Archive Website of the UK government

Check your eligibility for legal aid

You can use the online legal aid eligibility calculator to check if you're eligible for legal aid.

The calculator will ask you general questions about your problem and your financial situation. It does not guarantee you will get legal aid.

• Legal aid eligibility calculator Opens new window

Getting legal aid if you are under 18

If you are under 18 your eligibility for legal aid will depend on your parents’ or guardian’s income and capital. However, if your legal problem is between you and your parents, this may not be the case.

Applying for legal aid

If you think you are eligible for legal aid, you should call Community Legal Advice. They will check your eligibility again and put you in touch with a legal adviser to help you with your problem.

You can call Community Legal Advice on 0845 345 4345. The helpline is open Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 8.00 pm. The helpline is also open on Saturday from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm. Calls cost 4 pence a minute from a BT landline. Call from mobiles will usually cost more. If you are worried about the cost of the call, they can call you back.

You can also text 'legalaid' then your name to 80010 and Community Legal Advice will call you back within 24 hours.

The advice is independent and confidential.

You should have the following information with you when you speak to a legal adviser:

• information about your (and your partner’s) income and expenses (for example, wage slips, bank statements)
• proof of any benefits you receive
• details of any savings you have
  
• your National Insurance number

If the legal adviser decides you are eligible for legal aid, they will make the application for you. If the legal adviser decides you are eligible for legal aid, you will start receiving legal help straight away.

You can contact a legal adviser directly to help with getting legal aid. You can also search online for a legal adviser in your area.

• Ask for a call back - Community Legal Advice Opens new window

• Find a legal adviser Opens new window

Getting help if you’re not eligible for legal aid

If you’re not eligible for legal aid you could try:

• going to a law centre, which may give you free legal advice
• getting a conditional-fee (‘no-win, no-fee’) agreement
• using legal-expenses insurance to pay for your legal costs
• getting help from your (or your partner’s) trade union

Some solicitors or legal advisers offer some services free of charge. This is called ‘Pro Bono’ and means ‘for the public good’. Other solicitors or legal advisers may offer you advice for a reduced cost.

• Where to get legal advice

• Free legal advice for money, housing and consumer problems

• Trade unions (employment section)

Help and advice in Welsh

You can get information about dealing with your legal problems in Welsh by following the links below.

• How to get legal aid - Legal Services Commission website (Welsh language) Opens new window

• Legal aid eligibility calculator (Welsh language) Opens new window

• Ask for a call back - Community Legal Advice (Welsh language) Opens new window

• Find a legal adviser (Welsh language) Opens new window