photo of lawyer writing

Civil disbursement fund

What is the fund?

Tasmanians may be able to access financial aid for civil cases under the Civil Disbursement Fund scheme being run by Tasmania Legal Aid, where they have a private lawyer acting for them. Assistance is subject to a means and merits test.

What does the fund do?

The Fund can receive applications from Tasmanians requiring financial assistance for their civil cases, not just those who would be eligible for legal aid. Rising civil case costs has meant that most people cannot afford to have their case heard before a Court. The Civil Disbursement Fund can help applicants pay up front disbursements and, if the case is won, the applicant repays with a premium those disbursement costs back into the Fund.

What type of assistance is covered?

The Civil Disbursement Fund will initially provide assistance for serious personal injury claims, including workers compensation claims with other cases set against competing resources and priorities. The Fund will provide financial assistance for expenses such as expert reports, medical reports, witness expenses and various other Court expenses.

How to make an application

Applications must be made through a lawyer. Guidelines for the operation of the fund and application forms can be downloaded from this page. Persons who are considering making applications to the fund should be aware that applications will firstly be considered by the committee, then the Commission.

Who set up the fund?

The Fund was set up by the Tasmanian Government.

Guidelines

Civil Disbursement Fund Guidelines December 2020 - 203kb PDF file (9 pages). Covers Selection of Cases, Assessment of Applications, Means Test, Merits Test, and Contribution.


Application form

CDF Application form (Word version) December 2020 - 83kb DOCX file (15 pages).

CDF Application form (PDF version) December 2020 - 203kb PDF file (15 pages).

Please read the above guidelines before completing this form.

Last updated: 24/01/2024