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Financial eligibility

Financial eligibility is determined by a means test. You will be asked about the size of your family (you, your spouse or partner and any dependents), your gross family income (before taxes) and the value of any property you own (e.g., car, house, jewellery).

Before the Children’s Legal Aid Project began, unless a young person lived independently, the income of his/her parents or guardians determined eligibility.

Since the Project began, there has been and is no financial eligibility requirement for persons under 18, and although the Project is based in Georgetown, the same applies to legal aid for children at our other offices.

Nil Contribution
If you are assessed as being unable to afford to pay anything towards legal aid services (and satisfy the substantive eligibility criteria), you will be provided with them free of charge.

Assessed Contribution
If you are assessed as not eligible for legal aid with a nil contribution you may be extended coverage on a contributing basis. This means that coverage may be granted on the condition that you make a down payment and/or monthly payments. These payments are determined by your income.

Financial Ineligibility
If you are assessed as being able to pay more than 75% of the fee that would be charged by a member of the private bar to do the matter in question you will not be eligible for legal aid and will be referred to a member of the private bar.

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