Check if your client qualifies for legal aid

This service will ask you questions about your client, then tell you if they are likely to get civil legal aid, based on their financial situation.

It normally takes about 5 minutes to answer all the questions. It might take longer if your client's financial affairs are complicated. At the end it will show the check result and calculations, which you can save or print.

If the check says your client is likely to qualify for legal aid

This service assesses whether your client's case is likely to meet the financial criteria for legal aid. It cannot tell you if the merits or the type of case are in scope for civil legal aid.

For controlled work and family mediation, if you decide your client's case is in scope for civil legal aid using the relevant legislation and guidance, you should complete the relevant controlled work (CW) form. This service can add your answers to most of the CW forms, which you can download as a PDF.

For certificated or licensed work, to get a final decision you must submit an application with supporting evidence to LAA.

When you should not use this service

You should not use this service if:

  • it's for a certificated check if your client (or their partner) is a self-employed company director
  • you are a member of the public – use the legal aid checker instead
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What you'll need

You'll need information from your client (and their partner) about their:

  • income, including any benefits they claim
  • outgoings, like housing costs, maintenance payments and childcare costs
  • savings and investments
  • assets, like property and vehicles

Case types

This must be for a case that would be:

  • controlled work (including legal help) or family mediation
  • civil certificated or licensed legal work

The LAA contract management mental health guidance (PDF, 288KB) explains when a means assessment is not needed for controlled work matters that will potentially involve proceedings before the Mental Health Tribunal (known as non-means, non-MHT matter starts).

Last updated 16 April 2024See all updates