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Revised Means Test Thresholds to Qualify for Legal Aid

In response to ongoing economic hardship and the rising cost of living, the Legal Aid South Africa (Legal Aid SA) Means Test has been revised upward in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

As many South Africans continue to face financial pressure, these revisions are a vital step toward safeguarding equitable access to justice. By expanding the financial eligibility criteria, Legal Aid SA is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that no one is denied legal representation simply because they cannot afford it.

Below is a summary of the new Means Test threshold:

Matter type & applicant status – New threshold

  • Criminal matters – R9,400.00
  • Civil matters (Individual applicant) – R9,400.00
  • Civil matters (Spouse/household) – R10,200.00
  • Movable assets (household, no property) – R173,300.00
  • Immovable & movable assets (Household, owns property) – R812,800.00

In criminal cases, children continue to automatically qualify for legal aid and do not have to take the Means Test. If it is a civil case, the family of the child will need to take and pass the Means Test.

The revised Means Test takes effect from 1 April 2026 and will continue to be applied to all new applications received from this date onwards.

Legal Aid SA continues to strengthen its role as a champion of equal access to justice by refining its policies to respond to the evolving needs of society. In a time of economic uncertainty, these changes are designed to extend legal support to a broader segment of the population, particularly those whose financial circumstances limit their ability to secure representation.

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