Legal aid can help to meet the costs of legal advice, family mediation and representation in a court or tribunal.
You will need to show that:
- Your case is eligible for legal aid – check here.
- You can’t afford to pay for legal costs. You will usually qualify if you receive Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Universal Credit, Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit and/or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
You might be entitled to legal aid if:
- You or your family are at risk of serious harm.
- You’re at risk of homelessness.
- You’re being discriminated against.
- You’re adding legal arguments or bringing a case under the Human Rights Act.
For a more extensive list of circumstances which may qualify you for legal aid, visit the Citizen’s Advice website.
You might have to pay some money towards the legal costs of your case.
If your problem is covered by legal aid and you qualify, you can get:
- Advice on your rights and options
- Help with negotiations and paperwork
- A solicitor or barrister to get your case ready and to speak on your behalf in court and some tribunals
You may be able to get legal aid in other exceptional cases, if you show that being refused legal aid would infringe:
- your rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
- your EU rights to legal representation
Check if you qualify for legal aid and find more information.
If you don’t think you qualify for legal aid but want more advice
Civil Legal Advice (CLA)
Free, confidential advice in England and Wales, if you’re eligible for legal aid.
Telephone: 0345 345 4 345
Website: www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice
Law Centres Network
Offer legal advice, casework and representation to individuals and groups.
Website: http://www.lawcentres.org.uk/
Citizens Advice
Provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on their rights and responsibilities.
Advice Now
Provides accurate information on rights and the law
Website: http://www.advicenow.org.uk/tags/legal-aid-and-advice
Friends, Families and Travellers
We provide advocacy casework, advice and information to Gypsies and Travellers on our national helpline.
Phone: 01273 234 777.
Our helpline is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4.30pm, with the exception of bank holidays.
This is for information only. FFT does not endorse any organisation shared on the FFT website.
Correct as of January 2024.