Most people need to pay a contribution towards their service. For Centrelink customers this can be paid through Centrepay.
Is a grant of legal aid free for me?
Most people who receive a grant of legal aid will need to pay a small amount towards the cost. We call this a ‘contribution’. This is usually between $60-$200.
You need to pay the contribution amount if your application for legal aid is approved – or if paying by Centrepay is an option for you, you need to set this up at the time your application for legal aid is approved.
Some grants of legal aid are free – if you are a child, for family violence or mental health matters. In these circumstances you won’t have to pay a contribution.
What is Centrepay?
Centrepay is a voluntary bill-paying service that is free for Centrelink customers. Through Centrepay, a customer can authorise Centrelink to deduct regular amounts from their welfare payments to pay their bills or expenses to a registered business such as Tasmania Legal Aid.
You can set up Centrepay deductions to pay your contribution amount over a number of payments. You can do this by:
- Signing in to your Centrelink account through myGov
- Using the Express Plus Centrelink app
- Calling Centrelink on your usual payment line
- Visiting a Services Australia service centre
- Completing a Centrepay Deduction Authority form (see below) and giving it to your Tasmania Legal Aid office
You will need your legal aid approval notice to set up Centrepay deductions.
What if I have a private lawyer?
You will need to pay your contribution at your lawyer’s office.
What if I have a lawyer from Tasmania Legal Aid?
You can pay the contribution at Tasmania Legal aid in cash or cheque. If you have a Tasmania Legal Aid lawyer, you may also choose to pay by Centrepay deductions from Centrelink payments. Please talk to us about this option.
What were the changes to Centrepay in November 2025?
On 3 November 2025 Centrelink changed what Tasmania Legal Aid can do on your behalf with Centrepay.
We are no longer able to automatically renew or increase your payments to us using your previous written or verbal authorisation. You are now responsible for managing your Centrepay deductions to Tasmania Legal Aid.
How do the changes to Centrepay affect me?
If you need to pay a contribution and choose to pay this using Centrepay deductions, you will need to manage your Centrepay deductions to Tasmania Legal Aid yourself through the options above. You can find out more from the Centrepay Customer Deductions Guide or at Services Australia.