Legal Aid is continuing to provide legal services and help those in need. If someone needs legal help, Legal Aid can be contacted on the Legal Advice Line on 1300 366 611. Additionally, anyone can apply for aid via a private solicitor. There are guidelines for assessing applications for a grant of aid. Applications are usually processed within 24 hours and the decision will be sent via email to the legal firm or solicitor who makes the application.
I’m in the middle of a Family Court matter but have just lost my job because of COVID-19. Am I eligible for aid now?
Whether someone is eligible for a grant of legal aid will depend on what type of aid they require, but if an application meets the means test and merits test requirements then the aid will be approved.
Submit an application for aid for consideration and include details of all personal circumstances.
I need to apply for legal aid but my private practitioner has closed doors.
Many solicitors are continuing to provide services over the phone. If someone needs to change their private practitioner, the new solicitor can advise the Grants office as to why aid is now being sought through a different solicitor.
Legal Aid requires pay slips but my boss is not taking calls/answering emails - what do I do?
Unless is it urgent an application for a grant of legal aid will need to include documents such as pay slips so that eligibility can be assessed. If the matter is really urgent then continue to make the application for aid and explain the urgency of the application via an email to the grants.officer@legalaid.tas.gov.au, explaining why you are unable to obtain the documents. These circumstances will be looked at on a case by case basis.
Legal Aid requires pay slips but I have lost my job and my boss is not taking calls/answering emails - what do I do?
Unless is it urgent an application for a grant of legal aid will need to include documents such as pay slips so that eligibility can be assessed. If the matter is really urgent then continue to make the application for aid and explain the urgency of the application via an email to the grants.officer@legalaid.tas.gov.au, explaining why you are unable to obtain the documents.
A letter from an employer advising of your separation will assist if you are not already on Centrelink benefits. These circumstances will be looked at on a case by case basis.
Legal Aid requires pay slips and bank statements and other documents but I am not sure where to send them to?
Please send all documents relating to your application for aid to grants.officer@legalaid.tas.gov.au
My partner and I are both on Centrelink but the combined payments are now more than the current guidelines for income. What will happen to my application/grant?
We are now looking to take this into consideration when applying the means test. If you are on full Centrelink benefits without other income you should be eligible for legal aid provided you meet the merits test.