| Simplified Means Test |
Guideline: State
Number: Effective Date: 23/6/00 |
| For legal aid applications lodged electronically, the simplified means test applies, as outlined below. | |
| What is the Means Test? | |
| The Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania means test helps to decide whether legal aid can be granted. If you apply for a grant of aid, the means test reviews your gross household income and assets. The means test is regularly reviewed to keep it in line with cost of living increases. | |
| Apart from reviewing your gross income and assets, the means test also decides how much you will contribute towards costs if you are successful in being granted aid. | |
| Depending on the means test results, you will either be provided with legal aid with an initial contribution of $60.00 or you will be charged a higher contribution towards costs. | |
| Who Does the Means Test Apply To? | |
| The means test applies to people needing a grant of aid for a legal matter or seeking legal advice at Legal Aid. For people whose income and assets are within the means test limits, a contribution of $60.00 is charged. For those outside the limits, a higher contribution is charged. | |
| Applicants whose sole source of income is a Centrelink Benefit are automatically deemed to be financially eligible for legal aid provided they are within the asset test guidelines. | |
| Children, that is people who are 18 years old or younger, are not subject to the means test. | |
| See Income Test | |
| See Assets Test | |
