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Common Questions

Is legal aid free?

The majority of Legal Aid Alberta’s services are not free. For most issues, Legal Aid Alberta lawyers charge a reduced hourly rate of $125.00 plus miscellaneous fees. The fees a lawyer can charge are outlined in our Legal Aid Tariff. A copy of the Tariff is available on our website, LAA Tariff.

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 do I need to apply?

When applying for legal aid in person or 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?

In order to determine if we are able to provide assistance, we will ask you about:

  • 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 assign this requested lawyer. However, it is not a guarantee that this is the lawyer who will be assigned. Legal Aid will review the circumstances of your case when determining which lawyer is to be assigned. Ultimately Legal Aid Alberta has final discretion in assigning your lawyer.

I am a youth and have an income. Can I still apply?

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.

I have a legal issue in Alberta, but I live in another province. Can I still apply?

Yes. If you are a resident of another province, you can still apply for Legal Aid Alberta services.

I have an outstanding balance with Legal Aid Alberta. Can I still apply?

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
$1,805
$21,668
2
$2,236
$26,827
3
$3,182
$38,176
4
$3,439
$41,271
5
$3,697
$44,367
6+
$3,956
$47,462

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
Family Size
Monthly
Income
(Last 30 Days)
Annual
Income
Family Size
Monthly
Income
(Last 30 Days)
Annual
Income
1
$1,805
$21,668
2
$2,236
$26,827
3
$3,182
$38,176
4
$3,439
$41,271
5
$3,697
$44,367
6+
$3,956
$47,462

LAA Financial Eligibility Guidelines are based on 30 day and 12 month net income.

Our Financial Eligibility Guidelines are changing on April 1, 2024. Learn more

Your family size includes you, your spouse or partner, and any dependents (e.g. children).

Your income includes any money that 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. 

This includes persons who are receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH). Eligibility is best determined by LAA’s Contact Centre Intake Officer team.

Please call us at 1-866-845-3425 and our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you.

Financial Guidelines updated October 6, 2022

See: Legal Aid Alberta Rules; Part IV; Financial Eligibility Guidelines (effective 2019 )

 

Find out
how we can
help you.

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.

Need help with some terms?

Check out our Legal Aid Alberta dictionary.

Find out how we can help you.

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