What is the maximum income to qualify for Legal Aid in Australia depends on state Legal Aid Commission, household size and type of matter, because each state has its own means test. Generally, to qualify for Legal Aid for free lawyer, your income must be low, around $30,000 to $60,000 for single person without dependents, and higher with dependents, plus assets test. For example, Legal Aid NSW means test for 2024-2025 sets income test at $600 per week net for single without dependents, about $31,200 per year, and $1,100 per week for family with 2 children, about $57,200 per year, with asset test of $1,000 cash plus car and home excluded, and you must have less than $5,000 in savings. Victoria Legal Aid income test is $680 per week for single, about $35,360 per year, and $1,200 for family, about $62,400. Legal Aid Queensland $640 per week single. For summary criminal matters in Local Court, income limits are higher, up to $80,000 for some matters under duty lawyer scheme. For family law, limits similar but court may consider domestic violence priority. Even if income above limit, you may still get free legal advice from community legal centre or duty lawyer. Means test includes Centrelink income, wages, partner income. If you are on Centrelink JobSeeker, Youth Allowance or Parenting Payment, you usually qualify. So maximum income to qualify for full Legal Aid is about $35K single and $60K family, but duty lawyer help available up to $80K.
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