Legal Aid Eligibility
Legal Aid can help pay for legal advice, representation, or mediation in certain situations. Eligibility depends on the type of matter and your circumstances.
We do not grant Legal Aid. A solicitor will assess eligibility and explain your options.
What Legal Aid is
Legal Aid is government funding that can help cover the cost of legal advice, family mediation, or representation in certain types of cases in England and Wales.
There are different rules for civil (non-criminal) and criminal matters. The quickest way to understand where you stand is to speak to a solicitor who can assess eligibility properly.
Civil vs Criminal Legal Aid
Civil (non-criminal)
Civil Legal Aid may apply for certain problem types (for example, specific family, housing, or public law matters), and usually involves a financial assessment.
Many civil cases also require a merits assessment (whether funding is justified).
Criminal
Criminal Legal Aid is typically assessed using a means test and may also involve an interests of justice test depending on the stage and court.
If you are facing police interview or court, ask a solicitor urgently about funding and representation.
How eligibility is usually assessed
Eligibility is typically assessed using a combination of the following:
1) Is your problem covered
Legal Aid is not available for every type of issue. Whether it applies depends on the category of law and the facts.
2) Financial eligibility (means test)
For many cases, the assessment looks at income and capital (such as savings and property), and sometimes considers household circumstances.
3) Merits or interests tests
Civil cases often include a merits assessment. Criminal cases may include an interests of justice test. Your solicitor can explain what applies to your situation.
This page is general guidance only. Your solicitor will confirm eligibility based on your circumstances.
What you may need for an eligibility check
You do not need everything perfectly organised to make an enquiry. But having some of the following can help:
- A short summary of the problem and key dates
- Any letters, notices, or court paperwork
- Proof of income (payslips or benefit letters)
- Bank statements (recent)
- Basic details of savings or assets (if any)
- Housing costs (rent or mortgage)
What happens next
- 1) Tell us the basics using the contact form.
- 2) We connect you with a solicitor to discuss likely eligibility and options.
- 3) If appropriate, the solicitor explains next steps and what evidence is needed.