How Legal Aid Works in Ontario and Other Provinces
NOTE: This is a personal blog, any views or opinions represented in this blog belong solely to the CIFF Consulting. WE ARE NOT Psychologists or Therapy Professionals, all data and information on these blogs is for informational purposes ONLY. In the comments section we are hoping that people can outline their experiences and foster communication that will assist others going through similar events.
Legal Aid Ontario is a publicly funded government program that helps people with a low income or those who cannot afford the cost the costs for legal representation and advice. Legal Aid is most often available for serious criminal matters where there is a strong likelihood of someone going to jail. However, Legal Aid may also cover other areas of the law such as:
Criminal law
Family law
Refugee and immigration law
Mental health law
Clinic law (sometimes referred to as poverty law)
Am I eligible to receive Legal Aid?
Requirements may vary by province. To qualify for Legal Aid in Ontario you basically must make enough money to pay for basic necessities of like: food, housing and basic necessities without having any money left over.
Source: https://www.legalaid.on.ca/will-legal-aid-pay-for-my-lawyer/
Each Province will have different financial guidelines when considering providing Legal Aid. Also, Legal Aid may pay all legal costs for your case or, depending on your finances, you may have to pay a part of your legal fees while Legal Aid will cover the rest (this is called ‘Partial Contribution’).
How Do I Apply for Legal Aid?
Applying for Legal Aid differs in each province. To apply for Legal Aid in Ontario:
Apply online: Currently only available for people who do not own any property and either:
Receive Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program payments
Have no income.
Are new to Canada.
Are living in a shelter.
Are incarcerated.
Call 416‑979‑1446 or toll free at 1‑800‑668‑8258 or through Bell Relay service at 1‑800‑855‑0511 from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (EST).
If you are already in jail or are seeking services such as summary legal advice, please call from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ask a legal aid worker, if you are in jail or a detention center.
Ask a rights’ advisor or patient advocate, if you are in a hospital.
Ask your lawyer, if you are out of custody and applying for legal aid in a criminal matter.
What do I need before I apply?
Any documents about your legal case
Proof of your income if you have any. For example, recent pay stubs, social assistance cheque stubs, or employment insurance statements
Speaking with Legal Aid is difficult and if the individual is already incarcerated, it can be almost impossible. We would recommend getting a FedPhoneLine Collect Calling package for the incarcerated individual to make contacting Legal Aid easier. See our Pricing Packages here: https://fedphoneline.com/en/packages-and-pricing
For more detailed information on the mandate and activities of the Legal Aid Program, please click here: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/aid-aide.html
Or contact:
Programs Branch
Department of Justice Canada
284 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H8 Canada
Telephone: (613) 941-4193
Fax: (613) 954-4893
E-mail: pb-dgp@justice.gc.ca
