There are three ways you can apply for legal aid in Ontario:

Apply online

Currently, to be able to apply online, you must not own any property and either:

• receive Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program payments
• have no income
• are new to Canada
• are living in a shelter
• are completing the application on behalf of someone who is incarcerated

Apply by phone

• call LAO at 416-979-1446 (in Toronto), toll free at 1-800-668-8258 from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST)

Apply in person

•  if you are in jail or a detention centre, ask a legal aid worker,
• ask a rights’ advisor or patient advocate, if you are in a hospital
• ask your lawyer, if you are out of custody and applying for legal aid in a criminal matter

What you need to apply

When you apply for legal aid assistance, you should have as much information available that relates to your legal issue as possible. This may include:

• Any documents relating to your case, such as court orders, separation agreements, a copy of the Crown Screening for criminal charges, or a copy of any police summons, indictments or charges or any other documents related to your case;

If you are making an application to the Certificate Program (with a contribution agreement), or if you are working, you will also be asked to provide information about your finances, such as your source of income, amount of income and any assets. This may include paystubs, EI claims, T4 slips, bank statements etc

Other information that may be required when applying could include:

• Some form of identification, such as a Social Insurance card, Driver’s License, Health Card, or Permanent Resident Card;
• Proof of monthly expenses and bills, including rent receipts or mortgage payments, hydro and gas bills, car payment receipts, credit card statements and car insurance bills;
• If you own your home, the deed to your home; and
• Proof of any unusual expenses such as medical costs.

You will be required to complete a legal aid application. The staff at the office will help you with this and may be able to tell you right away whether you are eligible for legal aid. It is important that you inform the staff if your situation is an emergency so that you will be given help immediately. Staff at a community legal clinic may also be able to help you with your application.

Victims of domestic violence

If you are experiencing domestic violence and you qualify financially, LAO will provide coverage for all contested family matters and changes to family court orders.

If you are leaving a violent family situation and you need immediate help, you can receive up to two hours of free legal advice (up-to five two‑hour authorizations in a year – one per legal issue) in relation to family law and immigration and refugee law matters. There is no financial eligibility requirement for this service.

For more information on this service, contact your local shelter or community legal clinic. You may receive a referral voucher for two hours of free legal advice from a lawyer experienced in domestic abuse issues.

What happens after you apply?

About two weeks after applying, LAO will send you written notice of its decision. If your application is accepted, you will either:

• Receive a Legal Aid Certificate, or
• Receive a Legal Aid Certificate under the condition that you sign a Contribution Agreement, in which you agree to repay some, or all of your legal aid costs.

Once you receive your Certificate, you can take it to any lawyer who accepts legal aid and who agrees to represent you.

What lawyer can I use?

If you qualify for legal aid, you will be allowed to use the services of any lawyer of your choice. Of course, as mentioned, you must make sure that the lawyer you choose accepts legal aid cases. You may want to speak with more than one lawyer to find someone that you feel comfortable with. Once you have chosen a lawyer it is unlikely that you will be allowed to change lawyers.

Visit Find a Lawyer on the LAO website to find a lawyer near you who does legal aid work. An LAO office will also have a list of lawyers who can work on your case.  To find an LAO office near you, visit Legal Aid Ontario.

Make a complaint

You have the right to file a formal complaint with LAO if you have a problem with one of their services, a community legal clinic, or a legal aid lawyer. Contact LAO and their Complaints Department for more information.

More info

To find out if you qualify for legal aid, for the most up-to-date information on LAO services, or to find your nearest community legal clinic, visit legalaid.on.ca

								
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