Policy Bulletin 2026/2: Simplified Means Test for Civil law matters

1 June 2026

The Legal Aid NSW Board approved some changes to the civil law policies including the introduction of a Simplified Means Test for the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) and the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

Background

As part of building a new grants management system, LA Apply, Legal Aid NSW is making changes to the eligibility policies for civil law matters. The changes are intended to complement the new system, by streamlining the application process for legal aid, improving usability and reducing the administrative burden for lawyers and clients. 

As part of the suite of changes, the Board has approved the introduction of a Simplified Means Test for NCAT and ART matters. The Simplified Means Test is a clear and simple way to assess means in low-cost matters. It side-steps the complexity of the standard Means Test by assessing an applicant’s weekly income by household type. Applicants who receive Centrelink income support, including part payments, will automatically satisfy the Simplified Means Test.

Start date

This change applies to applications determined and redetermined on or after 1 June 2026.

Contact

For further information, contact the Client Eligibility Unit at: T-CEU@legalaid.nsw.gov.au