How to Apply for a Grant of Legal Aid
If you require assistance beyond simple legal advice, you must complete an application form. To submit an electronic application form click here. If you do not have access to a computer at home, public places such as libraries have computers available for public use. Alternatively, our Civic and Woden offices also have a computer you can use. A private solicitor may electronically lodge an application form on your behalf.
If you cannot lodge an application form electronically, paper copies are available from our Civic and Woden Offices, community legal centres and most law firms. The application form is also available as a file suitable for printing:
Legal Aid Application (1.4MB PDF Document)
The following documents MUST be lodged with your application form:
- Copies of your bank statements for the last three months showing balances in any bank, building society or credit union owned solely or jointly by you;
- If you are employed, proof of your income such as a recent payslip or a statement of earnings from your employer;
- If you are receiving a Centrelink pension or benefit, a copy of your Centrelink or HealthCare card; and
- If you are self-employed, a copy of your most recent Tax Return or Notice of Assessment;
- You MUST also provide the above information for any financially associated person.
If you are lodging your application form electronically, the documents should be provided to the office within 3 days of lodging your application.
Please note that the Office will NOT pay for any work undertaken by a private solicitor before we receive an application form.
For any further enquiries on completing the application form you may contact our Office on (02) 6243 3411.
How long does it take to assess an application?
If you lodge electronically you will receive an 'on-line' indication of approval or refusal.
If you have lodged your application by mail the time taken to assess your application form varies depending on the complexity and urgency of the case. The Office tries to assess and make a decision on most application forms within 24 hours, although it may take up to 7 days to process.
Assessing an application for aid
When assessing an application, the Office follows provisions in the Legal Aid Act 1977 and
Guidelines using a means, merit and type of matter test to each application. For further information, please refer to our Guidelines.
Once an assessment has been made, a letter advising of the decision will be sent to you (and your solicitor where appropriate). If you disagree with the decision made by the Office, you may request a reconsideration.
