Legal Aid Eligibility
Hine Eagle is one of the few firms in New Zealand offering Legal Aid in both Criminal and Family law. Here is how to work out whether you qualify.
Important. Eligibility depends on more than income, including your circumstances and the type of matter. Even if you are over the thresholds below, you may still be eligible on hardship grounds. We can help you assess this.
What you need to know
- Legal Aid is considered a loan. You may need to pay some or all of the costs incurred under your grant back.
- If you are above the thresholds below, there is no guarantee that your Legal Aid application will be granted.
What you will need
- Evidence of your income, for example payslips or a benefit statement from the myMSD portal.
- If you have a partner, evidence of both your income and your partner's income.
- Any information that supports hardship, for example a breakdown of how your income is spent.
Do You Qualify?
| Status | Income before tax must be under |
|---|---|
| No dependants | $28,444 |
| + 1 dependant | $45,044 |
| + 2 dependants | $64,775 |
| + 3 dependants | $73,608 |
| + 4 dependants | $82,253 |
| + 5 dependants | $91,949 |
| Status | Combined income before tax must be under |
|---|---|
| No dependants | $45,044 |
| + 1 dependant | $64,775 |
| + 2 dependants | $73,608 |
| + 3 dependants | $82,253 |
| + 4 dependants | $91,949 |
| + 5 dependants | $99,341 |
Thresholds are set by the Ministry of Justice and change from time to time. Contact us to confirm the current figures for your situation.
Legal Aid Questions
What is the income limit for Legal Aid in New Zealand?
For a single applicant with no dependants, income before tax must be under $28,444, rising to $91,949 with five dependants. For a partnered applicant the combined income threshold starts at $45,044 with no dependants and rises to $99,341 with five. Eligibility depends on more than income alone.
Do I have to pay Legal Aid back?
Legal Aid is considered a loan. This means you may need to pay some or all of the costs incurred under your grant back.
What if I earn more than the threshold?
You may still be eligible on hardship grounds. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and the type of matter, not income alone. Bring a breakdown of how your income is spent and we can help you assess it.
What do I need to bring to apply?
Evidence of your income such as payslips or a benefit statement from the myMSD portal. If you have a partner, evidence of both incomes. Plus anything that supports hardship, for example a breakdown of how your income is spent.
Can I choose my own Legal Aid lawyer?
For criminal matters you can only choose your own lawyer if your charge is very serious. Hine Eagle offers Legal Aid in both Criminal and Family law, and many of our lawyers are recognised senior Legal Aid providers.
Not sure if you qualify?
Call us and we will help you work it out. There is no charge for asking.