Legal aid eligibility test in Quebec
Use our free tool to get a first idea of your eligibility for legal aid in Quebec.
Eligibility conditions
Legal aid is governed by the Act respecting legal aid and the provision of certain other legal services and administered by the Commission des services juridiques and its legal aid offices. To be eligible, you must:
- reside in Quebec (or be a non-profit organization with limited resources, in some cases);
- have income, assets and liquid assets below the thresholds set by regulation, which vary according to the size of the household and are indexed every year;
- need a service covered by the Act.
Free or with a contribution
Below the lower threshold, legal aid is free. Between the lower threshold and the maximum threshold, you may be eligible under the contribution component: you pay a fixed contribution and the rest of the fees is covered.
Services covered
- family matters: divorce, custody, support;
- certain criminal and penal cases;
- youth protection;
- certain civil cases and recourses against government bodies (social assistance, SAAQ, CNESST);
- mandates in case of incapacity and protective supervision.
How to apply
Contact the legal aid office in your region with your proof of income, assets and identity. You may be represented by a legal aid lawyer or by a private practice lawyer who accepts legal aid mandates. The result of this test is indicative only: only the legal aid office can make a decision on your eligibility.
