The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has made a new online tool available for providers of legal support to check their clients’ eligibility for civil legal aid.
It replaces the previous calculator that was removed late in 2021 as it had become outdated.
The LAA – an executive agency sponsored by the Ministry of Justice – said the CCQ tool (Check if your Client Qualifies) can be used to perform a means calculation for certificated legal work, and controlled work in areas such as legal help and family mediation.
It said it has been working with volunteer providers to develop the tool, which will be regularly updated to reflect changes in the rules. It added that the tool will make it easier for legal aid providers to assess eligibility.
The CCQ involves a series of questions and requests information from clients on income and any benefits claims, outgoings such as housing costs and maintenance payments, savings and investments, and assets such as property and vehicles.
