This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England

Working out whether or not you're entitled to help with your legal costs under the Scottish Legal Aid system is very complicated and depends on your individual circumstances. Also, the limits for eligibility changed substantially on 7 April 2009. This page tells you where you can find out more.

To get an idea of whether or not you'll qualify, have a look at the eligibility calculator on the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) website. You'll also be able to find lots of useful guidance and information there.

It's important to be aware that the rules on financial eligibility for civil legal aid changed substantially on 7 April 2009 so it's worth checking to see if you're now eligible even if:

• you've applied for legal aid in the past but you weren't eligible
• you've never applied for legal aid before but were told in the past that you wouldn't be eligible
• you think you won't be eligible because of your income or any savings you may have
• you think you'll have to pay a contribution towards any legal aid you're awarded and you're worried that you can't afford it
• you think that legal aid won't be apply to your case (for example, if your case is about mortgage rights). 

However, you'll have to speak to your solicitor to find out for definite whether or not you qualify and you should do this as soon as possible. If you don't have a solicitor, have a look at our Advice Services Directory to find an agency who can put you in touch with one or contact the Law Society of Scotland. You might also be able to get help from a law centre.