New Rules Mean More South Africans Qualify For Legal Aid

In a landmark decision aimed at improving access to justice, Legal Aid South Africa Legal Aid SA has announced significant amendments to its Means Test, set to take effect on 1 April 2025, Cape town Etc reports.

According to Legal Aid South Africa Spokesperson MS Pateka Quwe, this revision increases financial thresholds and is a move designed to assist individuals and families who may often find themselves unable to afford essential legal representation amid rising living costs.

Quwe continued that the Means Test, an essential tool used to determine eligibility for legal assistance, has seen its thresholds adjusted in response to increases in the Consumer Price Index CPI.

These changes reflect a commitment to ensuring that legal aid is accessible to a broader segment of the population grappling with economic challenges.

Quwe added that this increase is particularly significant considering that criminal cases involving children continue to automatically qualify for legal aid, meaning minors will not need to undergo the Means Test.