Get legal aid

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation in cases covered by the legal aid scheme. The Legal Aid Agency administers applications and payments under the relevant rules.

Check whether your case is covered

The type of case, your circumstances and the eligibility rules determine whether legal aid is available. Civil and criminal cases have different application procedures.

Apply for legal aid

The application may ask for information about your case, your financial circumstances and your legal representative. Check the instructions for the type of legal aid you need.

The Legal Aid Agency’s application services need a verified receiving route before they can be used online. Check its published information for the current application arrangements.

Decisions and reviews

The Agency should explain its decision and any way to ask for it to be reconsidered. A complaint about administration is separate from the decision about your eligibility.

Find the Legal Aid Agency in the government organisations directory.