Funding for exceptional cases
Contents
- Overview
- What you can get legal aid for
- Financial eligibility
- How to apply
- Funding for exceptional cases
- Domestic abuse
- Legal problems abroad
Funding for exceptional cases
You could get legal aid for cases that would not usually be eligible if your human rights are at risk. This is known as exceptional case funding (ECF).
Eligibility
You need to show you cannot afford to pay legal costs. You might not be eligible if you’re on a higher income or have money, savings or investments. You might need to pay part of your legal costs.
You also need to show that being refused legal aid would infringe:
- your rights under the European Convention on Human Rights
- your retained EU rights to legal representation
You might be able to get exceptional case funding for:
- immigration cases
- family cases
- housing cases
- welfare benefits disputes
- coroner inquests
What information you’ll need to give
When you apply, you’ll need to give details of your case. For example you might need to show:
- how your human rights would be affected by not getting legal aid
- that you’re not able to deal with the case yourself, for example because you find it difficult to read or write, the case or evidence is complicated or the case is difficult to prove
- that the outcome is extremely important
Apply through a lawyer
Most people use a lawyer to apply for exceptional case funding. Contact a legal adviser for advice on whether you’re eligible and how to apply.
Apply yourself
Complete the relevant forms from the legal aid page and send them to:
If you’re applying for legal help with a coroner’s inquest, you must apply through a lawyer.