Search
Search results
An overview of the handbook and VLA's grants process.
Information about Victoria Legal Aid's legal information and advice services.
Information about how an applicant can apply for discrestion relating to the means test.
Information about how we manage debts and overdue contributions.
The Commonwealth merits test looks at a matter's reasonable prospects of success, the applicant's financial resources and whether the matter is appropriate to spend limited public legal aid funds on.
As part of the Commonwealth merits test, the applicant must supply enough information to satisfy VLA that the proposed action, application, defence or response for which assistance is sought is more likely than not to succeed.
As part of the Commonwealth merits test, the applicant must satisfy VLA that the costs involved in granting assistance are justified by the likely benefit to the applicant or to the community.
How to apply for a grant of assistance, including application forms and supporting material, rules for lawyers and urgent applications.
An applicant may complete and submit a standard application form for a grant of assistance, but will often want a lawyer to help them apply.
Lawyers' professional duty to advise clients of their right to apply for a grant of assistance, and to avoid conflicts of interest.