What Support You Can Get and How to Access It

Legal issues can be complicated and expensive to deal with, but if you’re on a low income or in a vulnerable situation, you may be able to get legal aid to help cover the costs of legal advice, mediation, or representation in court.

This guide explains what legal aid covers, who’s eligible, and what other options are available if you can’t get legal aid.

What Is Legal Aid?

Legal aid is government-funded support that helps people access legal advice, mediation, or representation in court when they can’t afford to pay privately. It can apply in both civil (non-criminal) and criminal matters, depending on the situation.

If you qualify, you might get:

  • Free advice on your rights and options.
  • Help filling in legal documents or negotiating agreements.
  • A solicitor or barrister to prepare your case and speak for you in court or tribunal.
  • Legal representation during police interviews or criminal hearings.

What Can You Get Legal Aid For?

Civil (Non-Criminal) Matters

You may be eligible for legal aid in cases such as:

  • Housing issues – like facing eviction, homelessness, or living in a property in serious disrepair.
  • Care concerns – such as poor care due to age, disability, or special educational needs.
  • Child protection – if a child is at risk of being taken into care.
  • Divorce and separation – only if there’s evidence of domestic abuse or child risk.
  • Judicial reviews or challenging public authority decisions.
  • Coroner’s inquests – for example, following the death of a relative in state care.
  • Benefit appeals – only at the Upper Tribunal, Court of Appeal, or Supreme Court.
  • Family and relationship problems – where there’s evidence of domestic abuse, forced marriage, or safeguarding concerns.
  • Discrimination cases – covering unfair treatment based on race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

Immigration and Asylum

Legal aid is available for some immigration and asylum cases, including:

  • Asylum applications and appeals.
  • Victims of human trafficking or modern slavery.
  • Unaccompanied children in immigration cases.
  • Immigration bail applications.
  • Challenges to immigration detention.
  • Applications under the Domestic Violence Rule (for those on a spousal visa experiencing abuse).

Not all immigration matters are eligible, so it’s important to check with a qualified immigration solicitor or legal aid provider. You can search via the Legal Aid Agency’s tool.

Criminal Cases

You can get free legal advice:

  • If you’re being questioned at a police station (everyone is entitled to this, regardless of income).
  • If you’re under 16 (or under 18 and in full-time education).
  • If you’re on certain benefits or have limited income.

You may also qualify for a solicitor or barrister to represent you in court depending on the seriousness of the case and your financial situation.

How to Check Eligibility

Legal aid is means-tested, which means your income, savings, and living situation will be assessed. The assessment considers:

  • Your income and household expenses.
  • Your savings and property (excluding your main home in most civil cases).
  • The seriousness and nature of your legal problem.

You can check your eligibility using the official Legal Aid Checker. In some serious human rights cases, you might qualify even if you usually wouldn’t.

What If You Don’t Qualify?

If you’re not eligible, you may still get support from:

  • Law Centres Network – free legal advice and representation in some areas.
  • Citizens Advice – free, independent advice on your rights and options.
  • AdviceNow – practical legal guidance and self-help tools.
  • Pro bono legal clinics or university law schools – free sessions with supervised law students.
  • Fixed-fee services – some solicitors offer free initial consultations or set low-cost packages.

Children under 16 (or under 18 in full-time education) automatically get legal aid for criminal defence. Legal aid may also be available for:

  • Child welfare cases.
  • Special educational needs disputes.
  • Safeguarding cases involving social services.
  • Immigration cases involving unaccompanied children or victims of trafficking.

How to Apply

You can apply through the Legal Aid Agency or find a solicitor using the Find a Legal Aid Adviser tool.

You’ll usually need:

  • Financial documents.
  • Evidence related to your case.

Decisions are often made quickly, especially in urgent cases such as domestic abuse or eviction.

Need Help Applying?

Solicitors, law centres, or Citizens Advice can help you through the process. Some services can even complete forms on your behalf if you’re vulnerable or under pressure.

Don’t Forget

If you’re on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you might also qualify for fully funded home energy improvements under ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).

These initiatives help improve insulation and heating to make homes warmer and more energy efficient, reducing costs long-term. Find out if you’re eligible here.