Help with legal fees for low-income households

Legal problems tend to arrive at the worst possible moment: a possession claim from a landlord, a dispute over child arrangements, a dismissal at work, a benefit decision you believe is wrong. Solicitors' hourly rates are far beyond most people on Universal Credit, a small pension or a low wage, and it is easy to assume you simply cannot get help. In fact, there is a range of free and reduced-cost legal support in the UK, and knowing where to look can save you from borrowing money you cannot repay.

This page explains, in order: free advice, legal aid, reduced court fees, other ways to fund a case, and what to consider before taking on any credit for legal costs.

Start with free legal advice

Many problems can be sorted, or at least clarified, without paying anyone:

• Citizens Advice helps with housing, employment, benefits, debt, consumer and family issues, and can refer you on.
• Law centres are not-for-profit legal practices offering free advice and representation in social welfare law. The Law Centres Network lists those near you.
• University law clinics often give free advice supervised by qualified lawyers.
• Pro bono schemes such as LawWorks (solicitors) and Advocate (barristers) match people who cannot afford a lawyer with volunteers.
• Shelter gives specialist housing advice; Acas offers free guidance and early conciliation in workplace disputes.
• Trade unions usually provide legal help to members, and many home insurance policies include legal expenses cover. Check your documents before paying for anything.

Legal aid: who can get it and for what

Legal aid pays for advice, and sometimes representation, for people who cannot afford it. It is means-tested and, for civil cases, limited to certain areas of law.

England and Wales

Civil legal aid is run by the Legal Aid Agency. It remains available for matters such as:

• housing cases where you could lose your home, including possession claims and serious disrepair;
• debt where your home is at risk;
• family cases involving domestic abuse or child protection, and mediation;
• discrimination, some immigration and asylum matters, and mental health tribunals.

Use the "check if you can get legal aid" tool on GOV.UK, or contact Civil Legal Advice, the government helpline for eligible problems. If you are on certain benefits such as income-related Universal Credit, you may pass the financial test more easily, but the merits of the case are assessed too.

In criminal cases, free advice at the police station is available to everyone, whatever their income. Representation in court is subject to means and interests-of-justice tests.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

Scotland has its own system run by the Scottish Legal Aid Board, which covers a wider range of civil problems through "advice and assistance". In Northern Ireland, legal aid is administered by the Legal Services Agency. Rules differ, so check with a local solicitor who does legal aid work.

Help with court and tribunal fees

If you have to go to court yourself, fees can be a barrier. In England and Wales, the Help with Fees scheme can reduce or cancel court and tribunal fees for people on low incomes or certain benefits. You apply online or with form EX160, ideally before you pay; you can sometimes claim a refund afterwards. Employment tribunals in England and Wales have not charged fees to bring a claim for some years. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own fee exemption rules.

Other ways to fund a legal case

• No win, no fee (conditional fee agreements) is common in personal injury and some employment claims. Read the agreement carefully: a share of any compensation goes to the lawyer and you may need insurance against paying the other side's costs.
• Fixed-fee or free first interviews: many solicitors offer a short initial consultation for free or a set price. Prepare your questions and documents to make the most of it.
• Unbundled services: you pay a lawyer only for one part of the work, for example drafting a letter or checking your court papers, and handle the rest yourself.
• Representing yourself: the small claims track is designed for people without lawyers, and the charity Support Through Court helps people going to court alone.

Some legal costs come with a related crisis. If you are fighting a possession claim, read our guide to avoiding eviction; if the problem is mounting debt, see help with debt hardship.

Checklist when a legal problem starts

• Note every deadline on court papers or letters; missing them can cost you the case.
• Check home insurance, union membership and bank account benefits for legal cover.
• Contact Citizens Advice, a law centre or the relevant specialist charity.
• Check legal aid eligibility and gather proof of income and benefits.
• Apply for Help with Fees before paying a court fee.
• Ask any solicitor for a written estimate and how they bill.

Borrowing for legal fees: proceed with care

Some firms offer "legal fee loans" or payment plans. Before signing, look at the APR, the total cost, and what happens if you lose the case: the debt usually remains. Ask the solicitor whether they would accept payment in instalments without interest. If you need a small amount, a credit union is likely to be much cheaper than a commercial lender. Our page on not-for-profit loans covers safer options. If you already struggle with repayments, talk to a free debt adviser first; adding new debt to fund litigation can deepen the problem.

Scams and warning signs

Be cautious of anyone who contacts you out of the blue claiming to be from a court, bailiffs or a law firm and demanding immediate payment. Check a solicitor is genuine through the Solicitors Regulation Authority's register, and never pay "processing fees" to receive legal aid or a loan: genuine legal aid is never sold. Unregulated "advisers" on social media who promise to win your case for an upfront fee should be avoided.