Digital developments for criminal legal aid: replacing eForms
The new service to receive legal aid applications, Apply for Criminal Legal Aid, will replace eForms CRM14 and CRM15 from Tuesday 6 August 2024.
In response to provider feedback, and to ensure all users have enough time to onboard and adapt to the non-standard crime claims services, the transition period will extend to Friday 4 October for:
- CRM4 - application for prior authority to incur disbursements
- CRM5 – application for extension of upper limits
- CRM7- non-standard fee contract work assessment form
Apply for Criminal Legal Aid (CRM14 and CRM15)
99 per cent of applications can now be made through the Apply for Criminal Legal Aid service. All eligible applications for criminal legal aid should be made through Apply from Tuesday 6 August 2024. The latest update in the service means you are now able to submit applications for:
- clients who are self-employed, including if they’re in a business partnership or are a director or shareholder in a private company
- clients who have self-employed partners
- non-means tested applications
eForms should only be used for the below until the final release is live in Apply:
- Applications for a change in financial circumstances
Providers are encouraged to use Crime Apply as soon as possible, particularly as any post submission evidence can easily be processed through the new system. Should PSE be required for applications made via eForm, this will need to be submitted through post or email once eForms is removed.
Following the release of these features, eForms should only be used when there is a technical issue preventing use of Apply – should you encounter an issue please contact Online Support to receive an incident number.
Contract Managers will be in touch to understand barriers where applications are being submitted on eForms which should have been submitted on Apply.
Non-Standard Crime Claims/Applications - CRM4, CRM5 and CRM7
The deadline for transitioning to the new digital services is extended by 2 months. This is in response to provider feedback and to ensure that there is sufficient time to transition to the new service and make improvements based on your feedback.
You will be able to continue submitting through eForms. However, once onboarded, providers should be using the new services whenever possible.
Accessing historic eForms
Access historic eForms via the eForm portal until Friday 25 October 2024.
Following this date, all historic eForms will be made available to you by LAA via an e-mail request to online-support@justice.gov.uk or by calling 0300 200 2020 - select option 3.
The team aim to respond to all requests within 5 working days.
Download copies of any eForms that you might require before Friday 25 October 2024.
How you can help
We will let you know when additional functionality is released for both Apply for Criminal Legal Aid and non-standard crime claims. Upon notification, please use the new service as your main application or claim submission. Your feedback helps us to develop services that meet your needs so please get in touch to let us know what is working well for you and whether there is anything you would like to see developed within the services next.
Relevant dates
Transition from CRM14 and 15 to Apply for Criminal Legal Aid: Tuesday 6 August
Cut off for providers submitting new forms for CRM 4, 5 and 7: Friday 4 October
Cut off for access to eForms for assessment and providers accessing existing forms: Friday 25 October