Legal Aid South Africa has revised its means test in line with the Consumer Price Index in response to ongoing economic hardship and rising costs of living.
Its purpose, the statutory body said, is to ensure that South Africans have access to legal representation.
“As many South Africans face financial pressures, these amendments are an important step towards safeguarding equitable access to justice. By expanding the financial eligibility criteria, Legal Aid SA is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that no one will be denied legal representation because they cannot afford it,” Legal Aid SA said.
The new instrument limits are as follows:
- Criminal cases: R9,100 to R9,400 upwards.
- Civil cases (individual applicants): R9,100 to R9,400 upwards.
- Civil cases (spouse/family): R10,200, above R9,900.
- Movable property (household, no property): R167,900 to R173,300 up.
- Immovable and movable property (household, owner-occupied property): R787,600 to R812,800 above.
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“In criminal cases, children automatically continue to qualify for legal aid and are not required to take a means test. If it is a civil case, the child's family will need to take and pass the means test.
“The revised means test will come into effect from today, April 1, 2026, and will be applied to all new applications received from this date.
“Legal Aid SA continues to strengthen its role as a champion of equal access to justice by refining its policies in response to the evolving needs of society. At a time of economic uncertainty, these changes are designed to deliver legal support to a broader segment of the population, especially those whose financial circumstances limit their ability to secure representation,” the organization said.