Legal Aid in Scotland
It is commonly known that people living in Scotland are able to apply for legal aid if they have been involved accident in Scotland or are claiming for medical treatment received there. What is not so well known however, is that people living outside Scotland can also apply for legal aid in Scotland.
People living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Anyone living in the rest of the UK can apply for legal aid in Scotland if they have had an accident or medical treatment in Scotland.
People living in the remainder of the European Union
They also have a right to apply for legal aid in Scotland if they have had an accident or medical treatment there. This will continue to apply even after the UK finally leaves the EU.
People resident elsewhere
They also have a right to apply for legal aid in Scotland provided they have had an accident or medical treatment there.
Financial eligibility
When you apply for legal aid you must meet the financial tests. The scope of this article does not permit a detailed assessment of the financial tests. But:
- If your net income is less than £26,239, 28,860 Euros or approximately 33,300 USD then you qualify for legal aid to take your case to court.
- You get a number of allowances if you are married or living with a partner and for dependent children and also for housing costs. So, depending on circumstances, you can earn up to 40,000 Euros or approximately 45,000 USD per year and still be eligible for legal aid in Scotland.
How we can help
Our specialist personal injury lawyers can advise you about applying for Legal Aid in Scotland if you have been involved in an accident. You can either contact us by using our online enquiry form, or by calling us on 0800 988 8082.