SFJ DB8
Address applications for legal aid
/ This unit is about processing applications for legal aid. It includes receiving applications, confirming their eligibility, and processing approved claims.
There are two elements
1Receive applications and determine the grounds for legal aid
2Process applications for legal aid
Target Group
This unit is for individuals whose responsibilities include processing applications for legal aid.
Performance criteria
You must be able to: / Receive applications and determine the grounds for legal aid
P1check that applications for legal aid are complete, and that all of the necessary information and any supporting documentation is provided
P2address any incomplete applications promptly, requesting the information that is missing from the relevant party, setting out clearly and correctly what is sought
P3acknowledge receipt of applications correctly
P4identify and assess the reasons given in the application towards justifying the provision of legal aid
P5determine correctly whether the application fulfils the criteria for awarding legal aid
P6review applications within required timescales
P7address relevant queries promptly and accurately
P8keep confidential information secure
You must be able to: / Process applications for legal aid
P9identify correctly those applications for legal aid which fulfil the required criteria
P10calculate correctly the amount of legal aid payable
P11issue promptly applications fulfilling the necessary criteria to the relevant authority for approval, together with your reasons justifying their approval
P12notify applicants promptly where their application has been turned down, explaining the rationale in a constructive and professional manner
P13notify relevant parties promptly of approved applications, issuing all necessary supporting information correctly
P14record accurately all details of applications and decisions reached
Knowledge and understanding
You need to know and understand: / Receive applications and determine the grounds for legal aid
K1the purpose of legal aid, and for whom it is intended
K2the process for applying for legal aid
K3current organisational requirements and procedures relating to processing applications for legal aid
K4the criteria to be fulfilled by qualifying applications
K5the timescales for applicants to enter their applications
You need to know and understand: / Process applications for legal aid
K6your levels of responsibility for dealing with applications for legal aid, and to whom to refer where such levels are exceeded
K7how to calculate the amount of legal aid to be granted, including the factors to consider
K8approval procedures when considering applications, including to whom applications should be referred
K9those parties to be informed of the outcomes of applications for legal aid, and how to do this
K10the importance of keeping confidential information secure
Developed by / Skills for Justice
Version number / 1
Date approved / July 2009
Indicative review date / July 2014
Validity / Current
Status / Original
Originating organisation / Skills for Justice
Original URN / SFJ DB8
Relevant occupations / Public Services; Public Service and Other Associate Professionals
Suite / Courts and Tribunals
Key words / court, tribunal, case, legal aid, applications, eligibility, claims
SFJ DB8 Address applications for legal aid1