Legal Aid Agency
Providers are being asked to join us in testing a new service for checking whether their clients qualify for legal aid.
The working name for the new tool is Check if your client qualifies for legal aid (CCQ). It is designed to be used when providing civil legal representation or advice to people with legal problems.
Why is this happening now?
The new CCQ tool will restore online options for calculating eligibility which used to be provided by the now redundant civil legal aid calculator.
Are the calculations financial only?
The results will not tell you anything about the merits of the case or whether it is in scope for legal aid. This is only about financial eligibility.
How does the new tool work?
By answering questions about your clients and their finances, youll find out if they are likely to meet the financial criteria to qualify for legal aid. It takes about 15 minutes to give a result.
What do providers do currently?
Providers can access a spreadsheet used by our caseworkers known as the financial eligibility tool. They can also use the means testing resources on GOV.UK.
How do clients check eligibility?
The new CCQ tool is designed for legal aid providers. It is not a public facing tool. Clients have access to the legal aid checker, which has been set up for external use by members of the public.
How do I take part in the trial?
You can join our test group by using the sign-up link:
Sign up for new eligibility tool testing
We want more users to help make the new tool work as well as possible. We can only do that with your input.
Well offer you a monthly check-in call to see how well you are working with the tool. We will also plan feedback sessions at the end of the testing phase.
Further information
Sign up for new eligibility tool testing register to take part
Training and support website scroll down to access the caseworker financial eligibility tool currently used by providers
Civil legal aid: means testing resources for providers
Legal aid checker external tool for members of the public t