Legal Needs Survey of Older Minnesotans

The Legal Needs Survey of Older Minnesotans is a statewide effort to better understand and identify legal needs that can affect a person's ability to find legal help, education and resources for those living in Minnesota who are 60 years of age or older. Legal needs are problems or questions that impact lives. Housing, health care, financial stability, independence and personal safety are all areas where you might need help from a lawyer or legal expert to understand your rights, protect your interests, or solve a problem. The survey will identify legal needs of older Minnesotans on a local, regional and statewide level and help the state create plans to improve access, address barriers and expand legal services.

The survey will be open until Aug. 30, 2026.

Take the Legal Needs Survey
Responder la Encuesta sobre Necesidades Legales

Who is conducting the survey? 

The Minnesota Board on Aging developed the survey in partnership with DHS Aging and Adult Services Division, Research in Action and Minnesota’s civil legal service providers. We hired Vital Research, a nationally recognized, community-driven research and evaluation company, to conduct the survey.

Who should participate?

  • Minnesota residents who are 60 years of age or older
  • Minnesotans who provide help to family, friends or neighbors who are 60 years of age or older.

Why should I participate?

Your voice and your experiences can help Minnesota create and expand legal programs and services that serve older adults. This is the first opportunity for Minnesotans aged 60 or older and individuals who help or provide care for family, friends or neighbors who are age 60 or over to help guide state resources and policy related to addressing the legal needs of older Minnesotans.

Will my privacy be respected?

Yes. The survey won’t ask for your name, address, Social Security numbers or other sensitive personal information. The survey is anonymous and fully voluntary. Your choice to complete the survey and the answers you provide will have no impact on your receipt of benefits or services, either now or in the future.

More information

  • Responses are confidential and used only for research and policy and program development
  • A final report with findings will be shared on this webpage.

If you have questions about this initiative:

If you have questions about access to free legal assistance for older adults in Minnesota or legal education and resources, connect with the following resources: