What this is and who runs it
Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is the body responsible for legal aid in Ontario. According to its website, if you qualify and have a legal issue it covers, LAO will pay for a lawyer to help you.
The site states that the entry point to apply is "Apply now" under Apply for Legal Aid. Whether you qualify, and whether your issue is covered, is determined by LAO under its rules.
Service categories listed by the official site
The "Services" section lists the following legal issues side by side. The official site does not rank them; they are reproduced here in the order shown.
- Criminal legal issues: charged with a crime that could send you to jail; going to court without a lawyer; charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
- Domestic violence: the site states that abuse is never ok. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, LAO may be able to provide legal advice or representation.
- Family legal issues: wanting to separate from your partner; needing to decide decision-making responsibility, support, or parenting time/contact.
- Mental health legal issues: needing legal help with a mental health hearing or appeal; being held in a psychiatric facility.
- Refugee and immigration legal issues: applying for refugee status; needing help completing your Basis of Claim form; having a refugee claim rejected.
- Legal clinics: denied Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP); needing help with income supports such as pension; being evicted.
Situations described in the official FAQ
The "Frequently Asked Questions" section includes the following, as stated by the official site:
- Denied OW/ODSP, where to get help: the site states that legal clinics and student legal services organizations may be able to help if you qualify.
- Family court matter, can I get legal aid help: the site states that LAO might be able to help if you financially qualify and if: you are subjected to domestic abuse; you want to separate from your husband, wife or partner; you need to decide custody, support or access; Children's Aid has your children or contacted you.
Finding services and applying
The official site provides two entry points:
- Service Finder: described on the site as an online tool to find the right service, office, or resource for your legal issue.
- Apply for Legal Aid: the site states "Apply now"; if you qualify and your issue is covered, LAO will pay for a lawyer.
The site does not list specific income thresholds, a document checklist, processing times, or office addresses and phone numbers on this page. Please rely on what the official site shows at the time you apply.
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