The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) published a consultation in October 2026 proposing to raise the means test thresholds for civil legal aid — the income and capital limits below which applicants qualify for state-funded legal assistance. The current thresholds (a gross monthly income of £2,657 and disposable capital of £8,000 for most civil matters) have remained largely unchanged since 2010, despite significant increases in the cost of living and average legal fees.
The consultation proposes three options: (1) uprating thresholds by 10% to reflect cumulative inflation since 2010; (2) a more substantial 20% uprate targeting family law proceedings; and (3) a full structural review linked to average weekly earnings. For family proceedings involving domestic abuse, a separate passporting arrangement (automatic qualification regardless of means) is proposed for applicants who hold a domestic violence protection order or a non-molestation order.
Current eligibility rules. Civil legal aid is not universally available — it is means-tested and merit-tested. Eligible areas include family proceedings (especially involving domestic abuse and children), immigration, housing (eviction and homelessness), and mental health. Areas such as personal injury, employment, and most debt matters no longer attract civil legal aid following the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. The GOV.UK legal aid checker provides a first-stage eligibility assessment.
Relevance for family proceedings. Many people involved in child arrangements proceedings or domestic abuse cases cannot afford a solicitor but currently fail the means test. If the proposed thresholds are adopted, more people in Family Court proceedings will qualify for a publicly funded solicitor. For those who currently fall outside legal aid but need help, the guide to finding a solicitor covers free and low-cost alternatives including McKenzie friends and legal advice clinics. The consultation closes on 28 February 2027.