From Tuesday 6 August 2024 providers must use the Apply for Criminal Legal Aid service for all crime applications and are encouraged to start using it now if they are not already doing so.
Apply for Criminal Legal Aid (CRM14 and CRM15)
Functionality allowing applications for a change in financial circumstances has now been released. This means 100 per cent of applications can now be made through the Apply for Criminal Legal Aid service.
Providers are encouraged to use Apply for Criminal Legal Aid as soon as possible, particularly as any post submission evidence (PSE) can easily be processed through the new system. Should PSE be required for applications made via eForms this will need to be submitted through the post or via email once eForms is removed.
eForms now should only be used when there is a technical issue preventing use of Apply for Criminal Legal Aid – should providers encounter an issue please contact Online Support to receive an incident number.
Contract Managers will be in touch to understand barriers where applications are being submitted on eForms which should have been submitted on Apply for Criminal Legal Aid.
Ongoing service improvements
Now that all applications can be made through Apply for Criminal Legal Aid, the LAA are working to make improvements to the system and add further functionality.
The LAA are listening to provider feedback and are prioritising functionality such as the facility to view the outcome of an application.
Accessing historic eForms
Access historic eForms via the eForm portal until Friday 25 October 2024.
Following this date, all historic eForms will be made available to providers by the LAA via an e-mail request to online-support@justice.gov.uk or by calling 03002002020 – option 3.
The online support team aim to respond to all requests within 5 working days.
Download copies of any eForms that may be required before the 25 of October 2024.
How providers can help
The LAA will let providers know when additional functionality is released for Apply for Criminal Legal Aid. However, please now use the new service for all future applications.
Feedback helps the LAA to develop services that meet provider needs so please get in touch to let the LAA know what is working well and whether there is anything providers would like to see developed within the services next.
Give feedback via the Customer Service Team or complete this survey.
Relevant dates
Transition from CRM14 and 15 to Apply for Criminal Legal Aid: Tuesday 6 August
Cut off for access to eForms for assessment and providers accessing existing forms: Friday 25 October
Further information
Applying for Criminal Legal Aid (justice.gov.uk)
Apply for legal aid – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
