Do You Qualify for Legal Aid in Ontario?

What Is Legal Aid Ontario?

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is a publicly funded organization that provides legal services to low-income individuals in Ontario. LAO is funded by the Ontario and federal governments and provides services through staff lawyers, duty counsel, legal clinics, and certificates authorizing private lawyers to represent clients at LAO's expense.

Types of Legal Aid Services

Legal Aid Certificates: A certificate authorizes a private lawyer to act on your behalf, with LAO paying the lawyer's fees. Certificates are primarily available for criminal law matters (serious charges), family law matters, and some immigration matters.

Duty Counsel: Duty counsel are lawyers who provide immediate, on-the-spot legal help at courts and tribunals. Duty counsel are available at criminal courts, family courts, the Landlord and Tenant Board, and immigration hearings. Duty counsel services are generally free and available on the day of your hearing — you do not need to apply in advance.

Legal Aid Clinics: Community legal clinics serve low-income Ontarians with legal problems related to housing, income maintenance, employment, immigration, and other areas. Clinics provide free advice, representation, and community legal education.

Who Qualifies for Legal Aid Certificates?

To qualify for a legal aid certificate, you must meet both a financial eligibility test (based on income and assets) and a legal merits test (the case must have sufficient merit). Financial eligibility depends on your household income and size. For 2024, a single person with a net income above approximately $22,720 is generally ineligible. Families are assessed based on household income.

How to Apply

Apply online at legalaid.on.ca, call LAO at 1-800-668-8258, or visit a LAO office or community legal clinic. For urgent criminal matters, duty counsel is available immediately at the courthouse without advance application.