Resources
Common Questions
Is legal aid free?
Legal Aid pays your lawyer during your case and we work with you to set up a re-payment plan. Clients are expected to re-pay Legal Aid Alberta for their lawyer’s services. There is no interest on a bill with Legal Aid Alberta, and you are not responsible for paying GST.
What to expect?
When applying for legal aid over the phone, please have the following information ready:
- personal identification (e.g. driver’s license)
- documentation that proves your financial situation (e.g. your last/most recent pay stub, bank statements, income support statements)
- documentation that proves your spouse/partner’s financial situation.
What will you ask me 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
Can I choose my lawyer?
You can provide the name of a lawyer you prefer to work with during your application. Legal Aid Alberta will attempt to connect you with this requested lawyer. However, we cannot guarantee that the lawyer you request will take your case. Legal Aid will review the circumstances of your case when determining which lawyer to provide. Ultimately Legal Aid Alberta has final discretion in providing your lawyer.
Which lawyers accept legal aid?
Can I apply if I'm a youth and am working?
Yes. If you are a youth (age 12 to 17) who has been charged with a crime, you may still be eligible to receive representation by a lawyer through Legal Aid Alberta.
Do I have to reside in Alberta?
If your legal matter is in Alberta, you can apply even if you are a resident of a different province or territory.
Can Iapply if I have a bill with LAA?
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.
Eligibility
Wondering if you’re eligible for legal aid? We can help if you are dealing with:
- serious criminal charges
- youth criminal charges
- family law and child welfare matters
- family violence
- mental health matters
- adult guardianship or trusteeship matters (when you are the subject of the application)
- income support matters
- immigration matters and refugee claims
Financial Guidelines
We can help you if your net household income is less than the amounts below*:
Family Size
Monthly
Income
(Last 30 Days)
Annual
Income
1
$2,112
$25,346
2
$2,615
$31,381
3
$3,721
$44,656
4
$4,023
$48,276
5
$4,325
$51,898
6+
$4,627
$55,518
*$25,346 net annual income for a family size of one = $30,000 gross annual income.
Your family size includes you, your spouse or partner, and any dependents (e.g. children).
Your income includes any money you and your family have received in the last 30 days and over the last 12 months.
Examples of income are:
- employment earnings (pay from formal employment or cash jobs)
- government benefits (i.e. WCB, EI, Disability)
- spousal, child, and income support payments
- payments from insurance settlements
- money received as gifts, lotto winnings, or from selling things
Several exceptions, deductions, and considerations are part of the comprehensive formal financial assessment that is required to determine the financial eligibility of our clients.Â
This includes persons receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH). Eligibility is best determined by LAA’s Contact Centre Intake Officer team.
Please contact us and our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you.
Find out if you are eligible.
Financial Guidelines
We can help you if your net household income is less than the amounts below*:
Family Size
Monthly
Income
(Last 30 Days)
Annual
Income
1
$2,112
$25,346
2
$2,615
$31,381
Family Size
Monthly
Income
(Last 30 Days)
Annual
Income
3
$3,721
$44,656
4
$4,023
$48,276
Family Size
Monthly
Income
(Last 30 Days)
Annual
Income
5
$4,325
$51,898
6
$4,627
$55,518
*$25,346 net annual income for a family size of one = $30,000 gross annual income.
Application Needs
Before you apply for legal aid, please have the following information ready:
- complete contact information (phone number, mailing address, email address, driver’s license, or ID card number)
- documents that prove your financial situation (your last pay stub, bank statements, or income support statements)
- documents that prove your spouse or partner’s financial situation
Depending on your legal issue, we may need the following information:
- any court dates that are in place
- any court applications or claims you have made
- any legal documents you have been served with
- criminal charge documents (your promise to appear or undertaking to a peace officer)
- referral from duty counsel
- immigration documents (your basis of claim)
- any documents relating to your legal matter
Forms
A Legal Aid Alberta staff member can help you complete any form if you need assistance.