You may be eligible for Legal Aid, depending on your current financial circumstances and the merits of your case.
Legal Aid Eligibility Requirements
If you receive State Benefits or are on a low income, you may be eligible. We can carry out a financial assessment and advise you as to whether you are eligible to apply for Legal Aid to pursue your case.
Please attend your first appointment with your last 3 months Wage Slips or accounts if you are self-employed. These are required in order that we may assess your eligibility for legal aid for civil, family or criminal proceedings.
In the event that you are in receipt of state benefits please note that the following proofs are required by the Legal Services Agency Northern Ireland (LSANI) in order for your to achieve legal aid and must be obtained for your first consultation.
If you are eligible for legal aid for civil, criminal or family cases please note that you must bring the following proofs with you for your first consultation;
- Proof of a relevant legal aid benefit – ESA, Universal Credit, State Pension. This can be in the form of a letter of confirmation. Please note that PIP is not a relevant benefit as it is based on medical not income assessment.
- Bank statements for all accounts held in your name whether sole or joint accounts.
- A bank statement in your name, whether sole or joint, showing the receipt of your benefit up to the day before your appointment.
- Credit Union statements showing both savings and loans.
- Statements showing any ISA or any savings. You are required to provided evidence of all capital in order for us to apply for legal aid.
In order for the solicitor at your first appointment please note that these documents are essential to obtain legal aid to cover the first appointment and any subsequent work. Please ensure that you have all the documents with you in order to avoid disappointment if we have to reschedule the appointment.
