Qualifying
Find out if you are eligible.
FAQ
How can I apply for legal aid in Alberta?
You can apply by phone at 1-866-845-3425. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:15 am to 4:15 pm (excluding holidays). Our wait times fluctuate throughout the day depending on the volume of callers. Youths, callers currently being held in custody and callers needing to start a new application are provided priority phone access.
For information on our eligibility criteria please visit Eligibility – Legal Aid Alberta.
How busy is Legal Aid Alberta?
We have more than 34,000 clients across the province and the need for legal help never stops. LAA Contact Centre agents field hundreds of calls every day. Significant demand means wait times can be high and we’re acting on it.
We have implemented more reliable Contact Centre technology to better support clients and our teams taking calls on the frontlines. We have hired more staff to meet demand.
What types of legal issues can Legal Aid Alberta provide a lawyer for?
- Adults and youth charged with a crime
- Family disputes, including child welfare and domestic violence
- Immigration and refugee matters
- Mental-health-related legal issues
Adult criminal cases account for a significant portion of our caseload, followed by family issues, youth crime, child welfare cases, and immigration matters.
People with legal issues that don’t qualify for legal aid, such as housing and tenant disputes, wills and estates and traffic tickets, are referred to other partner agencies in Alberta – from legal clinics to social assistance organizations and counselling services. We have connections in the community to help people find the support they need.
When can I apply with Legal Aid Alberta for a lawyer to represent me?
Criminal law issue
You can apply after you have been charged with a criminal offence. We are not able to provide a lawyer if you haven’t yet been formally charged by the police.
Children’s Services issue
You can apply after Children’s Services has filed a court application or if there is an ongoing court case with Children’s Services. We are not able to provide a lawyer if Children’s Services is wanting to speak with you about an issue, only once they have made a court application.
What are the financial eligibility requirements?
For details on the Financial Eligibility Guidelines please visit Resources – Legal Aid Alberta.
Regardless of financial eligibility, all Albertans facing criminal charges are able to request brief legal advice and support from duty counsel.
Duty counsel are lawyers that are employed by Legal Aid Alberta who help people understand the court process and who give free legal advice to people representing themselves at their first court appearance. Duty counsel is typically found at the courthouse and most often speak to clients before their court appearance. They do not become involved in trials.
For more information on Duty Counsel see Duty Counsel – Legal Aid Alberta.
Do the financial guidelines apply to youths who are charged with a criminal offence?
No, the financial guidelines do not apply for a youth dealing with one or more criminal offences.
Are there any other eligibility requirements?
What circumstances are considered?
- The seriousness of a criminal charge
- Whether a Legal Aid duty counsel lawyer can help you resolve the issue
- Whether this something that can be addressed through the Court’s internal programs
- Whether the court application is likely to result in the desired outcome
What will you ask me about when I apply?
- your contact information
- your financial situation
- employment status
- employer
- income
- expenses
- assets
- your family size (number of people in your household)
- your living arrangements
- your legal issue
Are there any residency requirements?
To qualify you must be a resident of Alberta or be a resident of Canada with a court case in Alberta. If your court case is in a different province/territory you need to contact the local legal aid program of that province/territory.
Can I still apply if I have an outstanding balance with Legal Aid Alberta?
Yes. You can apply for coverage on a new legal issue even if you have an outstanding bill with us for a previous matter. We will discuss your payment arrangements each time you apply.
Can I still get legal aid if I live in a remote community?
We represent clients in more than 75 communities. This is possible because we have a network of 1,200 roster lawyers who take legal aid cases. Roster lawyers are practice practice lawyers who play a crucial role in serving disadvantaged Albertans, especially in remote communities.
Will Legal Aid Alberta require any documents for my application?
- criminal charge documents (promise to appear or undertaking to a peace officer)
- court applications and any documents you have been served
- financial documents that support your income information
- Pay Stubs
- Bank statements
- Record of employment
- Tax documents: T4 or Notice of Assessment
- Letter from employer
What can I do if Legal Aid Alberta needs a document from me, and I don't have a scanner?
For the majority of documents you are able to take a picture using a smartphone/camera and submit it via email. Please make sure that the picture is readable and the entire contents of the relevant page is captured. You will be notified in advance if any documents are not able to be photographed and submitted.
What can I do if I think Legal Aid Alberta made an error on my file?
If it is an error on your financial assessment please submit documents proving the accurate income information prior to submitting a Request to Review form.
What if I don't qualify?
If you are dealing with a criminal matter or a court case involving Child and Family Services, you may be able to submit a Rowbotham Application to the courts. Through this application, you may still be able to receive a lawyer from Legal Aid Alberta even if you do not meet the eligibility criteria.
You can access our Support Services resource page to find other services and agencies that may be able to assist you. Support Services – Legal Aid Alberta
What can I do if I think someone has qualified when I don't think they should have?
Fill out and submit an online Concerns form.
Legal Aid Alberta reviews all concerns in a timely, fair and sensitive manner, respecting the privacy of all parties.