Financial eligibility for legal aid

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The disposable income limit (see below) will not be applied in cases where domestic violence has taken place, at the discretion of the Legal Services Commission. Income and capital limits are not applied in public law cases (for example, where a local authority is applying for an order in relation to a child).

Type of service available

Legal Help
Help at Court
Family Mediation
Help with Mediation
Legal Representation for asylum and immigration cases

Income limit

Gross income of £2,350 or less per month (if you receive Child Benefit for more than 4 children add £145 to this figure).

Disposable income of less than £649 per month.

You qualify if you are in receipt of Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit).

Capital limit

£8,000 or less. (For legal representation for immigration cases, the threshold is £3,000.)

You qualify if you receive Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit).

Who assesses eligibility?

Provider of service (for example, a solicitor).

Type of service available

General Family Help
Full Representation
Emergency Representation
Investigative Help

Income limit

Gross income of £2,350 or less per month (if you receive Child Benefit for more than 4 children add £145 to this figure).

Disposable income: Under £280 per month - no contribution.

£280 - £411 per month - monthly contribution of one quarter of your income that is more than £268. £412 - £545 per month - monthly contribution of £33, plus one third of your income that is more than £400. £546 - £649 per month - monthly contribution of £78.70, plus one half of your income that is more than £545. Over £649 per month - not eligible.

Capital limit

£8,000 or less. If you have more than £3,000 you will have to make a contribution on the amount of your capital that is over £3,000, in addition to any monthly contribution.

You qualify if you receive Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit).

Who assesses eligibility?

Legal Services Commission.

Next page: Working out your disposable income and disposable capital

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