More South Africans can now qualify for Legal Aid after means test increase

Legal Aid South Africa has increased the income and asset thresholds for its Means Test, making it easier for more people 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),” the organisation said in a statement.

The revised thresholds aim to ensure that no one is denied legal representation simply because they cannot afford it. Legal Aid SA said the changes are “a vital step toward safeguarding equitable access to justice” and reaffirm its commitment to helping those in financial need.

The updated thresholds are as follows:

• Criminal matters: from R9 100 to R9 400
• Civil matters (individual): from R9 100 to R9 400
• Civil matters (spouse/household): from R9 900 to R10 200
• Movable assets (household, no property): from R167 900 to R173 300
• Immovable and movable assets (household, owns property): from R787 600 to R812 800

In criminal cases, children automatically qualify for legal aid and do not need to meet the Means Test. For civil cases involving children, their families will need to take and pass the Means Test.

The changes take effect from April 1, 2026 and apply to all new applications submitted from this date.

Legal Aid SA said it continues to strengthen its role as “a champion of equal access to justice” and that the revised Means Test is designed to support more South Africans who might otherwise struggle to secure legal representation.

For more information, Legal Aid SA encourages the public to visit www.legal-aid.co.za or call the Legal Aid Advice Line on 0800 110 110.