"Disposable" is lower than it sounds: the Board takes off tax, PRSI and USC, plus allowances for a partner, dependants, rent or mortgage and childcare. HAP, Child Benefit and Carer's Allowance are not counted at all.
Quick facts
- Income limit
- Disposable under €18,000
- Asset limit
- Under €100,000 (not your home)
- Advice, low income
- €30
- Representation, low income
- Up to €130
- Only income is welfare
- Max €130 aid, €30 advice
- Appeal a refusal
- Within one month
What it covers
Most civil matters, including marriage breakdown and disputes over children, Tusla childcare cases, breach of contract and disputes with an employer (unless they are at the WRC or Labour Court).
It does not cover defamation, disputes over land rights, small claims, conveyancing or criminal cases, though there are exceptions. Criminal legal aid is a separate service.
The means test
"To get civil legal aid or advice, your disposable income must be less than €18,000 and your disposable assets must be less than €100,000."
Before the test, the Board deducts tax, PRSI and USC in full, plus up to €3,500 for a partner, €1,600 per dependant, €8,000 for accommodation and €6,000 per child for childcare. Child Benefit, Carer's Allowance, HAP and Rent Supplement are not counted.
What it costs
- Legal advice: €30 if your disposable income is under €11,500, rising to a maximum of €150
- Legal aid (representation): up to €130 if your disposable income is under €11,500, plus a quarter of anything above that
- Only income is a social welfare payment: at most €130 for legal aid and €30 for advice
You can ask for the contribution to be waived if paying it would cause you undue hardship.
When there is no contribution
- District Court barring, safety and protection orders, where that is the only matter
- Defending a Tusla application to take your children into care or supervise them
- Legal advice for victims in sexual assault cases once a prosecution has started
- Borrowers getting legal advice or representation under Abhaile
How to apply
Apply online on the Legal Aid Board website or on the paper form to your local law centre, with a payslip or social welfare receipt and ID. There can be a wait for a solicitor, but domestic violence, childcare and child abduction cases get priority.
"You must ask for a review or appeal within one month of the decision."
Common questions
What is the income limit for legal aid in Ireland?
Disposable income of less than €18,000 a year and disposable assets of less than €100,000, after tax, PRSI, USC and allowances.
How much does civil legal aid cost?
On a disposable income under €11,500, €30 for legal advice and up to €130 for legal aid. It rises with income, and some cases have no contribution.
Is legal aid free for domestic violence?
There is no contribution for District Court barring, safety and protection order proceedings, where that is the only matter before the court.
Does HAP count as income for legal aid?
No. Housing support from a public body, such as HAP or Rent Allowance, is not included in the means test.
How long do I have to appeal a legal aid refusal?
One month from the decision, for either a review or an appeal.