Apply for civil legal aid – building an improved service
Providers can access the Apply for civil legal aid service for submission of legal applications in some civil proceedings.
Some civil legal aid providers can now access: Apply for civil legal aid
Section 8, Special Children Act, Public Law Family and Domestic Abuse - except Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPO) - applications for legal aid in civil proceedings should be submitted through the Apply for civil legal aid portal.
Apply for civil legal aid can be used for both passported and non-passported clients.
Apply for civil legal aid can be used to complete the following tasks:
- Submit new applications (ongoing cases should be managed on CCMS)
- Make emergency applications, when delegated functions used
- To manage linked cases:
- family links in proceedings with representation of 2 or more family members, with the option to copy details between the linked applications.
- legal links if your client is involved in more than one court proceedings.
We continue to develop the service based on user feedback and introducing new features, but for now, the service cannot be used:
- if your client is self-employed, or a member of the armed forces
- to make an emergency application if delegated functions have not been used
- to make both a family link and legal link to your application
- to amend a submitted application
Benefits of the current service include:
- automated links to HMRC for access to client pay information
- the option to automatically obtain bank statements with the client’s permission
- a system designed with providers as the main focus, which is better suited to provider needs
- regular updates informed by provider interactions
- asking for all the information we need first time, meaning fewer rejections and document requests, and quicker decisions
- a streamlined process, only asking relevant questions based on answers given, reducing the time required on completion of applications for legal aid in civil cases.
As a result, the LAA makes fewer requests for additional information, allowing certificates to be issued more swiftly.
Providers using the Apply for civil legal aid service have reported:
- ‘The Apply service is fast and efficient. The best feature for me is being able to save and continue my application meaning that when I return, I am directed to the same page I was previously working on’.
- ‘Quick and that is needed when doing domestic violence [applications]. Time is of the essence’.
- ‘Generally, we are very happy with the process. It takes 15 minutes, it took up to 1 hour previously depending on the case’.
- ‘It’s generally more user friendly, not confusing, generally a much quicker and efficient way of doing it’.
- ‘Apply asked only necessary questions, not irrelevant like CCMS does. [CCMS] is a tick-boxing exercise’.
- ‘The usability is good and is quicker and everything seems to be set out clearly. For example, when adding a proceeding, you are able to search for the proceeding you require by typing it in and search results will appear, which is far better than having to sift through all the proceedings.’
- You are able to review the answers provided in the sections at the end of each sections and change the answers if necessary’ but once you proceed to the next section, i.e. going from the means assessment to merits assessment, you cannot go back to the previous section.
- ‘The LAA would ring you up and you’d have a relationship, now this system is working back towards rebuilding that trust’.
We would welcome any further feedback on the Apply for civil legal aid service Help us improve the Apply for civil legal aid service - Apply for civil legal aid - GOV.UK
Further information
If you would like more information on Apply for civil legal aid, please email LAAonboarding@justice.gov.uk