How can a client dispute a denied legal aid application?
If your client’s application for legal aid is denied, they can request that the decision be reviewed by Legal Aid Ontario, but the process takes time and you should warn your client in case they can’t wait and need help immediately. For more information on what to do if your client is ineligible for legal aid, see “What if a client doesn’t qualify for legal aid?”
A denied application for legal aid can be disputed through an appeal process, but your client will need to do this within 15 days of receiving the Notice about their denied application. The Notice will tell them what information needs to be included in their request and where to send it, but they should try to provide reasons for why they disagree. This is the only opportunity that they will have to dispute the decision, and any decisions made about it after will be final.
How You Can Help:
- Step 1: Help your client gather the required information and documents, as listed in their Notice of Decision from Legal Aid Ontario.
- If your client needs extra assistance with the process, they can contact Legal Aid Ontario at their toll-free number 1-800-668-8258
- Step 2: Help them submit their request via mailed letter:
Legal Aid Ontario
Provincial Office Appeals
40 Dundas Street West, Suite 200
Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2H1
- Step 3: Warn your client that this process can take some time (approx. 30–45 days) and if they need help immediately, you should refer them elsewhere. For more information, see “What if a client doesn’t qualify for legal aid?”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, these requests can be submitted verbally by calling 1-800-668-8258 or by email to appeals@lao.on.ca
