The Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General has authorized interim increases to the LAA Financial Eligibility Guidelines (FEG) and hourly rate paid to tariff lawyers.
EDMONTON – Effective 12 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6, the Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General has authorized Legal Aid Alberta to implement an 8.225 per cent increase to the income threshold to qualify for legal aid coverage.
This means that more Albertans can qualify for legal aid. For example, single Albertans earning $21,668 per year (or less) will be eligible to apply for the services provided by Legal Aid Alberta and a family of four earning $41,271 per year (or less) will also qualify financially.
Regardless of family income, youth are still guaranteed legal aid representation under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Similarly, people seeking Emergency Protection Orders in family violence cases automatically qualify for support from LAA.
If you recently applied and did not qualify for financial reasons, you may now be eligible for assistance under the new financial guidelines. Check the chart below and call 1-866-845-3425.
View the updated Financial Eligibility Guidelines here.
Interim increase to tariff rate paid to roster lawyers
Effective at 12 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6, the Ministry has authorized LAA to increase the hourly tariff rate paid to roster lawyers by 8.225 per cent. Block fees – a set rate of pay for some types of services – will also be increased accordingly.
Moving ahead with modernization
Legal Aid Alberta is continuing with modernizing the tariff structure for roster lawyers to reduce the administrative burdens of providing legal services.
The modernized tariff will be enhanced with feedback from and consultation with the roster and support from the Ministry. We are committed to working collaboratively with our partners.
In addition to the interim increases, the ministry has committed to a full, fair and comprehensive assessment of the tariff rate and Financial Eligibility Guidelines in spring 2023. Legal Aid Alberta will be an active participant in this process.
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