Free legal aid in the Philippines is not based on a single rule or a single office. It is a system built from the Constitution, statutes, court rules, bar regulations, and government and private legal aid programs. In practice, a person may obtain free legal assistance through the Public Attorney’s Office, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, legal aid clinics of law schools, local government initiatives, non-government organizations, and, in criminal cases, court-appointed counsel.

The core idea is simple: poverty must not prevent access to justice. But the actual availability of free legal aid depends on several things, including the kind of case, the applicant’s financial condition, the office being approached, documentary proof of indigency, and whether the legal service sought is within the provider’s mandate.

This article explains the legal basis, who may qualify, what requirements are commonly imposed, what services are covered, where to apply, and the limits of free legal aid in the Philippine setting.

I. Constitutional and Policy Basis

The Philippine legal system treats access to justice as a constitutional concern. Several principles support free legal aid:

1. Due process and equal protection

A person who cannot afford counsel is still entitled to fairness in legal proceedings. The State cannot allow justice to depend only on wealth.

2. Rights of persons under investigation and the accused

In criminal matters, the Constitution protects the right to counsel, especially during custodial investigation and prosecution. Where the accused cannot afford a lawyer, the State must ensure legal representation.

3. Free access to courts and quasi-judicial bodies

The Constitution recognizes free access to courts and adequate legal assistance as policy commitments. This does not mean every litigation expense disappears, but it strongly supports exemptions and legal aid mechanisms for indigent litigants.

4. Social justice

Free legal aid also reflects the social justice principle. The justice system is expected to remain open to poor and vulnerable persons, not only to those who can pay professional fees.

II. Main Sources of Free Legal Aid in the Philippines

Free legal aid may come from several institutions, each with its own rules.

A. Public Attorney’s Office (PAO)

The PAO is the principal government legal aid office. It provides free legal representation, legal advice, mediation support, and assistance to qualified indigent persons in criminal, civil, labor, administrative, and quasi-judicial matters, subject to its mandate and internal rules.

For many Filipinos, PAO is the first and most important source of free legal aid.

B. Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)

The IBP, as the official organization of Philippine lawyers, operates legal aid programs through chapters nationwide. These programs may provide free consultation, representation, documentation assistance, and referrals, especially to indigent and deserving litigants.

C. Legal Aid Programs of Law Schools

Many law schools maintain legal aid offices or legal clinics. Qualified law students, under supervision and subject to court rules, may assist in certain proceedings or legal services. These programs are especially important in communities with limited access to lawyers.

D. Court-Appointed Counsel de Officio

In criminal cases, if an accused has no lawyer and cannot secure one, the court may appoint counsel de officio. This ensures representation even when no prior legal aid application was completed.

E. Local Government and Specialized Government Offices

Certain public offices provide specialized legal assistance, such as offices dealing with labor claims, agrarian disputes, women and children’s protection, public complaints against government officials, or human rights matters. These are not always general legal aid offices, but they may provide free assistance within their jurisdiction.

F. Non-Government and Sector-Based Legal Aid Groups

Some NGOs, religious organizations, women’s rights groups, labor groups, human rights organizations, and sector-based advocacy networks provide pro bono legal aid, often to vulnerable sectors such as workers, farmers, women, children, indigenous peoples, urban poor communities, detained persons, and victims of abuse.

III. Who Can Receive Free Legal Aid

The general rule is that free legal aid is intended for persons who are indigent or otherwise unable to afford counsel. But indigency is not the only relevant factor. Some programs also consider the public interest, the nature of the case, vulnerability, and the office’s mandate.

In Philippine practice, a person may qualify under one or more of these grounds:

1. Indigency or inability to pay for legal services

This is the most common basis. The applicant must show that paying a private lawyer would be beyond his or her means.

2. Detention or criminal prosecution

An accused person in a criminal case is often prioritized, especially where liberty is at stake.

3. Membership in a vulnerable sector

Some legal aid providers prioritize women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, workers, farmers, indigenous peoples, overseas workers, victims of trafficking, victims of domestic violence, and similar groups.

4. Public interest or special circumstances

A legal aid office may accept a case because it raises serious issues of justice, constitutional rights, or public welfare, even where finances are not the only consideration.

IV. The Core Requirement: Indigency

The most important requirement in most free legal aid applications is proof that the applicant is indigent.

“Indigent” in actual practice generally means a person who lacks sufficient income or property to hire a private lawyer and shoulder basic litigation costs without depriving self or family of necessities. The concept is practical rather than purely technical. It focuses on real financial incapacity.

Different institutions may apply different thresholds or screening standards. A person may qualify under one program but not under another.

Indigency is evaluated through factors such as:

monthly income
daily wages or irregular earnings
employment status
ownership or non-ownership of real property
rental status
family size and dependents
current debts and living expenses
the seriousness of the case
detention or emergency circumstances
lack of available support from family

In some cases, the assessment is strict and document-based. In others, especially urgent criminal matters, the evaluation may be more flexible.

V. Common Documentary Requirements

The exact requirements vary by office, but the following are commonly requested in the Philippines when applying for free legal aid.

A. Proof of identity

Applicants are often asked to present any valid identification document, such as:

national ID
voter’s ID
driver’s license
passport
barangay ID
senior citizen ID
school ID, where applicable

If no formal ID is available, some offices may accept alternate proof of identity.

B. Barangay Certificate of Indigency

This is one of the most common documents required. It is issued by the barangay where the applicant resides and states that the person is indigent or of limited means.

This certificate is frequently requested by PAO, IBP chapters, courts, and local legal aid programs. It is not always conclusive, but it is highly persuasive as a first-line proof.

C. Certificate of No Property or Tax Declaration Information

Some offices may ask for proof that the applicant does not own substantial real property. Depending on local practice, the applicant may be asked to submit:

tax declaration documents
certification from the municipal or city assessor
certification that no real property is registered in the applicant’s name in the locality
other proof showing lack of significant assets

Not all legal aid providers require this in every case, but it may be important where civil litigation is involved.

D. Proof of income or lack of income

This can take many forms, including:

payslip
certificate of employment with salary details
certificate of unemployment
affidavit of no income
social welfare certification
statement of earnings for self-employed persons
pension details, if any

For daily wage earners, informal workers, or unemployed persons, affidavits and barangay certifications often play a major role.

E. Affidavit of Indigency

Some legal aid providers require the applicant to execute an affidavit stating:

personal circumstances
income level
number of dependents
absence of sufficient property
inability to hire counsel
truthfulness of the declarations

This affidavit can be crucial when seeking recognition as an indigent litigant in court or when availing of government legal aid.

F. Case-related documents

The applicant usually needs to bring whatever papers relate to the case, such as:

complaint or information
subpoena or summons
police blotter or police report
affidavit or counter-affidavit
demand letter
contract
land title or tax declaration
marriage certificate
birth certificate
court order
notice of hearing
decision or resolution being appealed
medical reports in violence cases
labor documents such as payslips or notices of dismissal

Without these, the legal aid office may only be able to give general advice, not full representation.

VI. Financial Qualification Standards

No single universal financial standard governs all legal aid providers. In practice, financial qualification depends on the rules of the office.

1. PAO standards

The PAO traditionally uses indigency tests that consider income and property. In practice, PAO looks at whether the applicant’s income falls within allowable levels and whether the applicant owns real property above certain limits, while also considering exceptions and emergency circumstances.

Because these thresholds may be adjusted administratively over time, the key point is that PAO does not rely on a mere statement of poverty alone. It usually looks at both income and assets.

2. IBP and other pro bono offices

IBP chapters and private legal aid groups may be more flexible than PAO. They often assess ability to pay on a case-to-case basis. Some use fixed thresholds, while others use broader notions of financial incapacity.

3. Court determination of indigent litigant status

A court may allow a litigant to proceed as an indigent party for purposes of exemption from docket and lawful fees, upon proper showing. The court may require an affidavit and supporting proof. A person may therefore obtain fee exemptions in court, even separate from lawyer representation by PAO or another provider.

VII. Free Legal Aid in Criminal Cases

Criminal cases receive the strongest protection in the legal aid system because liberty, and sometimes life, may be at stake.

A. During custodial investigation

A person under custodial investigation has the right to competent and independent counsel, preferably of his own choice. If the person cannot afford one, legal assistance must be made available. Statements taken without proper observance of the right to counsel may become inadmissible.

B. Upon filing of criminal charges

Once charges are filed, an indigent accused may be represented by PAO, by a legal aid lawyer, or by counsel de officio appointed by the court.

C. No denial merely because the accused is poor

A criminal accused should not be forced to proceed unrepresented simply because he cannot pay.

D. Priority nature of criminal defense

Legal aid offices often prioritize detained clients, capital or serious offenses, bail matters, and cases where immediate representation is needed.

VIII. Free Legal Aid in Civil Cases

Free legal aid in civil cases is available, but often subject to tighter screening because the number of requests is high and resources are limited.

Civil cases where free legal aid is often sought include:

ejectment
annulment-related issues, where accepted
support
custody and visitation
violence against women and children
property disputes
damages
succession issues
land conflicts
domestic abuse complaints with civil aspects
labor-adjacent civil claims
consumer disputes

Not every civil case will be accepted. Legal aid offices may reject cases that are frivolous, speculative, outside their mandate, factually unsupported, or too resource-intensive relative to available capacity.

IX. Free Legal Aid in Labor, Administrative, and Quasi-Judicial Cases

Philippine legal aid is not limited to regular courts.

1. Labor cases

Workers may receive assistance in labor disputes, especially where illegal dismissal, unpaid wages, money claims, or unfair labor practices are involved. Depending on the issue, help may come from PAO, labor-focused legal groups, unions, or offices connected to labor authorities.

2. Administrative complaints

Indigent complainants or respondents may seek assistance in certain administrative cases, especially where employment, discipline, or local government actions are involved.

3. Quasi-judicial bodies

Some claims are filed before agencies rather than courts, such as housing, agrarian, labor, or human rights bodies. Legal aid may still be available, but the provider must have authority and capacity to appear before that tribunal.

X. Indigent Litigant Status in Court

A person can sometimes be recognized by the court as an indigent litigant. This is related to, but distinct from, representation by a free lawyer.

What this usually means

When recognized as an indigent litigant, the person may be exempt from payment of docket and other lawful fees, and transcripts of stenographic notes may also be handled under special rules, subject to court processes and applicable limitations.

How this is established

The litigant typically files:

an affidavit showing income and property status
proof that income is insufficient for family support and litigation expenses
proof that the litigant does not own substantial real property, or that property owned does not exceed permitted thresholds
other documents the court may require

Court discretion

The court is not automatically bound by the litigant’s claim of poverty. It can examine the truth of the allegations and revoke the privilege if the person is later found not to be indigent.

Consequences of false claims

A false affidavit of indigency may result in dismissal of benefits, payment of fees, sanctions, or other legal consequences, including possible criminal liability for false statements.

XI. The Public Attorney’s Office: Detailed Philippine Context

Because PAO is central to Philippine free legal aid, it deserves fuller treatment.

A. Nature of PAO

PAO is a government office tasked to render free legal representation, assistance, and counseling to indigent persons. It appears in courts and quasi-judicial bodies and gives out-of-court legal help as well.

B. Services commonly rendered by PAO

These may include:

legal advice and consultation
drafting pleadings, affidavits, and letters
representation in criminal cases
representation in qualified civil cases
representation in labor and administrative matters where within mandate
assistance in inquest and preliminary investigation
mediation-related assistance
notarization or referral in limited contexts depending on office practice
jail visits and assistance to detainees
assistance to victims of abuse and vulnerable persons

C. Who usually qualifies for PAO

The typical PAO client is an indigent person who satisfies financial and documentary requirements. In special instances, the urgency or nature of the case may affect how strictly documents are demanded at the outset.

D. Cases that may be declined by PAO

PAO may decline representation where:

the applicant is not indigent
there is conflict of interest
the case is frivolous or lacks merit on its face
the opposing party is an existing PAO client in a conflicting matter
the matter falls outside PAO’s authority
the client insists on an illegal, dishonest, or abusive legal position
the client later turns out to have materially misrepresented financial condition

E. Continuing duty of truthfulness

A PAO client is expected to remain honest about finances and facts. Discovery that the client can in fact afford private counsel may be a ground for termination of assistance.

XII. Integrated Bar of the Philippines Legal Aid

The IBP’s legal aid service is an important supplement to government legal aid.

A. Nature of IBP legal aid

IBP legal aid is part of the legal profession’s public service commitment. It may be delivered through chapter-based clinics, scheduled consultations, walk-in assistance, referrals, and selected litigation representation.

B. Typical requirements

Applicants are usually asked for:

proof of identity
proof of indigency
documents relevant to the case
interview or screening information
agreement to cooperate and tell the truth

C. Discretion in case acceptance

Unlike an entitlement-based criminal defense situation, some IBP legal aid matters are accepted depending on lawyer availability, local program priorities, and perceived merit of the claim or defense.

XIII. Legal Aid in Law Schools

Legal education in the Philippines increasingly includes clinical legal education and supervised legal aid.

Key features

law students may assist under supervision
services often target poor and underserved communities
clients undergo intake and screening
assistance may include consultation, document preparation, community legal education, mediation support, and, where allowed, limited court or agency appearances

Requirements

These are usually similar to other legal aid programs:

proof of indigency
proof of identity
case documents
consent to student handling under supervising lawyers
truthful disclosure of facts

Law school clinics are especially significant in provinces and urban poor communities where private legal services are inaccessible.

XIV. Court-Appointed Counsel de Officio

In criminal proceedings, the court may appoint a lawyer for an accused who has no counsel.

Important points

this is usually triggered by the absence of counsel during proceedings
the accused need not complete a full legal aid intake before basic representation is secured
it protects the validity of proceedings and the accused’s rights
it is most common in criminal courts, though representation arrangements can vary

This is a procedural safety net. It prevents the justice system from moving forward against an unrepresented and defenseless accused.

XV. Special Groups Commonly Given Priority

In Philippine practice, free legal aid often prioritizes the following:

detained persons
children in conflict with the law
women and children who are victims of violence
senior citizens
persons with disabilities
indigent workers
agrarian reform beneficiaries and farmers
indigenous peoples
informal settlers facing eviction
persons facing trafficking or exploitation
victims of sexual abuse
disaster-affected and displaced communities
overseas Filipino workers in some cases through specialized channels

Priority does not always mean automatic acceptance, but it often affects urgency and screening.

XVI. Cases Commonly Covered by Free Legal Aid

The following are among the most common matters handled under Philippine legal aid:

Criminal

theft, estafa, physical injuries, drug cases, homicide, and other criminal prosecutions
bail applications
inquest proceedings
preliminary investigation matters
appeals in criminal cases where accepted

Family and personal status

support
custody
visitation
domestic violence complaints
child protection
related family conflicts

Property and housing

ejectment
unlawful detainer
landlord-tenant issues
selected land and possession disputes

Labor and livelihood

illegal dismissal
money claims
wage-related issues
labor standards claims

Administrative and public law

administrative complaints
local government concerns
selected agency proceedings

Documentation and advisory

affidavits
demand letters
legal opinions
settlement guidance

Coverage varies significantly depending on the provider.

XVII. Matters Often Not Covered or Commonly Refused

Free legal aid is not unlimited. Certain matters are often excluded or declined.

1. Cases of non-indigent persons

A person who can reasonably afford private counsel may be refused.

2. Conflicting representation

A legal aid office cannot represent both sides of a dispute.

3. Frivolous or malicious litigation

Claims intended only to harass, delay, or abuse process may be rejected.

4. Business or profit-driven disputes

Some offices are reluctant to accept matters involving commercial ventures, corporate control disputes, or claims that appear primarily profit-oriented rather than necessity-based.

5. Matters outside mandate

An office may decline cases outside its legal authority, geographic service area, or litigation competence.

6. Cases requiring expenses beyond available support

Even when lawyer’s fees are waived, some litigation involves travel, expert witnesses, surveys, publications, transcripts, copies, or other costs that the provider cannot shoulder.

7. False indigency claims

Misrepresentation can disqualify the applicant and may lead to further consequences.

XVIII. Legal Aid Does Not Always Mean Zero Expense

This is one of the most misunderstood points.

Free legal aid generally means the lawyer’s professional service is free. It does not always mean every other expense is automatically free.

Possible costs that may still arise include:

photocopying and printing
transportation
notarial expenses in some contexts
service of summons by sheriff or process costs
publication in special proceedings
expert witness fees
survey or appraisal fees
medical examination costs
transcript or record reproduction costs where no exemption applies
appeal bond or other required bonds in some proceedings

A litigant recognized as indigent may be exempt from some court fees, but not necessarily all incidental expenses in all forums.

XIX. Procedure for Applying for Free Legal Aid

The process differs from office to office, but the usual sequence is as follows.

Step 1: Go to the proper legal aid provider

Choose based on the type of case:

PAO for general indigent legal aid, especially criminal defense
IBP chapter for chapter-based pro bono help
law school clinic for legal aid and supervised assistance
specialized office for labor, women and children, human rights, or sector-specific matters
court, if immediate counsel de officio is needed in a criminal case

Step 2: Undergo interview or intake

The applicant is usually interviewed about:

personal data
financial condition
facts of the case
urgency
prior lawyers, if any
opposing party
existing cases or deadlines

Step 3: Submit proof of indigency and case papers

Bring whatever documents are available. In urgent criminal situations, representation may begin even before all papers are complete, but missing documents will normally have to be supplied later.

Step 4: Screening and conflict check

The legal aid office verifies:

whether the applicant qualifies financially
whether the case is within the office’s authority
whether there is conflict of interest
whether the case appears legally supportable

Step 5: Acceptance or referral

If accepted, the office assigns a lawyer or schedules legal action. If not, the applicant may be referred elsewhere.

Step 6: Execution of client forms

The client may be asked to sign:

interview sheet
authority to represent
affidavit of indigency
certification of truthfulness
undertaking to cooperate
waiver or consent documents

XX. Proof of Indigency Before Courts

When seeking relief directly from a court as an indigent litigant, proof matters greatly.

Typical proof includes:

affidavit of indigency
barangay certificate of indigency
certification of no property or minimal property
proof of income or unemployment
social welfare records
testimony or judicial notice of circumstances, where appropriate

The court may deny the request if documents are insufficient or inconsistent. It may also require hearing or further proof.

XXI. Free Legal Aid and Domestic Violence Cases

In the Philippines, victims of violence against women and children often need urgent legal help for protection orders, criminal complaints, custody, support, and related relief.

These cases are commonly prioritized because of immediate safety concerns.

Typical requirements include:

narration of facts
police blotter or incident report, if available
medico-legal report, if available
identification documents
proof of relationship, where relevant
proof of indigency if formal legal aid representation is sought

Even where complete documents are missing, urgent assistance may still be possible due to the protective nature of the proceedings.

XXII. Free Legal Aid and Children

Children may be involved as victims, witnesses, respondents in special proceedings, or children in conflict with the law.

Philippine policy generally favors protective handling and representation for minors. Requirements often include:

birth certificate or proof of age
guardian or representative details
social worker involvement where necessary
case documents
indigency proof of the family or guardian when required

The child’s best interests remain the overriding consideration.

XXIII. Free Legal Aid and Persons Deprived of Liberty

Detained persons are among the most visible beneficiaries of legal aid.

Common concerns include:

inquest representation
bail
arraignment
plea
trial defense
prison visitation
appeal
sentence-related remedies
coordination with jail authorities and family

Because detainees often cannot produce documents personally, legal aid offices may accept partial information initially and gather more later.

XXIV. Ethical Duties in Free Legal Aid

Free legal aid is not lower-quality lawyering. Lawyers handling pro bono or government legal aid remain bound by professional responsibility standards.

They must still provide:

competence
diligence
confidentiality
loyalty
candor
avoidance of conflict of interest
respectful client handling

At the same time, the client also has obligations:

tell the truth
disclose all relevant facts
appear when required
cooperate in building the case
avoid abusive or illegal demands
update the lawyer on address and contact details

Free service does not remove the lawyer-client relationship’s ethical structure.

XXV. Grounds for Withdrawal or Termination of Free Legal Aid

A legal aid provider may terminate assistance in certain situations, such as:

discovery that the client is not actually indigent
false or misleading statements by the client
conflict of interest discovered later
refusal of the client to cooperate
insistence on unethical conduct
loss of contact with the client
filing of plainly false claims
engagement by the client of private counsel without proper coordination
change in circumstances that makes the client ineligible under program rules

In court cases, withdrawal may require leave of court.

XXVI. Difference Between Free Legal Advice and Full Representation

Not every free legal aid applicant gets a full lawyer for the entire case.

There are levels of assistance:

1. Legal information

Basic orientation on rights and remedies.

2. Legal advice

A lawyer assesses the situation and suggests a legal course.

3. Document preparation

Preparation of affidavits, letters, pleadings, or responses.

4. Negotiation or mediation support

Assistance in settlement efforts.

5. Limited appearance

Representation in a specific hearing or stage.

6. Full representation

A lawyer handles the case through trial or proceeding.

An applicant may receive only the level of service the office can provide in that case.

XXVII. Geographic and Practical Access Issues

Although legal aid exists nationwide, actual access varies.

Common barriers include:

distance from PAO or IBP office
lack of funds for transport
limited number of legal aid lawyers
heavy caseloads
incomplete documents
language barriers
fear of going against powerful persons
delay in obtaining barangay or civil documents

These practical realities matter. Legal entitlement does not always guarantee easy access on the ground.

XXVIII. Common Misconceptions

“A barangay certificate alone guarantees a free lawyer.”

Not necessarily. It is important evidence, but offices may require additional proof or screening.

“If I am poor, every case must be accepted.”

Not always. The case may still be declined for conflict, lack of merit, or lack of jurisdiction.

“Free legal aid includes all court expenses.”

Not always. Lawyer’s fees may be free while incidental costs remain.

“Only criminal accused can get free legal aid.”

No. Civil, labor, administrative, and protective matters may also qualify.

“PAO is the only source of free legal aid.”

No. The IBP, law schools, NGOs, court-appointed counsel, and specialized offices also matter.

“Once accepted, legal aid can never be withdrawn.”

Wrong. Misrepresentation, non-cooperation, or ineligibility may lead to withdrawal.

XXIX. Practical Indicators That a Person Will Likely Be Asked to Submit More Proof

An applicant should expect closer scrutiny where:

the dispute involves land or property ownership
the applicant appears to have stable employment
the applicant owns vehicles or visible business assets
the matter is a civil case involving substantial money or property
the applicant has previously retained private counsel
the address or living condition suggests possible financial capacity
the documents submitted are inconsistent

This does not automatically defeat the application, but it usually triggers further verification.

XXX. Special Note on Affidavits and Honesty

Philippine legal aid systems rely heavily on affidavits and certifications. These documents are not mere formalities. False declarations can expose the applicant to:

loss of free legal aid
contempt or sanctions in court
criminal liability for false testimony or perjury-related conduct, depending on the circumstances
damage to the main case

Truthfulness is therefore a legal requirement, not just a moral one.

XXXI. The Relationship Between Legal Aid and Access to Justice

Free legal aid is one pillar of access to justice, but not the only one.

Real access also requires:

understandable procedures
affordable filing systems
language accessibility
protection from intimidation
functioning courts and agencies
realistic timelines
legal literacy
availability of mediators and social workers
enforcement of judgments

Still, legal aid remains one of the most concrete protections for poor litigants in the Philippines.

XXXII. Summary of the Typical Requirements

Across Philippine legal aid programs, the most common requirements are the following:

Personal and financial eligibility

applicant must usually be indigent or unable to afford private counsel
some programs also prioritize vulnerable status or public interest

Documentary requirements

valid ID or alternative proof of identity
barangay certificate of indigency
affidavit of indigency
proof of income, unemployment, or limited means
proof regarding property, where relevant
case-related documents

Legal and administrative screening

case must be within the office’s mandate
no conflict of interest
claim or defense must not be patently frivolous
applicant must cooperate and tell the truth

Continued eligibility

assistance may continue only if the client remains qualified and cooperative

XXXIII. Bottom-Line Philippine Rule

In the Philippines, free legal aid is generally available to persons who cannot afford counsel, especially indigent litigants, criminal accused, detainees, and members of vulnerable sectors. The usual requirements are proof of identity, proof of indigency, and papers relating to the legal problem. But qualification is never based on poverty alone in the abstract. The applicant must usually pass the screening rules of the specific provider, and the case must fall within that provider’s authority and available resources.

The practical center of the system is the Public Attorney’s Office, supported by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, legal aid clinics of law schools, court-appointed counsel, and specialized legal assistance bodies. In court, a separate but related remedy exists through recognition as an indigent litigant, which may reduce or remove certain filing fees.

The unifying legal principle is that inability to pay should not bar a person from legal protection. The unifying practical reality is that the applicant must usually prove indigency, present the case documents, and meet the acceptance rules of the office from which help is sought.