested; by appointment. Court representation usually involves a contribution of up to about S$1,650.
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Pro Bono SG — List of Legal Clinics in Singapore: clinics run by Pro Bono SG, community law centres and others (Singapore)

https://www.probono.sg/get-legal-help/legal-guidance/the-general-public/legal-clinics-in-singapore/
Pro Bono SG's clinics are free ('a free basic legal guidance appointment'). Other clinics on the list are run by third parties — check their terms directly. Note: Some listed clinics are third-party services Pro Bono SG does not run or endorse; expect a 1–2 week wait for its own clinic appointments.
What It Does
A list (accurate as of September 2026) of legal clinics across Singapore with addresses, opening times and who each one serves — Pro Bono SG's community clinics, community law centres, youth, non-resident and migrant worker clinics, and clinics run by other organisations. Pro Bono SG's own clinics give a free 20-minute one-to-one session; register online first, as most clinics are by appointment.
Who It Helps
People in Singapore who cannot afford a lawyer and need guidance on a personal (not business) legal matter. Some clinics are only for youths aged 18–35, non-residents, or migrant workers on a Work Permit or S Pass.
Pro Bono SG's clinics are free ('a free basic legal guidance appointment'). Other clinics on the list are run by third parties — check their terms directly. Note: Some listed clinics are third-party services Pro Bono SG does not run or endorse; expect a 1–2 week wait for its own clinic appointments.
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Legal Aid South Africa — Find Us: local legal aid offices by province (South Africa)

https://legal-aid.co.za/find-us/
Free if you qualify — 'you will not have to pay for anything… Legal Aid South Africa lawyers may not ask for or be paid any money' (as the page states). Costs awarded to you in a civil case may be deducted. Note: Means-tested (income and assets). Report any Legal Aid SA lawyer who asks for money to its ethics hotline 0800 153 728.
What It Does
A map of Legal Aid South Africa's offices: choose your province to find your nearest local office. Legal Aid SA gives free legal advice and representation in criminal cases and in civil matters such as family, eviction, land, employment and contract problems, to people who pass its means test. An official helps you fill in the means-test form.
Who It Helps
People in South Africa who cannot afford a lawyer — individuals earning under R9,400 a month after tax, or households under R10,200. Non-citizens living in South Africa qualify for criminal, child and asylum matters, but not other civil cases.
Free if you qualify — 'you will not have to pay for anything… Legal Aid South Africa lawyers may not ask for or be paid any money' (as the page states). Costs awarded to you in a civil case may be deducted. Note: Means-tested (income and assets). Report any Legal Aid SA lawyer who asks for money to its ethics hotline 0800 153 728.
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Justice Centres Uganda — free legal advice, mediation and court representation at 13 centres (Uganda)

https://justicecentres.go.ug/contacts/
Free — '100% Free of charge… Every service is free' (as the site states). Note: Centres cover 39 districts, not the whole country; if no centre serves your district, call 0800 100 212.
What It Does
Find your nearest Justice Centre by district. The centres give free legal advice, mediation, representation in civil and criminal cases for poor and vulnerable clients, and coaching for people representing themselves in court. Most centres sit at a High Court or Chief Magistrate's Court; walk in, or call the toll-free line 0800 100 212.
Who It Helps
Poor, vulnerable and marginalised people in Uganda; the 13 centres serve 39 districts, and people elsewhere can call the toll-free line for guidance.
Free — '100% Free of charge… Every service is free' (as the site states). Note: Centres cover 39 districts, not the whole country; if no centre serves your district, call 0800 100 212.
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Legal Help With Housing, Immigration, Benefits & Everyday Problems

Tenants' Union of NSW — find your local Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service (New South Wales, Australia)

https://www.tenants.org.au/all/taas
Free (as the page states). Note: New South Wales only; renters in other states need their own state's tenant advice service.
What It Does
Search by area or tap the map to find your local Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service (TAAS). There are 15 generalist services and 4 specialist Aboriginal services, each run by a local non-government organisation, giving free information, advice and advocacy on renting problems.
Who It Helps
Renters in New South Wales — private renters, social housing tenants, boarders and lodgers, among others.
Free (as the page states). Note: New South Wales only; renters in other states need their own state's tenant advice service.
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Disputes Tribunal — settle small claims up to $60,000 without a lawyer (New Zealand)

https://www.disputestribunal.govt.nz/
Filing fee $62 (claims under $2,000), $124 ($2,000–$4,999), $248 ($5,000–$30,000) or $496 ($30,001–$60,000); non-refundable, though the referee may order the other party to repay it if your claim succeeds (as the Tribunal states). Note: A non-refundable filing fee of $62 to $496 applies and you normally present your own case; civil legal aid is not available for Disputes Tribunal cases.
What It Does
A quicker, cheaper and less formal way than court to settle disputes — for example about goods that do not work properly, damage to a car or property, or flatmates not doing what they agreed. You fill out a claim form and pay a fee; you usually represent yourself at a hearing and lawyers cannot act for you. The site also explains what to do if someone claims against you.
Who It Helps
People and businesses in New Zealand with a small claim of up to $60,000.
Filing fee $62 (claims under $2,000), $124 ($2,000–$4,999), $248 ($5,000–$30,000) or $496 ($30,001–$60,000); non-refundable, though the referee may order the other party to repay it if your claim succeeds (as the Tribunal states). Note: A non-refundable filing fee of $62 to $496 applies and you normally present your own case; civil legal aid is not available for Disputes Tribunal cases.
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Law Centre NI — free specialist legal advice on benefits, employment and immigration (Northern Ireland)

https://www.lawcentreni.org/get-legal-help/
Free (as the service states). Note: Only social security, employment and immigration law; no drop-in, and help depends on capacity.
What It Does
A free telephone advice line on social security, employment and immigration (asylum, refugee protection and trafficking), with casework and representation at tribunals — including social security appeal tribunals, industrial tribunals and the immigration tribunal — and in higher courts. It works with advice organisations across Northern Ireland and aims to reply within 3–5 working days.
Who It Helps
People living or working in Northern Ireland with a social security, employment or immigration problem; it cannot help with other areas of law.
Free (as the service states). Note: Only social security, employment and immigration law; no drop-in, and help depends on capacity.
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GOV.UK — appeal a benefit decision to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal (England, Scotland and Wales)

https://www.gov.uk/appeal-benefit-decision
Free — 'It's free to appeal a benefit decision' (as the page states). Note: Strict time limits: you must usually ask for mandatory reconsideration first, then appeal within one month.
What It Does
Explains how to appeal a decision about PIP, ESA, Universal Credit, Child Maintenance and many other benefits. You usually first ask for a 'mandatory reconsideration', then appeal to an independent tribunal within one month of that decision; after you submit your appeal you can manage it and send evidence online.
Who It Helps
People who disagree with a benefit or Child Maintenance decision; Northern Ireland and Social Security Scotland decisions use a different process.
Free — 'It's free to appeal a benefit decision' (as the page states). Note: Strict time limits: you must usually ask for mandatory reconsideration first, then appeal within one month.
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Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) — free legal advice and court representation if you may lose your home (England and Wales)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/housing-loss-prevention-advice-service-hlpas
Free — 'regardless of their financial circumstances' (as the page states).
What It Does
If you are at risk of losing your home or of possession proceedings, the HLPAS gives free early legal advice on housing, debt and welfare benefits, and on-the-day advice and representation at a possession hearing. This page has the current list of HLPAS providers (updated January 2026); the Find a Legal Aid Adviser search also has an HLPAS filter.
Who It Helps
Anyone in England and Wales at risk of losing their home, regardless of income.
Free — 'regardless of their financial circumstances' (as the page states).
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Legal Aid Board — legal advice and representation for people applying for international protection (Ireland)

https://www.legalaidboard.ie/our-legal-aid-service/how-we-can-help-you/international-protection/
Legal counselling is free; legal aid for an asylum or subsidiary protection claim needs a €10 contribution (as the Board states). Note: Very short time limits apply — ask for legal help as soon as you register your intention to apply.
What It Does
Legal advice on your application for international protection (asylum) and, if refused, a solicitor and barrister for an appeal to the Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals. Apply straight away at the Legal Counselling Service in the Citywest Reception Centre, where free legal counselling on the procedure is also given; specialist law centres are in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
Who It Helps
People applying for international protection in Ireland; they should apply as soon as they register their intention to apply, because time limits are strict.
Legal counselling is free; legal aid for an asylum or subsidiary protection claim needs a €10 contribution (as the Board states). Note: Very short time limits apply — ask for legal help as soon as you register your intention to apply.
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Residential Tenancies Board — free mediation and low-cost adjudication for tenancy disputes (Ireland)

https://rtb.ie/disputes/
Mediation is free; adjudication costs €30; an appeal to a tribunal costs €30 after mediation or €85 after adjudication (as the RTB states). Note: Fees apply for adjudication (€30) and tribunal appeals (€30 or €85), and appeals must be made within 10 working days.
What It Does
Tenants and landlords can bring disputes about notices of termination, unlawful eviction, deposits, rent, repairs and the standard of the property to the RTB. Options are free phone mediation, adjudication by an independent adjudicator, and an appeal to a tribunal; outcomes are legally binding.
Who It Helps
Tenants, landlords and third parties such as neighbours affected by a tenancy in Ireland.
Mediation is free; adjudication costs €30; an appeal to a tribunal costs €30 after mediation or €85 after adjudication (as the RTB states). Note: Fees apply for adjudication (€30) and tribunal appeals (€30 or €85), and appeals must be made within 10 working days.
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Courts Service — small claims procedure for disputes up to €2,000 without a solicitor (Ireland)

https://www.courts.ie/hubs/small-claims
€25 fee to make a claim; the fee cannot be claimed back as part of your claim (as the Courts Service states). Note: A €25 fee applies, and rental deposits where the landlord does not live in the property cannot be claimed this way.
What It Does
Step-by-step guides to making a small claim in the District Court online or through a court office — for faulty goods, services not done as agreed, minor property damage and some rent deposits — and to responding to a claim against you, preparing for court, enforcement and appeals.
Who It Helps
Consumers and businesses in Ireland with a claim of €2,000 or less, made within six years.
€25 fee to make a claim; the fee cannot be claimed back as part of your claim (as the Courts Service states). Note: A €25 fee applies, and rental deposits where the landlord does not live in the property cannot be claimed this way.
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National Immigration Legal Services Directory — find a non-profit immigration legal service (United States)

https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/
Free to use. Only non-profits offering free or low-cost services are listed — some charge low fees, so ask. Note: Some organisations charge low fees, and how many new cases each can take varies.
What It Does
Search by state, county or immigration detention facility for non-profit organisations that give free or low-cost immigration legal help. The directory can be read in 12 languages.
Who It Helps
Immigrants and their families anywhere in the US, including people in immigration detention.
Free to use. Only non-profits offering free or low-cost services are listed — some charge low fees, so ask. Note: Some organisations charge low fees, and how many new cases each can take varies.
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EOIR List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers — free lawyers for people in immigration court (United States)

https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers
Free — providers must offer uncompensated legal services (other than filing or copying costs). Note: EOIR does not endorse the providers on the list, and providers may have limits on the pro bono cases they take.
What It Does
The immigration courts' official list, by court location, of non-profit organisations, referral services and attorneys who have committed to give free legal help to people in immigration proceedings. It is updated every quarter (January, April, July, October).
Who It Helps
People facing removal or other proceedings in a US immigration court, and their families.
Free — providers must offer uncompensated legal services (other than filing or copying costs). Note: EOIR does not endorse the providers on the list, and providers may have limits on the pro bono cases they take.
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CLINIC — find a Catholic Legal Immigration Network affiliate for affordable immigration legal help (United States)

https://www.cliniclegal.org/find-legal-help
The page describes 'affordable' services and does not state fees — ask the affiliate about any cost. Note: Affiliates may charge fees and set their own services and capacity.
What It Does
Use the map and filters to find one of about 380 affiliated non-profit immigration legal programs across 47 states and DC. CLINIC trains the legal representatives at these programs, which help with immigration applications and cases.
Who It Helps
Immigrants and their families in the US who need help with an immigration matter.
The page describes 'affordable' services and does not state fees — ask the affiliate about any cost. Note: Affiliates may charge fees and set their own services and capacity.
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VA — free legal clinics for veterans held at VA medical centres, with a state-by-state list (United States)

https://www.va.gov/ogc/legalservices.asp
Clinics on the list are described as free (as the page states). Note: Clinics are run by outside providers, not VA; hours, case types and income rules vary by site.
What It Does
Links to a state-by-state list (updated March 2026) of free legal clinics run by legal aid and pro bono providers inside VA facilities, showing the types of cases, walk-in or appointment, hours and a VA contact. It also points to Stateside Legal, ABA Federal Free Legal Answers and the Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist at your nearest VA Medical Center.
Who It Helps
US veterans and service members who need civil legal help; each clinic has its own case types and eligibility, such as proof of income.
Clinics on the list are described as free (as the page states). Note: Clinics are run by outside providers, not VA; hours, case types and income rules vary by site.
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Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) — free or low-cost help with a dispute with the IRS (United States)

https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/litc/
Free or a small fee (as the page states). Note: Income limits apply and each clinic decides whether to take your case; some may charge a small fee.
What It Does
Independent clinics represent people in audits, appeals and tax collection disputes with the IRS and in court, help answer IRS notices and correct account problems, and explain taxpayer rights in other languages. Download the clinic list (Publication 4134) to find one near you.
Who It Helps
US taxpayers with income generally below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines (e.g. $39,900 for one person in the 48 contiguous states in 2026) and usually under $50,000 in dispute, or who speak English as a second language.
Free or a small fee (as the page states). Note: Income limits apply and each clinic decides whether to take your case; some may charge a small fee.
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Legal Aid Ontario — find a community legal clinic for housing, income support and other everyday legal problems (Ontario, Canada)

https://www.legalaid.on.ca/legal-clinics/
Free for people who qualify (as Legal Aid Ontario states). Note: Income-tested, and each clinic decides what it can take on.
What It Does
Enter your address or postal code to find your local community legal clinic. Clinics give legal information, advice and representation on problems that affect people on low incomes: landlord problems and eviction, Ontario Works, ODSP and EI, workers' rights, human rights and immigration. They can also refer you to specialty clinics.
Who It Helps
People living in Ontario with a low income; each clinic sets its own eligibility guidelines.
Free for people who qualify (as Legal Aid Ontario states). Note: Income-tested, and each clinic decides what it can take on.
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Social Security Tribunal — appeal EI, CPP disability, OAS and Canada Disability Benefit decisions, with help from navigators (Canada)

https://www.sst-tss.gc.ca/en/your-appeal/get-help-your-appeal
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
The independent tribunal for appeals about Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan (including disability), Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and the Canada Disability Benefit. This page explains help available: its contact centre, navigators for people without a representative, interpretation, past decisions, and a list of organisations offering free help.
Who It Helps
People in Canada who disagree with a Service Canada reconsideration decision about CPP, OAS/GIS or the Canada Disability Benefit, or with an Employment Insurance Board of Appeal decision about EI.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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Consumidor.gov.br (National Consumer Secretariat) — public online service to settle complaints with companies (Brazil)

https://www.consumidor.gov.br/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (a public service 'provido e mantido pelo Estado'). Note: Only for companies that have signed up; in Portuguese. Staff never contact consumers asking for personal data — beware of scams using its name.
What It Does
A public online service where you complain directly to a participating company and the company has up to 10 days to reply; you then have 20 days to rate whether your problem was resolved. Check first that the company is listed. Monitored by the National Consumer Secretariat, Procons, public defenders and public prosecutors. In Portuguese; log in with gov.br.
Who It Helps
Consumers in Brazil with a problem with a company that has joined the service.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page (a public service 'provido e mantido pelo Estado'). Note: Only for companies that have signed up; in Portuguese. Staff never contact consumers asking for personal data — beware of scams using its name.
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ECC-Net — find your European Consumer Centre for free help with a dispute with a seller in another European country (European Union)

https://www.eccnet.eu/contact-your-local-ecc
Free ('free information and advice on consumer rights, as well as assistance with complaints'; 'ECC-Net services are free'). Note: Cross-border cases only, and replies can take a while. ECC-Net warns that scammers pose as its staff offering to recover money — it never asks for payment or bank details.
What It Does
Choose your country to contact your national European Consumer Centre. Its legal experts explain your consumer rights and can step in with a trader based in another EU country, Iceland or Norway (and still take up complaints against UK traders) after you have tried to sort it out yourself.
Who It Helps
Private consumers living in the EU, Norway or Iceland with a problem with a business in another of these countries. Not for disputes with a business in your own country.
Free ('free information and advice on consumer rights, as well as assistance with complaints'; 'ECC-Net services are free'). Note: Cross-border cases only, and replies can take a while. ECC-Net warns that scammers pose as its staff offering to recover money — it never asks for payment or bank details.
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SOLVIT — free help when a public authority in another EU country breaches your EU rights (work, benefits, residence) (European Union)

https://ec.europa.eu/solvit/index_en.htm
Free ('SOLVIT is free of charge'). Note: Not for consumer disputes, problems between businesses, compensation claims or cases already in court; it does not pause legal deadlines. The UK left SOLVIT on 31 December 2020.
What It Does
If a public authority in another EU country is not applying EU law — for example on unemployment or family benefits, pension rights, working abroad, residence rights or recognition of qualifications — submit your problem online. The SOLVIT centre in that country works with the authority and aims to find a solution within 10 weeks.
Who It Helps
EU citizens and businesses (also in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) facing a problem with a public authority in another country, who have not taken the case to court.
Free ('SOLVIT is free of charge'). Note: Not for consumer disputes, problems between businesses, compensation claims or cases already in court; it does not pause legal deadlines. The UK left SOLVIT on 31 December 2020.
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EU Immigration Portal — official information on coming to the EU to work, study or join family, country by country (European Union)

https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/eu-immigration-portal_en
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: General information only — each EU country sets many of its own immigration rules; check with the national authority before you apply or pay anyone.
What It Does
Practical, official information for non-EU nationals on coming to an EU country for work, study or family reunification for stays longer than 90 days, rights once you are in the EU, and moving between EU countries. Choose the country you want to go to; there is also information on human trafficking and smuggling.
Who It Helps
Non-EU nationals planning to move to, or already living in, an EU country — and people helping them check the official rules.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: General information only — each EU country sets many of its own immigration rules; check with the national authority before you apply or pay anyone.
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NALSA Lok Adalats — settle court cases and disputes out of court by agreement, with no court fee (India)

https://nalsa.gov.in/lok-adalats/
Free — 'There is no court fee payable when a matter is filed in a Lok Adalat'; court fees already paid are refunded if a referred case is settled (as the page states). Note: Settlement is voluntary and there is no appeal against a Lok Adalat award. Divorce and non-compoundable criminal offences cannot be settled.
What It Does
Lok Adalats are people's courts run by legal services authorities where pending court cases or disputes not yet filed are settled by agreement, with conciliators helping both sides. The award counts as a civil court decree and is final. National Lok Adalats are held on set days across the country; contact your District Legal Services Authority to bring a matter.
Who It Helps
Anyone in India with a case pending in court or a dispute likely to go to court who wants to settle it by agreement — except divorce and criminal offences that cannot be compounded.
Free — 'There is no court fee payable when a matter is filed in a Lok Adalat'; court fees already paid are refunded if a referred case is settled (as the page states). Note: Settlement is voluntary and there is no appeal against a Lok Adalat award. Divorce and non-compoundable criminal offences cannot be settled.
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Free Debt Advice & Financial Counselling

National Debt Helpline — Find a Financial Counsellor: map of free local financial counselling services (Australia)

https://ndh.org.au/financial-counselling/find-a-financial-counsellor/
Free (the page says financial counsellors offer 'free, confidential and independent support and advice').
What It Does
An interactive map of free financial counselling services across Australia, so you can make an appointment with a counsellor in your local area. The same page lists specialist counsellors for farmers and rural businesses, small businesses, First Nations people, people affected by gambling or family violence, National Redress Scheme applicants and veterans.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Australia struggling with bills or debt. The specialist services are for the groups named on the page.
Free (the page says financial counsellors offer 'free, confidential and independent support and advice').
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Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) — free complaints service for problems with banks, lenders, insurers and super (Australia)

https://www.afca.org.au/make-a-complaint
Free (the page says 'Our service is free to access'). Note: AFCA recommends raising the complaint with the financial firm first, and time limits apply.
What It Does
An independent dispute resolution scheme for complaints about financial firms: banking, credit cards, personal, home and business loans, short-term loans, insurance, superannuation, investments and financial advice. Raise the problem with the firm first; if it is not fixed, complain to AFCA online, by email or by phone. Someone else can complain on your behalf.
Who It Helps
Consumers and small businesses in Australia with a complaint about a financial firm.
Free (the page says 'Our service is free to access'). Note: AFCA recommends raising the complaint with the financial firm first, and time limits apply.
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FinCap MoneyTalks — Find a local financial mentor: directory of 200+ free budgeting services (New Zealand)

https://fincap.org.nz/moneytalks/find-a-local-financial-mentor
Free (the page says financial mentors offer 'free, face-to-face and non-judgemental advice'). Note: FinCap reports that many financial mentoring services face funding uncertainty, so phone a service first to check it can see you.
What It Does
A searchable directory of free financial mentoring (budgeting) services across Aotearoa, with addresses, phone numbers and emails. Search by city or suburb and filter for disability access, home visits, kaupapa Māori services, phone sessions or services outside normal hours. Financial mentors give free, face-to-face, non-judgemental help with money and debt.
Who It Helps
Anyone in New Zealand, and their whānau, who wants help with money, bills or debt.
Free (the page says financial mentors offer 'free, face-to-face and non-judgemental advice'). Note: FinCap reports that many financial mentoring services face funding uncertainty, so phone a service first to check it can see you.
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Consumer Protection (MBIE) — how to complain about a bank or lender, and the four free financial dispute resolution schemes (New Zealand)

https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/help-product-service/managing-money/how-to-complain-about-your-financial-service-provider
Free (the page says the dispute resolution schemes are 'a free and independent service'). Note: Start by complaining to the provider; a scheme investigates when you and the provider cannot agree.
What It Does
Government guide to complaining about a bank, lender, finance company, insurer or adviser, with a letter template. All banks, lenders and retail financial service providers must belong to one of four free, independent dispute schemes (Banking Ombudsman, Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman, Financial Services Complaints Ltd, Financial Dispute Resolution Service); it shows how to find yours.
Who It Helps
Consumers in New Zealand with a problem with a financial service provider, including inappropriate lending decisions, hardship applications, debt collection or repossession.
Free (the page says the dispute resolution schemes are 'a free and independent service'). Note: Start by complaining to the provider; a scheme investigates when you and the provider cannot agree.
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GOV.UK — Check how you can deal with your debts: anonymous online debt options tool (UK)

https://www.gov.uk/pay-off-debts
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
A short official questionnaire showing what help you can get to manage your debts. It asks where you live (England or Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland), how much you owe, what you own and what debt help you have had before. You do not have to give any personal information or financial details, and it points you to free, confidential and independent debt advice.
Who It Helps
Anyone in the UK with debts who wants to see their options before speaking to a debt adviser.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme) — up to 60 days' protection from creditors while you get debt advice (England and Wales)

https://www.gov.uk/options-for-dealing-with-your-debts/breathing-space
Free to apply (the page says 'It's free to apply for Breathing Space, but some debt advisers may charge you a fee'). Note: England and Wales only, and you must apply through a debt adviser. Choose a free one — the page warns some advisers charge a fee.
What It Does
Government scheme giving temporary protection for up to 60 days: creditors cannot take enforcement action, contact you about included debts or add interest and charges, though you still make repayments. For people getting mental health crisis treatment it lasts for the treatment plus 30 days. You apply through a debt adviser, who submits the application; the page points to free advisers on MoneyHelper.
Who It Helps
People living in England or Wales without a DRO, IVA, interim order or undischarged bankruptcy who have not used it in the last 12 months (unless for a mental health crisis).
Free to apply (the page says 'It's free to apply for Breathing Space, but some debt advisers may charge you a fee'). Note: England and Wales only, and you must apply through a debt adviser. Choose a free one — the page warns some advisers charge a fee.
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StepChange Debt Charity — free online debt advice tool and fee-free debt management plans (UK)

https://www.stepchange.org/how-we-help/debt-advice.aspx
Advice is free and debt management plans are fee-free. For an IVA the charity says 'All providers charge fees for IVAs. Our IVA fees come out of the agreed monthly payment'. Note: Advice and debt management plans are free, but IVAs set up through StepChange carry fees taken from your monthly payments.
What It Does
An online tool that asks about your debts, income and spending and recommends ways to deal with them; you can pause and return later, and it has no impact on your credit score. StepChange can then set up a solution, such as a fee-free debt management plan, and support you, with advisers on hand if you need extra help. This is the charity's online service, separate from its phone line.
Who It Helps
People in the UK struggling with debt. Some solutions, such as IVAs, are only for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Advice is free and debt management plans are fee-free. For an IVA the charity says 'All providers charge fees for IVAs. Our IVA fees come out of the agreed monthly payment'. Note: Advice and debt management plans are free, but IVAs set up through StepChange carry fees taken from your monthly payments.
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Christians Against Poverty (CAP) — find your local CAP Debt Help centre for free home-visit debt help (UK)

https://capuk.org/get-help/debt-help
Free (the page says 'All our services are completely free!'). Note: The service works through home visits, so it is only available where there is a local CAP debt centre — check your postcode first.
What It Does
Free debt help through local church-based centres: a debt coach visits you at home, then CAP's debt advisers build a budget, deal with creditors and support you through options such as a debt management plan, Debt Relief Order, bankruptcy, Minimal Asset Process or Debt Arrangement Scheme (Scotland). Enter your postcode to see if there is a centre near you, then phone free to book.
Who It Helps
Anyone in the UK with problem debt who lives in an area with a CAP debt centre; CAP 'will help anyone regardless of their religious beliefs'.
Free (the page says 'All our services are completely free!'). Note: The service works through home visits, so it is only available where there is a local CAP debt centre — check your postcode first.
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Financial Ombudsman Service — free help to settle a complaint with a bank, lender or insurer (UK)

https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/
Free (the page says it is 'a free service'). Note: You need to complain to the financial business first, and it cannot look at cases the courts have already decided or that are outside its time limits.
What It Does
Investigates complaints about financial businesses — bank accounts, credit cards, loans, insurance, pensions, savings and investments — and about claims management companies. Complain to the business first; if that does not settle it, bring the complaint to the ombudsman, for example with the online form. If it decides a business has not treated you fairly, it can put things right.
Who It Helps
Individual or joint customers, small businesses and micro-enterprises in the UK with a complaint about a financial business.
Free (the page says it is 'a free service'). Note: You need to complain to the financial business first, and it cannot look at cases the courts have already decided or that are outside its time limits.
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MABS — find your local Money Advice and Budgeting Service office for free debt advice (Ireland)

https://mabs.ie/en/about/find-a-mabs-office/
Free (MABS describes itself as 'a free, independent, confidential, and non-judgmental service').
What It Does
Directory of MABS offices across Ireland, with addresses, phone numbers and emails, for free face-to-face money and debt advice. MABS advisers review your budget, negotiate with creditors on personal loans, mortgage arrears, credit cards, buy now pay later and moneylender debts, help you maximise your income, and can act as Approved Intermediaries for a Debt Relief Notice.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Ireland, with a focus on people on low incomes who have, or are at risk of, problem debt.
Free (MABS describes itself as 'a free, independent, confidential, and non-judgmental service').
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Abhaile — free expert advice and legal help for people in mortgage arrears at risk of losing their home (Ireland)

https://www.mabs.ie/en/abhaile/
Free (the page says 'Abhaile offers free, independent expert support'). Note: Only for mortgage arrears on your own home; four eligibility conditions apply — see the 'Do I qualify' page or ask MABS.
What It Does
Free service, reached through MABS, for people behind on the mortgage for the home they live in. If you qualify you get a voucher for a free meeting with a Dedicated Mortgage Arrears adviser, a Personal Insolvency Practitioner or an accountant and, if you need legal advice, a free meeting with a consultation solicitor; at repossession hearings a court mentor and a duty solicitor may help. Start by contacting MABS.
Who It Helps
Homeowners in Ireland behind on the mortgage for the home they live in, who cannot pay their debts and are at risk of losing it. Not for arrears on buy-to-let property only.
Free (the page says 'Abhaile offers free, independent expert support'). Note: Only for mortgage arrears on your own home; four eligibility conditions apply — see the 'Do I qualify' page or ask MABS.
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Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) — free complaints about banks, lenders, insurers and pensions (Ireland)

https://www.fspo.ie/
Free (the page says 'We will never seek payment from you to progress a complaint'). Note: You must complain to the provider first before the FSPO can take the complaint.
What It Does
Independent, impartial and free service that resolves complaints against financial service providers and pension providers, through mediation or investigation, with legally binding decisions. Complain to the provider first; if you are not satisfied with its response, submit your complaint to the FSPO. It states it will never seek payment from you to progress a complaint.
Who It Helps
Consumers in Ireland, including small businesses and other organisations, with a complaint about a financial service or pension provider.
Free (the page says 'We will never seek payment from you to progress a complaint'). Note: You must complain to the provider first before the FSPO can take the complaint.
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CCPC — Debt action plan: step-by-step guide to dealing with debt, and where to get free help (Ireland)

https://www.ccpc.ie/manage-your-money/managing-debt/debt-action-plan
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
The state consumer agency's four-step plan: list your priority and other debts, work out a budget, contact your lenders early about options, then manage your new repayments. It points to free help from MABS and the Insolvency Service of Ireland, and warns that debt management firms must be regulated by the Central Bank — check they are authorised and ask about all fees up front.
Who It Helps
People in Ireland struggling with debt, including credit card, car finance, mortgage and gambling-related debt.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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U.S. Trustee Program — approved non-profit credit counselling agencies for the counselling required before bankruptcy (United States)

https://www.justice.gov/ust/list-credit-counseling-agencies-approved-pursuant-11-usc-111
Agencies may charge. The program's FAQ says a fee of $50 or less 'is presumed reasonable', fees over $50 must be approved in advance, and an agency may charge a separate fee for the certificate. Counselling is 'available for free or at a reduced rate, based on a client's ability to pay', and households under 150% of the poverty level are presumed entitled to a fee waiver or reduction. Note: Approval covers only the pre-bankruptcy counselling: the program has not reviewed agencies' other services, such as debt management plans, and does not recommend any agency. Ask about fees first.
What It Does
Department of Justice list of non-profit budget and credit counselling agencies approved to give the counselling people must complete before they can file for bankruptcy. Choose your state and judicial district to see agencies offering counselling in person, by phone or online, or choose a language. The program does not recommend any agency or guarantee the quality of its counselling.
Who It Helps
People in the US who must complete credit counselling before filing for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy cases in Alabama and North Carolina are not under the program; they go to the district's Bankruptcy Administrator.
Agencies may charge. The program's FAQ says a fee of $50 or less 'is presumed reasonable', fees over $50 must be approved in advance, and an agency may charge a separate fee for the certificate. Counselling is 'available for free or at a reduced rate, based on a client's ability to pay', and households under 150% of the poverty level are presumed entitled to a fee waiver or reduction. Note: Approval covers only the pre-bankruptcy counselling: the program has not reviewed agencies' other services, such as debt management plans, and does not recommend any agency. Ask about fees first.
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Credit Counselling Canada — find an accredited non-profit credit counsellor near you (Canada)

https://creditcounsellingcanada.ca/locate-a-counsellor/
No cost or low cost: the FAQ says services are 'provided at no cost or low cost' and must be fully disclosed first; members must serve people at no cost when they are unable to pay. Note: Some services, such as debt repayment programmes, can carry fees, which must be explained before you start — ask about costs.
What It Does
Lists the offices of Credit Counselling Canada's accredited non-profit member agencies, by province and territory. Counsellors help with budgeting, debt options and debt repayment programmes that combine debts into one monthly payment. If there is no member near you, the page gives a number to reach a counsellor remotely.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Canada who needs help managing money and credit or reducing debt.
No cost or low cost: the FAQ says services are 'provided at no cost or low cost' and must be fully disclosed first; members must serve people at no cost when they are unable to pay. Note: Some services, such as debt repayment programmes, can carry fees, which must be explained before you start — ask about costs.
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Financial Consumer Agency of Canada — getting help from a credit counsellor, and avoiding misleading debt help (Canada)

https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/debt/debt-help.html
Free to read. The page says 'No reputable credit counselling agency will charge you for the first meeting'; debt management plan fees vary.
What It Does
Government guide to credit counselling: what agencies offer, possible debt management plan fees, and how to check an agency is in good standing with a provincial or national association (it names Credit Counselling Canada and the Canadian Association for Financial Empowerment). It warns about companies promising to settle debts for a fraction of what you owe, fix your credit fast or be part of a government programme.
Who It Helps
People in Canada having trouble repaying debt. In Quebec, the page points to ACEF associations and the Office de la protection du consommateur.
Free to read. The page says 'No reputable credit counselling agency will charge you for the first meeting'; debt management plan fees vary.
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Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI) — free, independent help with bank and investment complaints (Canada)

https://www.obsi.ca/en/about-us/about-obsi/
Free (the page says 'our services are free to consumers'). Note: You must complain to the firm first, and OBSI only handles complaints about firms that take part in its service.
What It Does
Resolves disputes between consumers and participating banking services and investment firms when they cannot solve them themselves. You must first complain to the firm; if you are still unhappy, you can bring your case to OBSI, which works informally and confidentially as an alternative to the legal system.
Who It Helps
Consumers in Canada with a complaint about a participating bank or investment firm (about 1,500 firms take part).
Free (the page says 'our services are free to consumers'). Note: You must complain to the firm first, and OBSI only handles complaints about firms that take part in its service.
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Schuldenberatung (state-recognised debt advice) — list of free debt advice offices in every Austrian state (Austria)

https://schuldenberatung.at/beratungsstellen/
Free ('Staatlich anerkannte Schuldenberatungsstellen beraten kostenlos'). Note: In German. They give advice only — they do not lend money, give financial support or act as guarantors.
What It Does
Lists the state-recognised debt advice services in Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower and Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg and Vienna, with every local office. They help you sort out your debts and can represent you in court in personal bankruptcy (Privatkonkurs) proceedings.
Who It Helps
People in Austria with debt problems. You work with the adviser on a self-help basis and must disclose all debts, income and spending.
Free ('Staatlich anerkannte Schuldenberatungsstellen beraten kostenlos'). Note: In German. They give advice only — they do not lend money, give financial support or act as guarantors.
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FIN-NET — find the out-of-court financial complaints scheme in each European country, including for cross-border problems (European Union)

https://finance.ec.europa.eu/consumer-finance-and-payments/retail-financial-services/financial-dispute-resolution-network-fin-net/members-fin-net-country_en
Free to use the list; no fee is mentioned on the page. Ask the national scheme about any charges. Note: FIN-NET itself does not handle complaints and never contacts people; the Commission warns that anyone claiming to be FIN-NET and offering to recover money is a scammer.
What It Does
A list, country by country, of the national bodies that settle consumers' complaints about banks, insurers, investments and other financial services out of court, with the services each covers, their languages and contact details. Also explains how to complain about a financial firm in another EEA country.
Who It Helps
Consumers in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway (with affiliates in some non-EEA places such as Switzerland and the UK) with a complaint about a financial service provider.
Free to use the list; no fee is mentioned on the page. Ask the national scheme about any charges. Note: FIN-NET itself does not handle complaints and never contacts people; the Commission warns that anyone claiming to be FIN-NET and offering to recover money is a scammer.
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Banque de France — file a free over-indebtedness (surendettement) application online, by post or at a branch (France)

https://www.banque-france.fr/fr/a-votre-service/particuliers/dossier-surendettement
Free ('La procédure de surendettement est gratuite'). Note: In French. In overseas territories you file through IEDOM. The 34 14 line costs the price of a local call.
What It Does
If you cannot pay your personal debts, you can file an over-indebtedness application with the Banque de France: online with FranceConnect, by ordinary post, or at your nearest branch counter. The Bank suggests getting help from a social worker, a Point conseil budget or your local CCAS to fill it in, and has a phone line (34 14).
Who It Helps
Private individuals living in metropolitan France or overseas departments who cannot pay their personal debts. People under legal protection (tutelle, curatelle) cannot file online.
Free ('La procédure de surendettement est gratuite'). Note: In French. In overseas territories you file through IEDOM. The 34 14 line costs the price of a local call.
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meine-schulden.de — search over 1,400 debt and insolvency advice centres across Germany, with a free-of-charge filter (Germany)

https://www.meine-schulden.de/hilfe-finden/stellensuche
Most centres are free; the site says that in some federal states people on higher incomes pay a small contribution ('einen kleinen Eigenanteil'). Law firms usually charge, though legal aid may cover it. Use the 'kostenfrei' filter. Note: In German (some English). Most centres only advise residents of their own area. Some listed law firms charge — use the 'kostenfrei' filter.
What It Does
Enter your postcode or town to find debt advice and insolvency advice centres (Schuldner- und Insolvenzberatungsstellen) near you — run by councils, charities and consumer advice centres, plus some law firms; commercial debt-settlement firms are not listed. Filters show centres that are free (kostenfrei), recognised for consumer insolvency (§305 InsO) or can issue P-account certificates.
Who It Helps
People in Germany who are struggling with debt. Many centres only advise people living in their area because of how they are funded.
Most centres are free; the site says that in some federal states people on higher incomes pay a small contribution ('einen kleinen Eigenanteil'). Law firms usually charge, though legal aid may cover it. Use the 'kostenfrei' filter. Note: In German (some English). Most centres only advise residents of their own area. Some listed law firms charge — use the 'kostenfrei' filter.
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RBI Ombudsman (Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme 2026) — free complaints about banks, NBFCs and prepaid payment providers (India)

https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/Complaints.aspx
Free — 'There is no charge or fee for filing or resolving complaints under RB-IOS, 2026' (as the RBI FAQ states). Note: You must complain to the bank or lender first. The RBI says complainants need not approach any third-party agency or pay any fee to file a complaint.
What It Does
A free way to complain about poor service by banks, certain non-bank lenders (NBFCs), prepaid payment instrument issuers and credit information companies. Complain to the provider first; if there is no reply within 30 days or you are unhappy with it, file online on the RBI's CMS portal or by email or post. The Ombudsman can order action and compensation; toll-free help on 14448.
Who It Helps
Customers of banks and other RBI-regulated entities in India who have first complained to the provider. Time limits apply (generally within 90 days of the provider's deadline or last reply).
Free — 'There is no charge or fee for filing or resolving complaints under RB-IOS, 2026' (as the RBI FAQ states). Note: You must complain to the bank or lender first. The RBI says complainants need not approach any third-party agency or pay any fee to file a complaint.
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NAV økonomi- og gjeldsveiledning — free debt and money advice by phone or at your local NAV office (Norway)

https://www.nav.no/okonomi-gjeld
Free ('Tjenesten er gratis'). Note: Pages mainly in Norwegian (English available for some NAV pages). Bring documents on income, spending and debts to a meeting.
What It Does
NAV gives free advice if you have money problems. Call 55 55 33 39 for guidance on your finances and questions about debt collection, forced sale of your home, wage deductions and debt settlement, or to book a meeting with a debt adviser at your NAV office. Advisers can help you cut costs, make agreements with creditors, contact the enforcement officer and apply for a debt settlement (gjeldsordning).
Who It Helps
Anyone in Norway who is struggling to pay rent, electricity, loans or other bills. NAV advises seeking help as early as possible.
Free ('Tjenesten er gratis'). Note: Pages mainly in Norwegian (English available for some NAV pages). Bring documents on income, spending and debts to a meeting.
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Konsumentverket — find your municipality's free budget and debt adviser (budget- och skuldrådgivning) (Sweden)

https://www.konsumentverket.se/ekonomi/kommunal-budget-och-skuldradgivning/
Free ('Rådgivningen är kostnadsfri och budget- och skuldrådgivaren arbetar under sekretess'). Note: In Swedish (easy-read, sign language and other-language versions are linked). There may be a wait for an appointment.
What It Does
Enter your postcode, town or street address to find the budget and debt adviser in your municipality. Advisers help you plan your finances and make a budget, prioritise debts, negotiate with creditors, and apply for debt restructuring (skuldsanering), with support before, during and after.
Who It Helps
Anyone living in Sweden who is struggling with money or debts. All municipalities have a budget and debt advice service.
Free ('Rådgivningen är kostnadsfri och budget- och skuldrådgivaren arbetar under sekretess'). Note: In Swedish (easy-read, sign language and other-language versions are linked). There may be a wait for an appointment.
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Schuldenberatung Schweiz / Dettes Conseils Suisse — non-profit debt advice centres in every region, plus a free hotline (Switzerland)

https://schulden.ch/fachstellen/
The hotline is free ('0800 708 708 (gratis)'). The local centres are non-profit; the federation's guidelines say any costs charged to people in debt should be kept as low as possible — ask the centre in your canton. Note: Some local centres may charge a small fee; fees and waiting times are not stated on the page, so ask the centre in your canton.
What It Does
Lists the non-profit debt advice centres (Fachstellen) of the national federation, canton by canton, for German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino, with a link to the French-speaking list on dettes.ch. They give specialist advice and support on debts, debt enforcement (Betreibung), wage garnishment and personal bankruptcy. A free advice hotline (0800 708 708) runs Monday to Thursday, 10:00–13:00.
Who It Helps
People in Switzerland at risk of debt or already over-indebted. Contact the centre for the canton where you live.
The hotline is free ('0800 708 708 (gratis)'). The local centres are non-profit; the federation's guidelines say any costs charged to people in debt should be kept as low as possible — ask the centre in your canton. Note: Some local centres may charge a small fee; fees and waiting times are not stated on the page, so ask the centre in your canton.
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Government Benefits & Payments — Checking What You Can Get

Services Australia Payment and Service Finder — check which Centrelink payments you may get and estimate amounts (Australia)

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/payment-and-service-finder
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
An official online tool to see what payments and services you may be eligible for. Answer the questions and choose a payment to estimate how much you may get, including Centrelink pensions and allowances, Family Tax Benefit and child care fee assistance.
Who It Helps
People in Australia thinking about claiming a Centrelink payment, Family Tax Benefit or child care fee assistance. Results are estimates only.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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Check what you might get (Work and Income) — 5-minute guide to the payments you may be able to get (New Zealand)

https://check.msd.govt.nz/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. MSD says it won't keep your answers or use them to identify you.
What It Does
Answer questions about your age and situation (about 5 minutes) and the guide shows the Work and Income payments you might be able to get. It is a guide only: to apply, use MyMSD or phone Work and Income. Available in English, te reo Māori, Cook Islands Māori, Samoan and Tongan.
Who It Helps
People living in New Zealand who are citizens or residents; partners can complete it separately. People who are not citizens or residents, or live overseas, may not be able to get payments.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. MSD says it won't keep your answers or use them to identify you.
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Turn2us Benefits Calculator — free, confidential check of which benefits you could claim and roughly how much (UK)

https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
Free (as the calculator page states: 'our free and confidential Benefits Calculator'). Note: Estimates only, and less accurate for some groups (see GOV.UK's list); get advice before changing a claim.
What It Does
Answer questions about your situation to find out which welfare benefits you may be entitled to and how much they could be; GOV.UK suggests having details of income, savings, benefits, rent or mortgage and council tax to hand. It was designed with people who have lived experience of the benefits system, and you can return to a saved calculation with its reference and your postcode.
Who It Helps
People in the UK. GOV.UK notes these calculators cannot be used by under-18s and may be inaccurate for students, prisoners, people on strike, people in care homes or people who are not British or Irish citizens.
Free (as the calculator page states: 'our free and confidential Benefits Calculator'). Note: Estimates only, and less accurate for some groups (see GOV.UK's list); get advice before changing a claim.
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Check benefits and financial support you can get (GOV.UK) — the government's checker for help with living costs (UK)

https://www.gov.uk/check-benefits-financial-support
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Does not include all the ways you can get help with living costs (as GOV.UK states); it does not calculate amounts.
What It Does
Answer questions about your situation to find out what benefits and other financial support you might be able to get to help with living costs. GOV.UK says the tool does not yet include every kind of help and will be updated; its 'Benefits calculators' page links to independent calculators that estimate amounts.
Who It Helps
Anyone in the UK who wants to check what help with living costs they might get, including families, carers, disabled people, jobseekers and people on a low income.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Does not include all the ways you can get help with living costs (as GOV.UK states); it does not calculate amounts.
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Make the Call (Department for Communities) — free benefit entitlement check by phone or call-back (Northern Ireland)

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/unclaimed-benefits
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. The phone number is 0800 232 1271; the page notes '(network charges may apply)'. Note: Northern Ireland only; people in Great Britain are directed to GOV.UK.
What It Does
Call the Make the Call team or ask online for a call-back. They carry out a needs assessment based on your circumstances and look at what benefits, supports and services may be available to you — for example if you are over State Pension age, working, ill or disabled, or caring for someone.
Who It Helps
People living in Northern Ireland only, including pensioners, people in work, people who are ill, injured or disabled, and carers.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. The phone number is 0800 232 1271; the page notes '(network charges may apply)'. Note: Northern Ireland only; people in Great Britain are directed to GOV.UK.
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Benefit of Work Estimator (Department of Social Protection) — see how working would affect your social welfare payment (Ireland)

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/benefit-of-work-estimator/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Estimates only — your actual payment may differ (as the page states).
What It Does
Two anonymous online tools on MyWelfare.ie estimate how starting work or increasing your hours would change your income, including pay and any social welfare you may keep: one for Jobseeker's and One-Parent Family payments, the other for Disability Allowance, Blind Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit.
Who It Helps
Anyone can use it, with no MyGovID needed; it is aimed at people in Ireland getting those payments who are thinking about work.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Estimates only — your actual payment may differ (as the page states).
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USAGov benefit finder — find government benefits and financial help by category (United States)

https://www.usa.gov/benefit-finder
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
Select one or more categories — such as food, housing and utilities, jobs and unemployment, disabilities, welfare and cash assistance, children and families, or retirement — to see government benefits you may qualify for and how to apply. The former Benefits.gov site now redirects here.
Who It Helps
People in the United States looking for government benefits and financial help.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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BenefitsCheckUp (National Council on Aging) — find programs that help pay for food, health care and bills (United States)

https://benefitscheckup.org/
Free (as the site states: 'Our free tool'; 'The process is free and confidential').
What It Does
Answer a few quick questions to see which support programs you may qualify for to help pay for groceries, health care, prescriptions and other everyday costs, then learn how to apply. Free help is also offered by online chat, a helpline and a map of local NCOA partners.
Who It Helps
Older adults and people with disabilities in the United States, and people helping them.
Free (as the site states: 'Our free tool'; 'The process is free and confidential').
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Benefits Finder (Government of Canada) — find federal benefits, with links to your province's or territory's benefits (Canada)

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/finder.html
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Shows federal benefits only; provincial and territorial benefits are linked, not searched.
What It Does
Choose the support you need (such as job loss, disability, raising children, housing, school or retirement) and who you are (such as seniors, newcomers, Indigenous Peoples, students, caregivers or victims of crime) to see matching federal programs and benefits. It links to your province or territory's benefits website.
Who It Helps
People in Canada, and Canadians living abroad, looking for government benefits and services.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Shows federal benefits only; provincial and territorial benefits are linked, not searched.
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Benefits Wayfinder (Prosper Canada) — find federal, provincial and territorial benefits you could get (Canada)

https://benefitswayfinder.org/
The page does not state a fee; the questionnaire needs no account, and answers are anonymous ('We do not store your personal information'). Note: Not a government site: it points you to official programs, which decide eligibility when you apply.
What It Does
Pick your province or territory and answer an anonymous questionnaire to find federal and provincial or territorial benefits you could get, then keep track of them. It has notes for people without legal status or with temporary residence and for Indigenous peoples, and points to organisations that can help you apply.
Who It Helps
People on low and modest incomes in Canada, using it on their own or with an agency worker. Available in English and French.
The page does not state a fee; the questionnaire needs no account, and answers are anonymous ('We do not store your personal information'). Note: Not a government site: it points you to official programs, which decide eligibility when you apply.
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Your Europe — social security and benefits when you live or work in another EU country (European Union)

https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/social-security-and-benefits/index_en.htm
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
Official plain-language guides on which country's social security covers you, unemployment benefits abroad, transferring unemployment benefits while you look for work, what to do if you cannot find work abroad, family benefits, survivors' pensions and the standard EU social security forms.
Who It Helps
EU citizens and their families who live, work or look for work in another EU country.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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Mes droits sociaux — official simulator of the social benefits you might get, plus all your benefit accounts in one place (France)

https://www.mesdroitssociaux.gouv.fr/accueil/
Free (the ministry describes it as 'gratuit et destiné à toutes les personnes'). Note: In French. Simulation results are estimates; you still apply to each benefit agency.
What It Does
Use the simulator to see in a few clicks which social benefits you might be able to claim (family, housing, health, employment, minimum income, retirement). With a FranceConnect login you can see your current rights, your declared income of the last 12 months, your employment record and who to contact for each benefit.
Who It Helps
Anyone living in France. Viewing your own records needs a FranceConnect login.
Free (the ministry describes it as 'gratuit et destiné à toutes les personnes'). Note: In French. Simulation results are estimates; you still apply to each benefit agency.
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UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) — unemployment, sickness and disability (WIA, Wajong) benefits and help back into work (Netherlands)

https://www.uwv.nl/en
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. It is a public service. Note: Most detailed pages are in Dutch; you log in to My UWV to apply. Entitlement depends on your work history and situation.
What It Does
UWV helps people who are out of work or unable to work by providing benefits and by getting people back into work. The site explains what to do if you become unemployed, ill or are dismissed, covers the WW, WIA and Wajong benefits and support with work and education, and shows payment dates. Log in to My UWV to apply.
Who It Helps
People in the Netherlands who are out of work or unable to work — for example after dismissal or through illness — and who need a benefit or help back into work.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. It is a public service. Note: Most detailed pages are in Dutch; you log in to My UWV to apply. Entitlement depends on your work history and situation.
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ComCare (Ministry of Social and Family Development) — financial assistance for lower-income individuals and families (Singapore)

https://www.msf.gov.sg/what-we-do/comcare
Free to apply; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Citizens and permanent residents only, with an income guideline of $800 per person a month; the enhanced Interim Assistance is open only until 31 December 2026.
What It Does
Government cash help with daily living costs: short-to-medium-term assistance if you cannot work for a time, are looking for work or earn a low income (with help for bills, medical costs and job search); long-term assistance if you are permanently unable to work; and interim assistance for urgent needs. Apply online through SupportGoWhere or at your nearest Social Service Office.
Who It Helps
Singapore citizens or permanent residents (at least one household member must be a citizen), generally with a household income of $800 or less per person a month — people above this can still ask a Social Service Office to assess them.
Free to apply; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Citizens and permanent residents only, with an income guideline of $800 per person a month; the enhanced Interim Assistance is open only until 31 December 2026.
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South African Government — Social grants: who qualifies and how to apply for each SASSA grant (South Africa)

https://www.gov.za/services/services-residents/grants
Free — applying for a grant: 'The service is free' (as the grant pages state). Note: Information pages only: you apply in person at a SASSA office, and application forms are not online. SASSA's toll-free line is 0800 60 10 11.
What It Does
The government's plain-language guides to every social grant paid by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA): older persons, disability, child support, care dependency, foster child, grant-in-aid, war veterans and social relief of distress. Each page explains who qualifies, the income and asset limits, what documents to bring and how to apply at your nearest SASSA office.
Who It Helps
People living in South Africa who may qualify for a social grant — most grants are for citizens and permanent residents, and some, such as the disability grant, also for refugees — and people helping them apply.
Free — applying for a grant: 'The service is free' (as the grant pages state). Note: Information pages only: you apply in person at a SASSA office, and application forms are not online. SASSA's toll-free line is 0800 60 10 11.
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SEPE (State Public Employment Service) — unemployment benefits, appointments and Youth Guarantee (Spain)

https://www.sepe.es/HomeSepe/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. It is a public service. Note: Mainly in Spanish and Spain's co-official languages, with some French and English. SEPE's official phone lines are 060 and 91 926 79 70; it warns that numbers starting 800 or 807 are not SEPE's.
What It Does
Spain's state employment service handles unemployment benefits and subsidies. Read the requirements, book an appointment at a benefits office (cita previa), manage your claim in the online Área Personal, and find job and training links. Under-30s can register for the Youth Guarantee (Garantía Juvenil) for help into work.
Who It Helps
People in Spain who are unemployed or looking for work; Garantía Juvenil is for young people aged 16 to 29.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. It is a public service. Note: Mainly in Spanish and Spain's co-official languages, with some French and English. SEPE's official phone lines are 060 and 91 926 79 70; it warns that numbers starting 800 or 807 are not SEPE's.
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Emergency Money, Grants, Food & No-Interest Loans

Crisis Payment (Services Australia) — one-off payment after release from prison, arriving as a humanitarian entrant or losing your home (Australia)

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/crisis-payment
Free to claim; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Strict time limits and a severe financial hardship test apply; the family and domestic violence version has its own page.
What It Does
A one-off payment for people in an extreme circumstance: leaving prison or psychiatric confinement, arriving in Australia as a humanitarian entrant, being forced out of home, or family and domestic violence. Each type has its own rules; after prison release it equals a week's pay at the maximum basic rate of your income support payment.
Who It Helps
Each type has its own rules. After 14+ days in prison or psychiatric confinement: be getting or eligible for income support, be in severe financial hardship, and contact them up to 21 days before or 7 days after release.
Free to claim; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Strict time limits and a severe financial hardship test apply; the family and domestic violence version has its own page.
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No Interest Loans (NILs, Good Shepherd) — loans of up to $5,000 for essentials, cars and disaster recovery with no interest or fees (Australia)

https://nils.com.au/
No interest, no fees and no charges (as the service states); you repay only what you borrow. Note: Scammers impersonate NILs with fake websites, social media profiles and ads; Good Shepherd says it never contacts you on social media or asks for your myGov or bank login (scam alert on the site).
What It Does
Borrow for essentials such as a fridge, car repairs, medical or dental costs, school or work devices, or a rental bond, and repay fortnightly with no interest, fees or charges. The money goes straight to the supplier, not to you. Check eligibility online (about 5 minutes); a local provider then helps you apply after a short financial discussion.
Who It Helps
Australians aged 18+ with a Health Care or Pension Card, or income under $70,000 (single) or $100,000 (with partner or dependants), or who have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years.
No interest, no fees and no charges (as the service states); you repay only what you borrow. Note: Scammers impersonate NILs with fake websites, social media profiles and ads; Good Shepherd says it never contacts you on social media or asks for your myGov or bank login (scam alert on the site).
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Foodbank Find Food — search for local food relief, food vouchers and meals near you (Australia)

https://findfood.foodbank.org.au/
The finder is free to use; the page does not say whether each charity charges — ask when you contact them. Note: Hours change often because centres are staffed by volunteers — Foodbank recommends calling ahead.
What It Does
Tell the tool where you are to find nearby charities offering food and groceries to prepare, food vouchers, or meals prepared on site, on a list or map. Foodbank itself does not give food to individuals — it supplies frontline charities, which this finder helps you reach.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Australia who needs help with food. Food relief centres are run by volunteers and opening hours change, so call ahead.
The finder is free to use; the page does not say whether each charity charges — ask when you contact them. Note: Hours change often because centres are staffed by volunteers — Foodbank recommends calling ahead.
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St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) — find emergency relief, food and financial help in your state or territory (Australia)

https://www.vinnies.org.au/find-help
The page does not state a fee — ask when you contact them. Note: Not all services are offered in every state or territory (as the page says).
What It Does
Enter your postcode or choose your state or territory to find Vinnies services, which include emergency relief, food relief (including soup vans), emergency housing and homelessness help, and financial assistance and counselling. You can also call the assistance line on 13 18 12.
Who It Helps
People in Australia facing hardship. Services are delivered locally, so not every service is offered in every state or territory.
The page does not state a fee — ask when you contact them. Note: Not all services are offered in every state or territory (as the page says).
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Work and Income — help with urgent or unexpected costs such as food, power bills, dental care or whiteware (New Zealand)

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/urgent-costs/index.html
Free to apply; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: An Advance Payment of Benefit or a Recoverable Assistance Payment has to be paid back (as Work and Income states); what you can get depends on your situation and the cost.
What It Does
Explains one-off help for urgent or unexpected costs, even if you are working: food, power, gas or water bills, housing costs, dental treatment, glasses, whiteware, car or home repairs, funeral costs and help after fire or theft. Depending on your situation this may be a Special Needs Grant, an Advance Payment of Benefit or a Recoverable Assistance Payment.
Who It Helps
People in New Zealand who can't meet an urgent or unexpected cost, whether or not they get a benefit. What you can get depends on your situation and the cost.
Free to apply; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: An Advance Payment of Benefit or a Recoverable Assistance Payment has to be paid back (as Work and Income states); what you can get depends on your situation and the cost.
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Good Loans (Good Shepherd NZ) — no-interest, fee-free loans for cars, essential items and services (New Zealand)

https://goodshepherd.org.nz/get-support/our-services/loans/
No interest and no fees (as the service states); loans are repaid weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Note: New enquiries for debt-consolidation loans are temporarily paused; applications take time, so it is not for urgent needs.
What It Does
No-interest, fee-free loans paid straight to the supplier, for buying or repairing a car (up to $7,000), essential items such as a fridge or computer, or essential services such as dental treatment or study fees. Enquire online or by phone; a Good Loans coach talks through your situation by phone and helps you apply.
Who It Helps
New Zealanders on limited incomes — as a guide, under $65,000 a year for a single person or $115,000 for a family of four. Not for overdue bills, rent arrears, everyday living costs or urgent needs, or for people on Single Jobseeker Support.
No interest and no fees (as the service states); loans are repaid weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Note: New enquiries for debt-consolidation loans are temporarily paused; applications take time, so it is not for urgent needs.
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Turn2us Grants Search — find charitable grants you never have to pay back (UK)

https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/
Free (as the service states: 'the Turn2us free and confidential Grants Search'). Note: Each fund has its own rules and timescale; Turn2us shows what you could apply for but cannot guarantee a grant.
What It Does
Answer a few anonymous questions and the tool matches you to grants from registered charities across the UK that you may be able to apply for — for example based on a job you have done or a health condition. Grants can be money, products or services, and answers take from 5 days to 3 months depending on the fund.
Who It Helps
Anyone in the UK; Turn2us says many charities help people who cannot claim welfare benefits because of their status in the UK. A grant is not guaranteed.
Free (as the service states: 'the Turn2us free and confidential Grants Search'). Note: Each fund has its own rules and timescale; Turn2us shows what you could apply for but cannot guarantee a grant.
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Trussell — how to get emergency food with a food voucher, and find your nearest food bank (UK)

https://www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food
The page does not state a fee — ask the food bank. You need a referral voucher first. Note: A food voucher from a referral organisation is needed before you visit (as the page explains).
What It Does
Explains how to get an emergency food parcel with at least three days of meals: get a food voucher (referral) from a local organisation such as an advice charity, GP or housing association, then exchange it at a food bank. The 'Find a food bank' search shows your nearest food bank, which can tell you where to get a voucher.
Who It Helps
People across the UK who cannot afford food. Trussell's community has more than 1,400 food banks.
The page does not state a fee — ask the food bank. You need a referral voucher first. Note: A food voucher from a referral organisation is needed before you visit (as the page explains).
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Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) — find independent food banks and local 'Worrying About Money?' help guides by postcode (UK)

https://www.foodaidnetwork.org.uk/our-members
The page does not state a fee — ask the food aid provider when you contact them. Note: Shows IFAN members only; the page notes there are hundreds of other independent food banks. IFAN's email contact is not an emergency service.
What It Does
Enter your postcode to find independent food aid organisations that belong to IFAN (in 774 locations), or to find a local 'Worrying About Money?' step-by-step guide to advice and cash support in your area. The page also explains other routes to food aid, such as Trussell food banks and your local council.
Who It Helps
Anyone in the UK looking for food aid outside the Trussell network, or for local advice on making the most of their income.
The page does not state a fee — ask the food aid provider when you contact them. Note: Shows IFAN members only; the page notes there are hundreds of other independent food banks. IFAN's email contact is not an emergency service.
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Get help with the cost of living from your local council (GOV.UK) — the Crisis and Resilience Fund (England)

https://www.gov.uk/cost-living-help-local-council
Free to apply; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Councils set their own rules — eligibility, how to apply and limits differ (some allow one application per household a year).
What It Does
Your local council may help with essentials such as energy and water bills, food, essential items and housing costs. In England this is the Crisis and Resilience Fund; each council runs its own scheme, so check with yours (the page links to a 'find your local council' tool). It also points to the Scottish Welfare Fund and Wales's Discretionary Assistance Fund.
Who It Helps
Anyone in England who is vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials; you do not have to be on benefits, and a payment will not affect benefits you get.
Free to apply; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Councils set their own rules — eligibility, how to apply and limits differ (some allow one application per household a year).
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Scottish Welfare Fund (mygov.scot) — Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants you don't pay back (Scotland)

https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-welfare-fund
Free to apply; grants do not have to be paid back. Note: You can only apply through your local council, not the Scottish Government.
What It Does
Two grants you do not need to pay back: a Crisis Grant for an unexpected emergency such as a fire, flood or losing your job, and a Community Care Grant to help you or someone you care for live independently. You apply through your local council; the page explains how to apply for each.
Who It Helps
People in Scotland aged 16 or over who are on a low income or getting certain benefits.
Free to apply; grants do not have to be paid back. Note: You can only apply through your local council, not the Scottish Government.
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Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) — emergency grants for food, fuel and essentials, and help to live independently (Wales)

https://www.gov.wales/discretionary-assistance-fund-daf
Free to apply; grants do not have to be paid back. Note: Not for ongoing bills you can't afford; heating oil, white goods and furniture are only through an approved partner organisation.
What It Does
Two grants you do not pay back: the Emergency Assistance Payment for essentials such as food, gas, electricity, heating oil or emergency travel in extreme financial hardship, and the Individual Assistance Payment for white goods and furniture so you or someone you care for can live independently. The guide covers eligibility, applying and tracking your application.
Who It Helps
People living in Wales aged over 16 with no other money. The Individual Assistance Payment also needs a qualifying benefit such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
Free to apply; grants do not have to be paid back. Note: Not for ongoing bills you can't afford; heating oil, white goods and furniture are only through an approved partner organisation.
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Discretionary Support (nidirect) — interest-free loans or grants in a crisis for living costs and household items (Northern Ireland)

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/discretionary-support
Free to apply; loans are interest-free and must be repaid; grants do not. Note: Limits apply: up to three loans and set grants in any 12 months; no loan if your household owes £1,500 or more in government debt.
What It Does
If you are in an extreme or exceptional situation or a crisis, you can apply to the Finance Support Service for an interest-free loan or a grant towards short-term living expenses such as food, basic household items like a cooker, some travel costs or rent in advance. Loans are repaid from benefits or by direct debit.
Who It Helps
People living in Northern Ireland aged 18+ (16+ without parental support) whose crisis arose in Northern Ireland; your and your partner's total annual income after deductions must be no more than £29,741.40.
Free to apply; loans are interest-free and must be repaid; grants do not. Note: Limits apply: up to three loans and set grants in any 12 months; no loan if your household owes £1,500 or more in government debt.
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Warm Home Discount Scheme (GOV.UK) — £150 off your electricity bill if you get certain benefits (England, Scotland and Wales)

https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
Free; the discount is taken off your bill. Note: Not available in Northern Ireland; in Scotland you may need to apply to your energy supplier.
What It Does
A one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill, applied by your supplier (the money is not paid to you); prepay meters qualify, and it can sometimes go on your gas bill. In England and Wales eligible people usually get it automatically — for 2026 to 2027, letters go out between late October 2026 and early January 2027.
Who It Helps
England and Wales: your supplier is in the scheme and you or your partner got Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related ESA or Pension Credit on 23 August 2026, with your name on the bill. Scotland has different rules.
Free; the discount is taken off your bill. Note: Not available in Northern Ireland; in Scotland you may need to apply to your energy supplier.
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Ofcom social tariffs list — cheaper broadband and phone deals for people on Universal Credit and other benefits (UK)

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs
Free to read. Social tariffs are paid packages, cheaper than standard deals; prices are in Ofcom's table. Note: You still pay for the service; Ofcom says providers might not cover all premises in the regions listed, so check coverage and eligibility with the provider.
What It Does
Ofcom's table lists the cheaper broadband and phone packages (social tariffs) providers offer, with the monthly price, average speed and where each is available. Social tariffs are for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits; all major providers also accept ESA, Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support, and some accept PIP or Attendance Allowance.
Who It Helps
People in the UK getting Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit. The person getting the benefit must be the main person on the contract, and each provider sets its own eligibility.
Free to read. Social tariffs are paid packages, cheaper than standard deals; prices are in Ofcom's table. Note: You still pay for the service; Ofcom says providers might not cover all premises in the regions listed, so check coverage and eligibility with the provider.
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Healthy Start (NHS) — money for milk, fruit, vegetables and formula in pregnancy and for under-4s (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)

https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/
Free; the money on the card does not have to be paid back. Note: Not available in Scotland — people in Scotland can get Best Start Foods instead.
What It Does
If eligible you get a card topped up every 4 weeks: £4.65 a week in pregnancy (from week 10), £9.30 a week for each child under 1 and £4.65 a week for children aged 1 to 4. Use it in shops for plain cow's milk, fruit, vegetables, pulses and infant formula, and to collect free vitamins. Apply online, by phone or by email.
Who It Helps
People over 10 weeks pregnant or with a child under 4 who get Universal Credit (take-home pay £408 a month or less) or Pension Credit with the child addition. Pregnant under-18s can apply without benefits; some families who cannot claim public funds can too.
Free; the money on the card does not have to be paid back. Note: Not available in Scotland — people in Scotland can get Best Start Foods instead.
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Best Start Foods and Best Start Grant (Social Security Scotland) — payments for healthy food and baby costs (Scotland)

https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods
Free; payments do not have to be paid back. Note: Scotland only; in England, Wales and Northern Ireland use Healthy Start and the Sure Start Maternity Grant.
What It Does
Best Start Foods puts money on a prepaid card every 4 weeks for healthy food such as milk or fruit: £22.40 in pregnancy, £44.80 for each child under 1 and £22.40 for each child aged 1 to 3. Best Start Grant gives one-off payments for pregnancy and a new baby, early learning and starting school. One form covers these and Scottish Child Payment.
Who It Helps
People in Scotland who are pregnant or the main carer of a young child and get a benefit such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit; under-20s may qualify without. Some families with no recourse to public funds can get Best Start Foods.
Free; payments do not have to be paid back. Note: Scotland only; in England, Wales and Northern Ireland use Healthy Start and the Sure Start Maternity Grant.
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Additional Needs Payment (Citizens Information) — help with an essential cost you can't pay from your income, even if working (Ireland)

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/supplementary-welfare-schemes/additional-needs-payment/
Free to apply; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: The amount is decided case by case after a means assessment; online applications need a verified MyGovID.
What It Does
Explains the Additional Needs Payment for an essential expense you can't meet from your income or savings — for example higher fuel or electricity bills, essential repairs or appliances, a rent deposit, funeral costs, or food, clothing and shelter after a fire. There is no set rate; a Community Welfare Officer assesses your application, made online via MyWelfare or on paper.
Who It Helps
People living in Ireland with an essential expense they can't pay, whether on a social welfare payment or working on a low income.
Free to apply; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: The amount is decided case by case after a means assessment; online applications need a verified MyGovID.
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Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) — request a volunteer visit for practical help with money problems (Ireland)

https://www.svp.ie/get-help/how-we-can-help-you/
Free (the request form says 'It's free'). Note: Not an emergency service; help comes from volunteers and can take time to arrange (as the page states).
What It Does
Fill in the online request form (or find your local office) and your local SVP group arranges a phone call and/or a visit from two volunteers. Support can include practical help with financial problems, help with education, information about other services and help explaining your case to other organisations.
Who It Helps
People in Ireland who need support. SVP says it is not an emergency service and arranging a visit can take time.
Free (the request form says 'It's free'). Note: Not an emergency service; help comes from volunteers and can take time to arrange (as the page states).
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SNAP State Directory (USDA) — find your state's food assistance (food stamps) office and application (United States)

https://www.fna.usda.gov/snap/state-directory
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: You must meet income and resource limits. USDA says a 2025 law changed SNAP work requirements and non-citizen eligibility and it is updating its guidance — check with your state's SNAP office.
What It Does
Click your state (or New York City) on the map for contact and application information for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Each state has its own application form; if it is not online, contact your local SNAP office for one.
Who It Helps
People in the United States who need help buying food; you apply through the SNAP office in your state.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: You must meet income and resource limits. USDA says a 2025 law changed SNAP work requirements and non-citizen eligibility and it is updating its guidance — check with your state's SNAP office.
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WIC (USDA) — healthy food, nutrition advice and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new mothers and children under 5 (United States)

https://www.fna.usda.gov/wic/apply
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: There is an income limit (you may already qualify if you get Medicaid, SNAP or TANF), and you must enrol through a WIC office in your area.
What It Does
Explains how to apply for WIC: check whether you are likely to be eligible with the online tool, then contact a WIC agency in your area by phone or online to book an in-person or virtual appointment. Choose your state, territory or tribe to find local WIC contacts.
Who It Helps
Women who are pregnant, recently pregnant or breastfeeding, and babies and children under 5. You may be asked for ID, proof of address and proof of income or of SNAP, Medicaid or TANF enrolment.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: There is an income limit (you may already qualify if you get Medicaid, SNAP or TANF), and you must enrol through a WIC office in your area.
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USAGov — get help with energy bills through LIHEAP and the Weatherization Assistance Program (United States)

https://www.usa.gov/help-with-energy-bills
Free to use. HHS says LIHEAP 'does not charge a fee for receiving a benefit'. Note: Apply only through your state or local LIHEAP office. HHS says LIHEAP does not give direct grants to individuals or charge a fee, and to report any message offering a LIHEAP grant or asking for a fee.
What It Does
Explains the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which can help pay heating or cooling bills or give emergency help in an energy crisis, and the Weatherization Assistance Program for energy-saving home repairs. Links to a LIHEAP office finder, your state's weatherization office and who to contact if your utilities are disconnected.
Who It Helps
Households in the United States on a low income; each state and territory sets its own LIHEAP rules.
Free to use. HHS says LIHEAP 'does not charge a fee for receiving a benefit'. Note: Apply only through your state or local LIHEAP office. HHS says LIHEAP does not give direct grants to individuals or charge a fee, and to report any message offering a LIHEAP grant or asking for a fee.
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Lifeline (FCC / USAC) — monthly discount on phone or internet service for people with low incomes (United States)

https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
Free to apply (no fee is mentioned); Lifeline lowers the cost of a service you still pay for. Note: A discount only, through participating companies; people in Oregon and Texas apply through their state's website.
What It Does
Lifeline gives a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone, internet or bundled service, or up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands. Apply online, then contact a participating phone or internet company to get the discount; eligibility is checked again every year.
Who It Helps
US households with income at or below 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines, or where someone gets Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, federal housing assistance or Veterans Pension; survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking can also qualify.
Free to apply (no fee is mentioned); Lifeline lowers the cost of a service you still pay for. Note: A discount only, through participating companies; people in Oregon and Texas apply through their state's website.
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Feeding America — find your local food bank and its partner food pantries and meal programs (United States)

https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
Free ('A food pantry is where people can get free food').
What It Does
Enter your ZIP code or state to find your nearest Feeding America food bank, then click it for hours, locations and services at its partner food pantries and meal programs. Food pantries give food directly to people.
Who It Helps
Anyone in the United States who needs extra help affording food; some pantries have extra requirements, such as living in a certain area.
Free ('A food pantry is where people can get free food').
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Food Banks Canada — find a food bank near you (Canada)

https://foodbankscanada.ca/find-a-food-bank/
The page does not state a fee — ask the food bank when you contact them. Note: Smaller food banks may not appear on the map (the page suggests calling 211).
What It Does
Click on the map or type a location to find a food bank in your community and its details. If none shows in your area, check the nearest location or call 211 to ask about smaller food banks close by.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Canada looking for a food bank.
The page does not state a fee — ask the food bank when you contact them. Note: Smaller food banks may not appear on the map (the page suggests calling 211).
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European Food Banks Federation (FEBA) — contact details for the national food bank network in 28 European countries (Europe)

https://www.eurofoodbank.org/members/
The page does not state a fee — ask the local food bank or charity. Note: Many food banks supply charities rather than individuals; you may need to go through a local charity or show you are eligible. Rules differ by country.
What It Does
Lists one national food bank organisation per member country — for example Tafel Deutschland, Voedselbanken Nederland, Fédération Française des Banques Alimentaires, FESBAL (Spain), Banco Alimentare (Italy) — with phone, email and website. Contact the national network to find where food is handed out near you.
Who It Helps
People who need food help in Europe, and those supporting them. Most member food banks pass food to local charities, which then give it to people in need.
The page does not state a fee — ask the local food bank or charity. Note: Many food banks supply charities rather than individuals; you may need to go through a local charity or show you are eligible. Rules differ by country.
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Tafel-Suche (Tafel Deutschland) — find one of 980+ Tafel food banks near you (Germany)

https://www.tafel.de/ueber-uns/die-tafeln/tafel-suche
The page does not state a fee — each Tafel sets its own rules; ask when you contact them. Note: Each Tafel works independently and sets its own opening days and proof of eligibility. Food depends on donations and is not a full supply.
What It Does
Enter your town or postcode, or choose a federal state, to get a list of nearby Tafel food banks and their contact details. Tafeln hand out donated food such as fruit, vegetables and bread; contact your local Tafel directly to ask how to register and when food is given out.
Who It Helps
People in Germany on a low income who find it hard to cover living costs — for example people on unemployment benefits, a small pension or asylum-seeker benefits. Each Tafel checks eligibility and decides what proof it needs.
The page does not state a fee — each Tafel sets its own rules; ask when you contact them. Note: Each Tafel works independently and sets its own opening days and proof of eligibility. Food depends on donations and is not a full supply.
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Worldwide — International Directories & Organisations

UNHCR Help — country-by-country information and local help for refugees, people seeking asylum and stateless people (Worldwide)

https://help.unhcr.org/
Free. UNHCR Help pages state: 'All UNHCR services and activities are free of charge!'. Note: Not every country has a page, and what is on offer differs by country. UNHCR says all its services are free and any request for money or favours for them should be reported.
What It Does
The UN Refugee Agency's information site. Choose your country to find pages on asylum, rights and duties, registration, family reunification, work and income, and where to get help — for example lists of organisations that give free legal assistance. It also explains how to report fraud.
Who It Helps
Refugees, people seeking asylum, stateless people and internally displaced people, in the countries that have a UNHCR Help page.
Free. UNHCR Help pages state: 'All UNHCR services and activities are free of charge!'. Note: Not every country has a page, and what is on offer differs by country. UNHCR says all its services are free and any request for money or favours for them should be reported.
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WAPES — member list linking to the official public employment service or labour ministry in about 75 countries (Worldwide)

https://wapes.org/members-2/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. National public employment services are government services. Note: A list of links only — check what each national service offers. Some countries are missing, and some links on the list may be out of date.
What It Does
The World Association of Public Employment Services lists its members country by country, with a link to each national public employment service or labour ministry (for example Germany's Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Austria's AMS, Sweden's Arbetsförmedlingen). Use it to find the official, government-run job service in your country rather than a private agency.
Who It Helps
Anyone looking for work who wants to find their country's official public employment service. Not every country is a member.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. National public employment services are government services. Note: A list of links only — check what each national service offers. Some countries are missing, and some links on the list may be out of date.
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INFO Network — find the financial services ombudsman in your country for complaints about banks, insurers and pensions (Worldwide)

https://www.networkfso.org/scheme-links.php
INFO Network says you 'should be able to contact the financial services ombudsman's office directly yourself, easily and free of charge' and 'don't need to use a claims company'. Note: Only about 35 countries and territories have a member scheme listed, and you usually must complain to the firm first. If yours is missing, the network suggests your consumer affairs office or financial regulator.
What It Does
The International Network of Financial Services Ombudsman Schemes links to its member ombudsman and dispute-resolution schemes by country and region (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Americas, Eurasia). These independent schemes deal with complaints against banks, insurers and other financial firms once you have complained to the firm first. A consumer page explains how to complain.
Who It Helps
People with an unresolved complaint about a bank, insurer, pension or other financial service, in a country with a member scheme.
INFO Network says you 'should be able to contact the financial services ombudsman's office directly yourself, easily and free of charge' and 'don't need to use a claims company'. Note: Only about 35 countries and territories have a member scheme listed, and you usually must complain to the firm first. If yours is missing, the network suggests your consumer affairs office or financial regulator.
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GANHRI — directory of national human rights institutions (human rights commissions and ombudspersons) in about 119 countries (Worldwide)

https://ganhri.org/membership/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: A list of institutions — powers differ: some take individual complaints, others mainly monitor and advise. Check the institution's own site.
What It Does
The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions lists its member institutions by region, with a link to each one's website. These bodies are set up by the state but work independently of government to promote and protect human rights; many handle complaints. Use the list to find your country's official institution.
Who It Helps
Anyone whose human rights may have been breached — including at work — and who wants their country's official human rights institution. What each institution can do differs by country.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: A list of institutions — powers differ: some take individual complaints, others mainly monitor and advise. Check the institution's own site.
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International Ombudsman Institute — member directory of about 200 public-sector ombudsman offices (Worldwide)

https://www.theioi.org/ioi-members
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Most ombudsmen only handle complaints about public bodies, usually after you have complained to the body itself. The list loads with JavaScript.
What It Does
Lists independent ombudsman institutions by region (Africa, Asia, Australasia and Pacific, Caribbean and Latin America, Europe, North America), each with its own entry. Ombudsman institutions protect people against violation of rights, abuse of powers, unfair decisions and maladministration by public bodies. Find yours, then check how to complain.
Who It Helps
People with a complaint about a government department or public service who have not been able to sort it out with that body.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Most ombudsmen only handle complaints about public bodies, usually after you have complained to the body itself. The list loads with JavaScript.
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econsumer.gov — report an international online scam to consumer protection agencies in more than 65 countries (Worldwide)

https://econsumer.gov/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: It collects reports to help agencies act; the site does not say it will get your money back or resolve each report.
What It Does
An official site where you can report a scam or problem with a business in another country (online shopping, money-making scams, imposters, prizes and lotteries). Reports are shared with consumer protection agencies so they can spot trends and act together. It also lists other steps, such as contacting your payment provider or a national complaint agency.
Who It Helps
Anyone, anywhere, who has had a problem with a foreign business or a cross-border scam. Available in several languages including English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: It collects reports to help agencies act; the site does not say it will get your money back or resolve each report.
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The Salvation Army — find The Salvation Army in your country (134 countries) for local practical help (Worldwide)

https://www.salvationarmy.org/global-presence
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Ask the local Salvation Army about any costs for specific services. Note: It is a Christian church as well as a charity. Services differ by country — contact the local Salvation Army to ask what it offers.
What It Does
The Salvation Army's international headquarters lists every country where it works, with a 'Find The Salvation Army in your country' search. Local Salvation Army services differ by country; its international site describes work including disaster response, economic empowerment (skills that lead to employment), refugees and people seeking asylum, and people affected by trafficking.
Who It Helps
Anyone looking for The Salvation Army in their country. It is a Christian church and charity; services differ from place to place.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Ask the local Salvation Army about any costs for specific services. Note: It is a Christian church as well as a charity. Services differ by country — contact the local Salvation Army to ask what it offers.
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Society of St Vincent de Paul — country list with links to about 30 national societies (present in over 150 countries) (Worldwide)

https://www.ssvpglobal.org/where-we-are/
The page does not state a fee — ask when you contact them. Note: A Catholic volunteer charity; what is offered and how to ask for help differs by country. The page does not state costs.
What It Does
A map and country list of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, with links to the national website for about 30 countries. Local volunteer groups visit people at home and give direct help with food, clothing and household goods; in some countries they also run hostels, employment-integration projects and legal advice for migrants. Contact the national society to find help near you.
Who It Helps
People on low incomes, families in need, homeless people, migrants and others, in countries where the Society works. Help is local and differs by country.
The page does not state a fee — ask when you contact them. Note: A Catholic volunteer charity; what is offered and how to ask for help differs by country. The page does not state costs.
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Caritas Internationalis — find your Caritas: national Catholic social-help organisations, with contact details (Worldwide)

https://www.caritas.org/where-we-work/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: A contact directory — each national Caritas is autonomous and sets its own services. Check locally what is offered and whether any charges apply.
What It Does
A 'Find your Caritas' list of national Caritas member organisations. Each country page gives the national organisation's address, phone, email and website. National Caritas organisations offer practical help to people who are poor or excluded; contact yours to find local services.
Who It Helps
People in need in the countries where a national Caritas organisation works. Services and how to reach them differ by country.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: A contact directory — each national Caritas is autonomous and sets its own services. Check locally what is offered and whether any charges apply.
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Dress for Success — find a local affiliate in one of 16 countries for interview clothing and job-search support for women (Worldwide)

https://dressforsuccess.org/
The page does not state a fee — ask your local affiliate. Note: Only in 16 countries (most offices are in the US). Referral usually needed. Each affiliate is an independent non-profit with its own rules, hours and services.
What It Does
Use 'Find your local network member' to choose a country (including Australia, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, the UK and the US) and reach the nearest Dress for Success. Local affiliates provide interview clothing, styling and support while you look for work and in your first weeks of a job.
Who It Helps
Women looking for work. You usually need an interview booked and a referral from a partner agency before visiting a local boutique.
The page does not state a fee — ask your local affiliate. Note: Only in 16 countries (most offices are in the US). Referral usually needed. Each affiliate is an independent non-profit with its own rules, hours and services.
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Clubhouse International — find a Clubhouse in one of 30 countries: community and work support for adults living with mental illness (Worldwide)

https://clubhouse-intl.org/Clubhouse-Directory
Free ('Membership at a Clubhouse is free to anyone living with a mental illness' — Clubhouse International FAQ). Note: Only in 30 countries, and most Clubhouses listed are in the US. Each Clubhouse sets its own application process; the directory shows whether a Clubhouse is accredited.
What It Does
Search by city, state or country to find one of 380+ Clubhouses in 30 countries. A Clubhouse is a community-based mental health service where people are members, not patients; it offers routes back to work through Transitional, Supported and Independent Employment, plus help with education and housing.
Who It Helps
Adults (most Clubhouses accept people aged 18 or over) living with mental illness who want community and support towards work, study or housing. Each Clubhouse has its own application process; self-referral is welcomed.
Free ('Membership at a Clubhouse is free to anyone living with a mental illness' — Clubhouse International FAQ). Note: Only in 30 countries, and most Clubhouses listed are in the US. Each Clubhouse sets its own application process; the directory shows whether a Clubhouse is accredited.
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Staying Safe — Checking Advisers Are Licensed & Avoiding Job, Debt & Loan Scams

ASIC Professional Registers search — check a lender, broker or credit repair business holds a licence (Australia)

https://www.asic.gov.au/online-services/search-asic-registers/professional-registers-search
Free to search (the page says 'Most information is available for free'; some paid extracts are available). Note: ASIC warns that being listed on a government register does not guarantee a business is trustworthy.
What It Does
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission's search of people and businesses registered or licensed to provide financial services, including credit licensees and credit representatives. Search by name, licence or registration number, ACN or ABN to check a business is licensed and what services it is licensed to provide. ASIC also keeps registers of banned and disqualified people and organisations.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Australia checking a lender, broker, credit repair or debt business, or another financial service, before dealing with it.
Free to search (the page says 'Most information is available for free'; some paid extracts are available). Note: ASIC warns that being listed on a government register does not guarantee a business is trustworthy.
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Moneysmart — credit repair: check before you pay, and how to fix credit report errors for free (Australia)

https://moneysmart.gov.au/managing-debt/credit-repair
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
Government guide warning that credit repair companies may charge high fees for things you can do yourself for free, and that paying one may not improve your credit score. It explains how to get errors fixed through the credit reporting agency or credit provider, how to take a dispute to AFCA, how to check a company's licence on ASIC's register, and suggests a free financial counsellor.
Who It Helps
People in Australia with errors or defaults on their credit report, or who are offered credit repair or debt help for a fee.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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OMARA Register of Migration Agents — check an agent is registered, including agents at non-commercial organisations (Australia)

https://portal.mara.gov.au/search-the-register-of-migration-agents/
Free to search; no fee is mentioned on the page. Agents' own fees are not shown — ask before you agree to anything. Note: The register shows registration only, not fees or quality. Use the non-commercial filter to find agents working for non-commercial organisations.
What It Does
The official search of registered migration agents in Australia. Search by the agent's name, registration number (MARN), business name or location before you pay anyone for visa help. A tick-box lists registered agents who work for non-commercial organisations.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Australia or overseas using, or thinking of paying, someone to help with an Australian visa or immigration matter.
Free to search; no fee is mentioned on the page. Agents' own fees are not shown — ask before you agree to anything. Note: The register shows registration only, not fees or quality. Use the non-commercial filter to find agents working for non-commercial organisations.
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Scamwatch — jobs and employment scams: warning signs and what to do if you paid (Australia)

https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/jobs-and-employment-scams
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
Explains common job scams — fake recruiters, task-based scams where you must 'top up' an account, money-mule jobs and pyramid schemes — and warning signs such as being asked to pay a 'recruitment fee' or being contacted out of the blue on WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram. If you have paid, it says to contact your bank, call IDCARE for free help and report the scam to Scamwatch.
Who It Helps
Job seekers in Australia, including people offered work online or through messaging apps.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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Financial Service Providers Register — check a lender is registered and which dispute scheme it belongs to (New Zealand)

https://fsp-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/help-centre/getting-started-on-the-register/searching/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
The official public register of people and businesses offering financial services in New Zealand. Search by name, trading name or FSP number to see a lender's or adviser's registration status, the services it is registered or licensed to provide, and the dispute resolution scheme it belongs to. The government's Consumer Protection site says unregistered lenders cannot legally give credit.
Who It Helps
Anyone in New Zealand checking a lender, finance company, broker or adviser before borrowing or signing up.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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Immigration New Zealand — who can give you immigration advice, and checking the licensed adviser register (New Zealand)

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/contact/find-immigration-advice
Free to read. The page says the Immigration Advisers Authority explains 'how much it should cost' to use an adviser.
What It Does
Official guidance on getting help with a visa. Advice must come from a licensed immigration adviser or an exempt person, such as a lawyer with a current practising certificate or a volunteer at Community Law or Citizens Advice Bureau. It says to check the Immigration Advisers Authority register for a current licence before using an adviser, and to contact the Authority to complain.
Who It Helps
People applying for, or thinking of applying for, a New Zealand visa, whether in New Zealand or overseas.
Free to read. The page says the Immigration Advisers Authority explains 'how much it should cost' to use an adviser.
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New Zealand Law Society — Public Register of Lawyers: check a lawyer's practising status (New Zealand)

https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/registry-lookup/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
The Law Society describes the Public Register of Lawyers as 'the official database of lawyers in New Zealand', covering all lawyers, including those who do not serve the public. Search by a lawyer's name, with location and practice-area filters, to check their practising status and details before relying on them.
Who It Helps
Anyone in New Zealand who wants to check that a lawyer is real and allowed to practise.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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FCA Firm Checker — check a lender, debt adviser or other financial firm is authorised (UK)

https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/fca-firm-checker
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: It cannot confirm whether Financial Ombudsman or compensation scheme protection applies, and it does not cover products the FCA does not regulate.
What It Does
The Financial Conduct Authority's consumer tool shows whether a financial firm is authorised by the FCA and has permission for the service you want. Nearly all UK financial firms must be authorised or registered, and the FCA says using an authorised firm with the right permissions 'will greatly reduce your risk of harm'. Fuller details, including individuals, are on the Financial Services Register.
Who It Helps
Anyone in the UK checking a lender, debt management or debt advice firm, broker or other financial business before dealing with it.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: It cannot confirm whether Financial Ombudsman or compensation scheme protection applies, and it does not cover products the FCA does not regulate.
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FCA Warning List — search firms the regulator warns are unauthorised or clones of genuine firms (UK)

https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/warning-list-unauthorised-firms
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Not being on the list does not mean a firm is safe — the FCA warns it 'may still be unauthorised or be a scam'.
What It Does
A searchable list of firms the Financial Conduct Authority is concerned are working without its permission, including 'clone' firms that copy a genuine authorised firm's details. If you are contacted unexpectedly, the FCA advises getting in touch only through the contact details shown on its Firm Checker. A firm missing from the list may still be unauthorised or a scam.
Who It Helps
Anyone in the UK offered a loan, debt help, an investment or another financial service, especially out of the blue.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Note: Not being on the list does not mean a firm is safe — the FCA warns it 'may still be unauthorised or be a scam'.
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Solicitors Regulation Authority — Solicitors Register: check someone is a solicitor and their firm is regulated (England and Wales)

https://www.sra.org.uk/consumers/register/
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
The SRA calls this 'the definitive impartial source of information about the law firms and people regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority'. Check whether somebody is a solicitor and where they work, and look up firms the SRA has closed down and people it has prohibited from practising. No result means it is not safe to assume the person or firm is regulated.
Who It Helps
Anyone about to use, or already using, a solicitor or law firm in England and Wales.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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GOV.UK — Find an immigration adviser: check an adviser is registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (UK)

https://www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser
Free to read. The page says to 'Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them'. Note: Some registered advisers charge fees — check the cost before you use one.
What It Does
Official guidance on getting immigration advice. All immigration advisers must be registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) or be a member of an approved professional body; use the IAA Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you. It explains how to complain, links to a list of people banned from acting as advisers, and warns you cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.
Who It Helps
People in the UK who need help with visas, permission to stay or immigration appeals.
Free to read. The page says to 'Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them'. Note: Some registered advisers charge fees — check the cost before you use one.
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Central Bank of Ireland — how to avoid financial scams, including fake loans that ask for an upfront fee (Ireland)

https://www.centralbank.ie/consumer-hub/explainers/how-can-i-avoid-a-financial-services-scam
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
Explains common scams — fake loans that ask for a fee before the money is released, investment scams, cloned firms, phishing texts and fake comparison websites — and the SAFE test. It says credit providers regulated by the Central Bank are not allowed to charge administration fees when you apply for a loan, and tells you to check the Central Bank's register of authorised firms before dealing with anyone.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Ireland offered a loan, investment or other financial product, especially by an unexpected call, text, email or advert.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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FTC — How To Get Out of Debt: choosing credit counselling and spotting debt relief scams (United States)

https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-get-out-debt
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
FTC guide to credit counselling, debt settlement and other debt relief. It warns that non-profit status does not mean services are free, affordable or legitimate, that a debt settlement company can't take fees before it settles your debt, and that only scammers guarantee to settle all your debts or tell you to stop talking to creditors without explaining the risks. Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Who It Helps
People in the US considering credit counselling, a debt management plan, or a debt settlement or debt relief company.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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FTC — Job Scams: signs of fake jobs and what to do if you paid a scammer (United States)

https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
What It Does
Explains common job scams, such as being asked to pay to get a job, fake cheques you are told to deposit and send part of back, and parcel reshipping 'jobs'. It says honest employers, including the federal government, will never ask you to pay to get a job, shows how to check a company online, and what to do if you paid. Report job scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or to your state attorney general.
Who It Helps
Job seekers in the US.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page.
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EOIR Recognition & Accreditation rosters — check a non-lawyer immigration representative is DOJ-accredited (United States)

https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-reports
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. The rosters do not show what organizations charge — ask first. Note: Lists non-lawyer representatives and their organizations only; to check a lawyer, contact the state bar or lawyer disciplinary agency.
What It Does
Department of Justice lists (PDF) of recognized organizations and accredited representatives, including a list by state and city that is updated regularly. Accredited representatives are non-lawyers allowed to represent people before immigration authorities and the immigration courts; they may only work through recognized organizations, which must be non-profit and federally tax-exempt.
Who It Helps
People in the US looking for immigration help who want to check that a non-lawyer helper is authorised, or to find a non-profit organisation with accredited staff.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. The rosters do not show what organizations charge — ask first. Note: Lists non-lawyer representatives and their organizations only; to check a lawyer, contact the state bar or lawyer disciplinary agency.
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Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy — how to avoid paying unnecessary fees to unlicensed debt advisors (Canada)

https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/office-superintendent-bankruptcy/en/you-owe-money/how-avoid-paying-unnecessary-fees-your-debt
Free to read. The page says 'Usually the first consultation is free' with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. Note: The page says only that the first consultation with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee is usually free — ask about all fees before agreeing to a proposal or bankruptcy.
What It Does
Federal warning that some debt advisors charge hundreds or thousands of dollars for debt relief they are not authorised to provide or that you do not need. It suggests a Licensed Insolvency Trustee instead: trustees must assess your situation and discuss all options, including non-insolvency ones, and the first consultation is usually free. It links to the government's debt solutions pages.
Who It Helps
People in Canada with serious debt who are considering a consumer proposal, bankruptcy or paid debt help.
Free to read. The page says 'Usually the first consultation is free' with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. Note: The page says only that the first consultation with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee is usually free — ask about all fees before agreeing to a proposal or bankruptcy.
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College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants — Public Register: check an immigration consultant is licensed (Canada)

https://college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/find-an-immigration-consultant
Free to use; the page says 'Anyone can use this Public Register'. Consultants' fees are not shown — ask before you pay.
What It Does
How to use the College's Public Register of licensed immigration consultants (RCICs) and student immigration advisors (RISIAs). Only licensees with 'Active' status and 'Yes' under 'Entitled to Practise' can legally give advice; suspended or revoked licensees cannot. Giving Canadian immigration advice for a fee without a licence from the College, a law society or the Chambre des notaires du Québec is an offence.
Who It Helps
Anyone in Canada or abroad paying, or planning to pay, someone for help with Canadian immigration, study permits or citizenship.
Free to use; the page says 'Anyone can use this Public Register'. Consultants' fees are not shown — ask before you pay.
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European e-Justice Portal — Find a lawyer: search official bar registers in 24 European countries (European Union)

https://e-justice.europa.eu/topics/find-legal-professional/lawyers_en
Free to search; no fee is mentioned on the page. The lawyers listed are private lawyers who may charge — ask about fees and legal aid first. Note: Not every country takes part, and 'not all bar registers allow a search based on all search criteria'. The listed lawyers may charge; ask about legal aid first.
What It Does
Search for a lawyer by name, location, spoken language or practice area. The results come from the registers of the participating bar associations.
Who It Helps
Anyone who needs a lawyer in, or wants to check a lawyer from, a participating country (26 bar bodies in 24 countries, e.g. Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Sweden, Norway).
Free to search; no fee is mentioned on the page. The lawyers listed are private lawyers who may charge — ask about fees and legal aid first. Note: Not every country takes part, and 'not all bar registers allow a search based on all search criteria'. The listed lawyers may charge; ask about legal aid first.
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National Credit Regulator — registers of registered credit providers and debt counsellors (South Africa)

https://www.ncr.org.za/register_of_registrants/registered_cp.php
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Debt counsellors on the register charge fees, which they must disclose to you in writing. Note: The NCR reported a cyber-attack in December 2025 that disrupted some systems; the registers were working when checked. Debt counselling found here is not free.
What It Does
Search the official registers to check that a lender (credit provider) is registered under the National Credit Act before you borrow, and — on the linked debt counsellors register — that a debt counsellor is registered before you sign up. Search by name or registration number; separate tabs show registrations that were cancelled by the tribunal, cancelled voluntarily or have lapsed.
Who It Helps
Anyone in South Africa checking a lender, debt counsellor or other credit-industry business.
Free to use; no fee is mentioned on the page. Debt counsellors on the register charge fees, which they must disclose to you in writing. Note: The NCR reported a cyber-attack in December 2025 that disrupted some systems; the registers were working when checked. Debt counselling found here is not free.
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Important Disclaimer
This directory is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medication regimen or starting any new therapy.

This document does not guarantee the legitimacy, quality, or suitability of any business, organization, or practitioner listed within. The inclusion of any listing does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or verification of credentials. All organizations listed are independent entities over which the creators of this directory have no control or oversight.

This directory is intended to be used as a starting point and reference for the reader to conduct their own research, exercise their own judgment, and apply their own discretion before engaging with any listed organization or professional. Readers are strongly encouraged to independently verify credentials, read reviews, check licensing, and confirm current pricing and availability directly with each organization before committing to any services.

Costs, availability, contact details, and services may change at any time without notice. Information was accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.

About Notbroken.io: this directory and the accompanying Breathe, Calm, Sleep, Move, Eat, Track and Build tools were created by Nathan Leary, who runs and updates them. How each tool works, its safety notes, the privacy policy and terms of use are at notbroken.io/about, notbroken.io/privacy and notbroken.io/terms. The tools are general wellness aids, not medical devices, and Track is a personal journal that never gives medication advice.

If you are in crisis: Please contact your local emergency services immediately, or reach out to one of the following helplines:

International: Chapter 02 of this directory lists free helplines by situation and country; elsewhere use Find A Helpline — findahelpline.com
United States: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) • Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741)
United Kingdom: Samaritans — 116 123 (free, 24/7)
Canada: Talk Suicide Canada — 988 (call or text, 24/7)
Australia: Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7) • Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636
New Zealand: Need to Talk? — 1737 (free, 24/7)
Europe: European Emergency Number — 112
India: iCall — 9152987821 • Vandrevala Foundation — 1860 2662 345
Singapore: Samaritans of Singapore — 1-767 (24/7)
Japan: TELL Lifeline — 03-5774-0992

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