Criminal Legal Aid Calculator

Criminal Legal Aid Income Thresholds 2026

The criminal legal aid means test uses specific income thresholds:

Who Automatically Qualifies for Criminal Legal Aid?

You're automatically eligible for criminal legal aid if you receive any of these passporting benefits:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Guarantee State Pension Credit
• Universal Credit

If you're under 18, you also automatically pass the means test regardless of your household income.

What Are Income Contributions for Crown Court Cases?

If your disposable income is between £3,398 and £37,500 per year, you'll qualify for Crown Court legal aid but will need to make monthly contributions towards your defence costs. The contribution is calculated as 90% of your annual disposable income divided by 12, paid for up to 6 months.

If you're acquitted, these contributions are refunded. If convicted, you may also need to pay from any capital over £30,000.

Understanding the McClements Weighting System

Criminal legal aid uses the McClements equivalisation scale to adjust income thresholds based on household size. This system accounts for your partner and children's ages, ensuring larger families aren't unfairly excluded. The calculator automatically applies these weightings based on your household composition.

Interests of Justice Test

Passing the means test is only part of the equation. You must also satisfy the Interests of Justice test, which considers:

• Whether you might lose your liberty or livelihood
• The complexity of your case
• Your ability to understand court proceedings
• Whether expert cross-examination of witnesses is required
• Whether it's in the interests of another person (e.g., a serious allegation)

Why Use a Criminal Legal Aid Calculator?

Before contacting a solicitor or applying for legal aid, our calculator helps you:

• Save time – Get an instant eligibility estimate without waiting for formal assessment
• Understand your position – Know if you'll need to pay contributions or private fees
• Prepare your finances – Calculate potential monthly contribution amounts for Crown Court cases
• Gather evidence – Know what financial documents you'll need for your application
• Make informed decisions – Understand whether to proceed with legal aid or private representation

How to Apply for Criminal Legal Aid

If the calculator shows you're eligible, your criminal defence solicitor will help you apply. You'll need to provide:

• Proof of income (payslips, P60, tax returns)
• Evidence of benefits if claiming passporting
• Details of housing costs (mortgage statements, tenancy agreements)
• Council tax bills
• Childcare cost receipts
• National Insurance number

Differences Between Magistrates' Court and Crown Court Legal Aid

What If I Don't Qualify for Criminal Legal Aid?

If the calculator shows you're not eligible for legal aid, you have several options:

• Apply for a hardship review – If you believe the assessment doesn't reflect your true financial position
• Instruct a private solicitor – Pay for legal representation directly
• Check legal expenses insurance – Some home or vehicle insurance policies include legal cover
• Payment plans – Many solicitors offer flexible payment arrangements

Criminal Legal Aid at Makwanas Solicitors

At Makwanas Solicitors, we're experienced criminal defence solicitors who regularly assist clients with legal aid applications. Whether you're eligible for legal aid or require private representation, we provide expert defence services for all criminal matters including:

• Police station representation
• Magistrates' Court cases
• Crown Court trials
• Appeals and sentence reviews
• Fraud and white-collar crime

Use the calculator below to check your eligibility, then contact us to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defence solicitor.