How do I apply for legal aid?

If you qualify financially and have a legal issue that we cover, we will help pay for a lawyer to represent you.

You can:

• apply online—currently only available for people who do not own any property and either:

  • receive Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program payments
  • have no income
  • are new to Canada
  • are living in a shelter
  • are incarcerated

• call us at 416‑979‑1446, toll free at 1‑800‑668‑8258 or through Bell Relay service at 1‑800‑855‑0511 from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST)

• ask a legal aid worker, if you are in jail or a detention centre

• ask a rights’ advisor or patient advocate, if you are in a hospital

• ask your lawyer, if you are out of custody and applying for legal aid in a criminal matter

Do I need anything before I apply?

• any documents about your legal case
• proof of your income if you have any. For example, recent pay stubs, social assistance cheque stubs, or employment insurance statements

Do you live outside of Ontario?

If you have a legal issue in Ontario but live outside of the province or country refer to our page on non resident services.