Some cases get legal aid whatever your money, such as children being taken into care. For many problems you start with Civil Legal Advice, a free phone service.
Quick facts
- Income
- £2,657 a month or less, or a qualifying benefit
- Assets
- Usually under £8,000
- Covers
- Housing loss, abuse, care, debt
- Not covered
- Most benefit appeals
What it covers
Legal aid can help with problems including homelessness, eviction, losing your home, or serious disrepair, and protecting yourself or a child from abuse or harassment, for example domestic abuse or forced marriage.
You cannot get legal aid for appealing benefits decisions (unless you’re appealing to the Upper Tribunal, Court of Appeal or Supreme Court). See how to appeal a benefit decision.
The money test
You’ll usually need to show that you and your partner either:
- have a joint monthly income of £2,657 or less (before tax and other deductions)
- get a qualifying benefit
Qualifying benefits are Universal Credit, the ‘Guarantee Credit’ element of Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Income Support.
You will not usually be eligible if you and your partner have assets of over £8,000. Any equity in your home over £100,000 counts as an asset.
Cases with no money test
You can be eligible for legal aid whatever your financial circumstances if your case is about children in care or being taken into care, heard by a mental health tribunal, or about a child being abducted.
Civil Legal Advice
You might be able to get free and confidential advice from Civil Legal Advice (CLA) as part of legal aid if you’re in England or Wales.
Common questions
Who can get legal aid in England?
Usually people with joint monthly income of £2,657 or less, or on a qualifying benefit, and assets under £8,000.
Can I get legal aid for a benefit appeal?
Not usually, unless the appeal is to the Upper Tribunal, Court of Appeal or Supreme Court.
Is legal aid free?
Not always. You may have to pay some costs or pay some back if you win money or property.
What is Civil Legal Advice?
A free, confidential legal aid advice service for England and Wales.