Free legal help in South Africa: who qualifies for Legal Aid and where to go
6 min read · Last updated 8 October 2026 · General information, not legal advice
Quick answer
Legal Aid South Africa gives free legal help to people who can't afford a lawyer and pass a means test. If you don't qualify, you still have free options: university law clinics, the CCMA for work disputes, the Small Claims Court for claims up to R20 000, and the Rental Housing Tribunal for rental disputes.
Who qualifies
Legal Aid SA applies a means test that looks at your income and assets. The thresholds change from time to time, so check the current figures on the Legal Aid SA website or at a local office. Children generally qualify regardless in criminal matters.
What Legal Aid covers
Criminal defence, and civil matters such as evictions, maintenance, domestic violence protection orders, labour disputes and deceased estates. They won't take every civil case — merits matter.
University law clinics
Most South African law faculties run clinics where final-year students, supervised by attorneys, help the public free of charge. Wits, UCT, UP, Stellenbosch, UKZN and others all run clinics.
Free forums that don't need a lawyer
The CCMA (work disputes), the Small Claims Court (claims up to R20 000, no lawyers allowed), the Rental Housing Tribunal (unfair rental practices) and the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud all let you represent yourself.
Pro bono attorneys
Law Society structures run pro bono referral programmes where private attorneys take a limited number of free matters a year. Ask your provincial law society.
Do the paperwork properly
Whatever route you take, the written documents matter: a clear letter of demand, a properly commissioned affidavit and a signed acknowledgement of debt often resolve matters before any hearing.
Free to fill in
Letter of Demand
Fill it in online free, preview it as you go, then download Word + PDF from R199.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Is Legal Aid really free in South Africa?
Yes, if you pass the means test. Legal Aid SA is state-funded and doesn't charge qualifying clients.
Can I get a free lawyer for a civil case?
Possibly. Legal Aid takes civil matters with merit, and law clinics and pro bono programmes fill some of the gap. For small money claims, the Small Claims Court is designed for self-representation.
What documents should I take to Legal Aid?
Your ID, proof of income, and every document about the matter — contracts, letters, warnings, payslips and any court papers.
