Do I Qualify for Legal Aid? A Plain English Guide
Legal aid is government-funded help that covers the cost of legal advice and representation for people who can’t afford it. But cuts over the years mean it’s no longer available for many types of legal problem. Here’s a clear guide to who qualifies and what’s covered in England and Wales in 2026.
Two tests for legal aid eligibility
To qualify for legal aid, your case needs to pass two separate tests:
- The means test – whether your income and capital (savings, property) fall below the threshold
- The merits test – whether your case is strong enough and serious enough to justify public funding
Both tests must be passed. A strong case where you earn too much won’t qualify. A low income with a weak case won’t qualify either.
What types of case qualify for legal aid?
Since the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO), legal aid is only available for a limited range of civil matters. These include:
Family law
- Cases involving domestic abuse or violence – legal aid is available where there is evidence of abuse
- Child protection cases where a local authority is involved (care proceedings)
- International child abduction
Immigration and asylum
- Asylum claims
- Immigration detention
- Some appeals against removal or deportation
Housing
- Eviction proceedings where you are at risk of homelessness
- Serious disrepair that risks your health or safety
Debt
- Debt problems linked to housing loss
Mental health
- Mental health tribunal hearings
- Detained patients
Criminal cases
- Legal aid is generally available to anyone charged with a criminal offence who passes the means test. For the most serious offences, the means test may be waived.
What’s NOT covered by legal aid
Many common legal problems are no longer covered. These include:
- Most private family law disputes (divorce, child contact) unless domestic abuse is involved
- Employment disputes
- Personal injury (these are usually handled on a no-win-no-fee basis instead)
- Wills and probate
- Medical negligence (with limited exceptions)
- Most debt problems
- Consumer disputes
The income threshold (means test)
The exact income limits depend on the type of case. As a rough guide:
- If you receive certain benefits (Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance) you may automatically pass the means test for some types of case
- If your disposable income is below around £733 per month, you may qualify
- Capital (savings and property) is also assessed – generally you must have less than £8,000 in capital (different rules apply to your home)
These figures can change, so always check current thresholds via gov.uk or with a legal aid solicitor.
How to apply for legal aid
You can’t apply for legal aid directly – you need to go through a solicitor or law firm that has a legal aid contract with the Legal Aid Agency. Not all solicitors can offer legal aid, so you need to find one who has this specific funding arrangement.
Search for “legal aid solicitor [your area]” or use the gov.uk legal aid finder at find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk.
Check your eligibility now
My Legal Hub’s Legal Aid Eligibility Checker lets you answer a few quick questions to get an indication of whether your case and circumstances might qualify. It takes under two minutes and doesn’t require any personal data.
Check your legal aid eligibility →
If legal aid isn’t available to you, My Legal Hub also connects you with solicitors across the UK – many of whom offer fixed-fee services or free initial consultations.