What is legal aid?
Legal aid is a type of state loan (borrowed money) for people with a low income (not much money), which is used for legal costs incurred in a legal dispute. Legal aid is intended to support people who have to go to court but cannot cover the costs themselves. It is therefore financial help for people who don’t have much money.
These are usually pensioners, the unemployed, recipients of social welfare or benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz). The amount of money you have must be less than 5000 Euros. There must be a prospect of success in the legal action. This means that the judge has to believe that you will win your case. Only then can the costs be covered.
Legal aid is usually applied for by a lawyer when he/she files the lawsuit. The application can be made before or after the action is filed. A check is made as to whether the applicant is financially needy (doesn’t have much money). This is determined with an "Erklärung über die persönlichen und wirtschaftlichen Verhältnisse” (declaration of personal and financial circumstances).
You must add these documents to the application:
- A valid form of identification (identity card, residence permit, passport, ...)
- Your current proof of income and that of your spouse (e.g. certificate of earnings, certificate of receipt of unemployment benefits)
- Proof of child maintenance obligations, if applicable
- Proof of other monthly payment obligations, if applicable
- Your bank statements for the last 3 months
- Your current rental contract and proof of heating or electricity costs
- If applicable, any documents relating to the matter (e.g. notice of termination, formal warning letter, etc.)
If you have any further questions, please contact your Faire Integration advice centre. You can find out who is responsible for you in your federal state on the advice centre page.
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