The Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network (IL-AFLAN) operates statewide via a hotline and network ofservice providers and provides free legal aid for those who cannot afford anattorney who are members of the military, veterans, national guard, reserve, orthe spouse or dependent of the preceding. Eligibility is limited to those with80% of Chicago Area Median Income or lower (applies statewide) and any dischargestatus except for dishonorable. IL-AFLAN handles all civil matters, includingdischarge upgrades and VA benefits appeals. In its first year, IL-AFLAN served2,650 people with the most requested areas of law being Family (744), Housing(587), Military Pensions/Benefits (367), Consumer/Utility (351). At currentcall volume hotline attorneys are speaking with a caller in about five minutes.If call volume is very high the caller will never wait longer than 10 minutes –they will be prompted to set a call-back time. Please help spread the word andmake sure that those seeking legal aid are aware of this service.

If you have questions, please contact Zach Zarnow from theIllinois Equal Justice Foundation, which oversees IL-AFLAN: ZZarnow@iejf.org; 312-938-2106.