Legal aid is available for this type of problem

However, you may need to also qualify financially.

If you do qualify financially, you can speak to Civil Legal Advice (CLA), a national helpline for certain legal aid problems in England and Wales.

The CLA operator will check all the information you’ve given through this service.

What you need to check if you qualify financially

You and your partner (if you have one) will need:

  • recent payslips (if you’re working) and bank statements
  • a summary of your income tax and National Insurance contributions
  • details of any savings and investments you have
  • details of any benefits you receive
  • mortgage statements and a current valuation for any property you own

When you do not need to complete the financial assessment

You should contact CLA without completing the financial assessment if you are:

  • under 18
  • have capital trapped in a property you own or other money or assets that you cannot access

If you use British Sign Language (BSL)

You can choose not to complete the financial assessment online, and instead ask for a call with a BSL interpreter.

Fill in the 'Contact CLA' page. Select 'BSL' under 'Communication needs'.

Before you start

Alternatively, you can ask a legal aid adviser to take on your case.

Your adviser will check whether you qualify for legal aid at no cost to you by asking about your problem and your finances. If you qualify, in some cases you may need to pay a contribution towards your legal aid.

Find a legal adviser

Other sources of help

You can also get advice from alternative help organisations for issues related to mental health. You don’t have to qualify for legal aid.

  • Mind Legal Advice Line

    Mind Legal Advice Line provides legal information and general advice on the law relating to mental health, mental capacity, community care, human rights, discrimination and equality as it relates to mental health issues.

    Helpline:
    0300 466 6463, 0300 466 6463
    Opening hours:
    Web 24 hours
    Email:

  • Get Connected

    Get Connected isa free, confidential helpline and general support service for young people under 25.

    Helpline:
    80849 (Text), 0808 808 4994 , 0808 808 4994, 80849 (Text)
    Opening hours:
    Monday - Sunday, 1pm - 11pm

  • POhWER

    POhWER's supportline is an advocacy phone service offering information and advice to callers who are disabled, vulnerable, distressed or socially excluded.

    Helpline:
    0300 456 2370, 0300 456 2364 (Minicom), 81025 (Text - send the word ’pohwer’ with your name and number), pohwer.advocacy (Skype), 0300 456 2370
    Opening hours:
    Monday - Friday, 8am - 6pm

  • Rethink

    Information and practical advice on living with mental illness, medication, care and treatment.

    Website is not translated in Welsh.

    Helpline:
    0300 5000 927
    Opening hours:
    Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4pm

  • Advice Guide

    The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice.

    Helpline:
    0800 144 8848 (England), 03444 77 20 20 (Wales), 18001 0800 144 8884 (Textphone), 08444 111 444 (England), 08444 77 20 20 (Wales), 08444 111 445 (Text Relay)
    Opening hours:
    Web 24 hours

  • GOV.UK

    Public services information, online tools and signposting to all government services.

  • Mind Legal Advice Line

    Mind Legal Advice Line provides legal information and general advice on the law relating to mental health, mental capacity, community care, human rights, discrimination and equality as it relates to mental health issues.

    Helpline:
    0300 466 6463, 0300 466 6463
    Opening hours:
    Web 24 hours
    Email: