You should first attend a free advice session at a Legal
Aid office or contact your private lawyer so you can discuss your
legal problem. You then need to complete an application form. These are
available from the Commission or your private lawyer. Either post or deliver
the form in person to the Commission for assessment. Assessment for an ongoing grant of legal aid is made by
applying three tests. These are applied to everyone who asks for a grant
of aid. If you do not meet these tests then you will not be eligible for
ongoing aid.
•
the means test: this determines whether you
can afford a private lawyer. If you can then you will not be eligible
for ongoing aid.
•
type of matter test: this determines whether
your problem is in one of the identified Legal Aid 'priority' categories,
or whether you can obtain appropriate assistance elsewhere.
•
merit test: this determines whether you are
likely to succeed in your case and whether providing aid to you
will achieve what you want.
You will be advised of the outcome by mail, (in non urgent
cases) usually within 10 working days. All applicants are given a guide
which provides more information about the conditions that apply to ongoing
aid.