Increase in legal aid eligibility thresholds

			Issue

			Increase in legal aid eligibility thresholds Between 2006 and 2010, the Québec government increased the eligibility thresholds for legal aid. The thresholds set the maximum amount a person can earn while still remaining eligible for free or contributory legal services. This helped bring the thresholds into line with current earnings, following a 20-year freeze on the thresholds for a single person and a 10-year freeze on the thresholds for other categories of beneficiaries. Starting on January 1, 2011, the eligibility thresholds have been indexed annually.
			The new increase in legal aid eligibility thresholds came into effect on June 1, 2012. By 2015, taking into account that the thresholds will now increase automatically with inflation, foreseeably by 2% per year, the Regulation will lead to an 11.5% increase for the program component providing free legal aid, and a 43% increase for the program component based on a contribution from the beneficiary. At this point, around 800,000 extra Quebecers will have access to legal aid, making a total of over 3 million eligible individuals. For any question regarding legal aid, visit the website of the Commission des services juridiques . For more information May 31, 2012 press Release (in French) November 22, 2011 press Release (in French) Legal aid eligibility thresholds for gratuitous services Legal aid eligibility thresholds with contribution Legal Aid Act and the provision of certain other legal services Report by the Working Group on reform of the legal aid system in Québec (in French)
			Latest update: May 31, 2012


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