Legal aid eligibility threshold increases another six per cent
Published: April 1, 2016
As of April 1, 2016, 385,310 more people will be eligible for legal aid services. As a result of these increases, 1.4 million people are now eligible for legal aid, up from 1 million prior to the increase.
More people can now qualify for Legal Aid Ontario’s (LAO) services because of another six per cent financial eligibility increase.
Thanks to a $96 million over three years investment by the Province into the legal aid system, LAO is able to expand access to its services in areas such as family, immigration, refugee, mental health, criminal and poverty law.
Ontario’s 2014 budget committed to increasing the eligibility threshold by six per cent each year over multiple years.
Enhancing legal aid for low-income Ontarians is part of the government’s plan to ensure a fair and accessible justice system for all.
Quotes
“By improving access to Legal Aid services in Ontario, we are empowering our most vulnerable and giving them the support and services they need. I am committed to continue working with Legal Aid Ontario to ensure our justice system meets the needs of everyone.”
– Madeleine Meilleur, Attorney General
“This, the third six per cent increase in financial eligibility thresholds supported by the government since 2014, will enable Legal Aid Ontario to further improve access to justice across this province. We commend the provincial government for continuing to support legal services for Ontario’s most marginalized and needy people.”
– John McCamus, Chair of Legal Aid Ontario
Resources
Learn more
- Read about the services provided by LAO and how to apply.