Legal Aid Agency cyber security incident: frequently asked questions

ClientData data breach

Who might have been impacted by this breach? breach? [added 22 May 2025]

We believe the group has accessed and downloaded a significant amount of personal data from those who applied for legal aid through our digital service since 2010.

This data may have included contact details and addresses of applicants, their dates of birth, national ID numbers, criminal history, employment status and financial data such as contribution amounts, debts and payments.

What provider information has been breached? [added 22 May 2025]

We communicated to legal aid providers on 30 April that we believe that some financial details of providers may have been exposed including bank account numbers and sort codes. We have recommended providers remain vigilant for any unusual activity on their accounts.

What steps should I take to protect myself? myself? [added 22 May 2025]

We would recommend anyone who believes they could be involved in this data breach to take steps to protect themselves. This includes being alert for any suspicious activity, messages or phone calls and taking steps to update passwords. If in doubt about anyone you are communicating with online or over the phone, make sure to verify their identity independently before engaging further with them. The National Cyber Security Centre’s webpage contains information on how to protect yourself from the impact of a data breach. The webpage can be found at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/data-breaches.  . 

Are provider IT systems at risk? [added 22 May 2025]

There is no direct risk. There is no direct connection from Legal Aid Agency (LAA) systems to any provider system – it is a one-way provider to LAA connection only.

Do legal aid providers need to contact clients? [added 22 May 2025]

There is no contractual obligation on providers to report this incident to the ICOInformation Commissioner’s Office (ICO) or to inform clients. The data impacted by this incident is either owned by the LAA or is considered Shared Data within the definition of the contract. The contract at clause 16.3 of the standard terms sets out that the responsibilities of the data controller will be exercised by the party in possession of the data – in this case by MoJthe Ministry of Justice (MoJ) as the data controller for LAA. MoJ has notified the ICO of the incident,incident and has notified data subjects through the public announcement on GOV.UK on 19 May. 

Why is the Portal offline? [added 22 May 2025, updated 27 June 2025]

Further to LAA notifications, the GOV.UK statement posted on 19 May 2025 explains why the Portal is offline. Visit Legal aidAid operationsAgency cyber security incident to view the latest updates and communicationscontingency measures.

HowWill dothe ILAA transferprovide ana existingset liveof civilcommunications certificatefor fromlegal aaid previouspractitioners providerthat underthey contingency?can give to clients if they are contacted? [added 23 May 2025]

ProvidersGuidance shouldfor followclients theand sameproviders proceduresis underavailable theat: contingencyLegal processAid Agency cyber-security incident.

Civil Whenapplications

Applying thefor newsubstantive providerapplications where emergency representation has obtainedexpired [added a2 contingencyJuly reference2025]

Emergency number,representation theygranted shouldunder submitdelegated functions now includes a CIV16-week APP8time formlimit byand email£4,500 costs limitation. These limitations will apply to ContactCivil@justice.gov.ukemergency attachingrepresentation granted under delegated functions where the LAA is yet to make a lettersubstantive determination. Limitations on substantive determinations are effective from the otherdate sideof (existingthe provideremergency onrepresentation recorddetermination, formeaning funding will be continuous from the certificate)date advisingof theydelegated arefunctions happywhere forthe LAA issues a substantive certificate. Providers can amend limitations under emergency representation where the transferwork tois takecompleted place,within the 16-week limitation. 

Where emergency representation has been granted by the LAA willand considernot under delegated functions, providers can use the informationCIVAPP8 form to apply for amendments where further urgent work is required. 

In cases where the 16-week limitation has expired providers can submit a substantive application. Please note, we will require a CIVAPP1 (non-family) or CIVAPP3 (family) and returnthe decisionrelevant byFinancial email.Assessment form(s). Substantive applications cannot be made using the CIVAPP8 form. 

HowWhat doare Ithe accounttime forlimits experton costs?  emergency certificates if providers used delegated functions before the changes on 27 June 2025? [added 2 July 2025] 

TheNew averageemergency paymenttime schemelimits feeof is16-weeks calculatedapply onto all paymentscases thatwhere athe provider would,has onused average,delegated otherwisefunctions haveto receivedgrant funding (and emergency representation is still in anyplace) givenregardless week,of includingwhen thosethe todetermination experts.was Thismade, meansif thatthis was initially 8-weeks providers cannow usehave the averagepower paymentto extend emergency time limit up to cover16 anyweeks.

Is expert’sSecure costsFile thatExchange arevia dueGalaxkey instill thatoperational? [added week.27 However,May it2025]

Yes, isthe notSecure intendedFile toExchange, replacevia anyGalaxkey POAis tooperating coveras anynormal.

How specificcan costs,I soprogress weExceptional doCase notFunding recommend(ECF) providerscontrolled postwork anyapplications? part[added of30 theMay average2025]

You paymentcan schemecontinue to asubmit clientECF accountcontrolled towork avoidapplications ain complexthe reconciliationusual processway. uponFor restorationurgent ofcases, systemplease access.contact Inus theon eventContactECC@justice.gov.uk. providersIn havecircumstances awhere specificyou expertwould feeordinarily thatuse theyCCMS, believeplease willsubmit makean theirurgent averageapplication weeklyusing paymentthe unviable,appropriate theyapplication canforms discussand submit to this withemail theiraddress. contractGuidance manageron the forms to seeuse ifis theavailable escalationat processthis wouldlink: beLegal moreaid: appropriate.apply for exceptional case funding.

What can providers do if they believe the LAA havehas made a mistake on a Civil Contingency Application or Amendment? [added 13 June 2025]

Providers can use Civil Application Fixer (applicationfixer@justice.gov.uk) if they believe we have: incorrectly rejected or refused, not considered the information provided, asked for documents or information already provided or granted an incorrect cost limitation. We will only review the decision based on the information submitted originally. You must submit an appeal if you wish to provide new information. When emailing this service please provide the contingency reference number and also details of why you believe an error has been made with any supporting evidence. We aim to review submissions within 24 hours (Monday to Friday). We will then rectify any errors at the earliest opportunity. If we believe, based on the information provided, the decision was correct, we will ask you to follow the appeal and review route for challenging a decision.

Civil billing

HowWhat canprocess providersis obtainin civilplace fundingto forrefund Judicialclient Reviewcontributions? cases?[added 31 July]

ThePlease LAAemail understandcontactcivil@justice.gov.uk thatto inrequest Judicialthe Reviewrefund cases it is notreleased. alwaysIf clear to define the urgencyfinal testbills ishave metnot andbeen thatpaid, delegatedwe functionswill cannotrequire bean used,undertaking as thereto willyour notfinal becosts ato hearingrelease listedthe asexcess therefund. clientWe willalso berequire thephoto applicant.ID Ifand the providerclients canbank demonstratedetails to transfer the needmoney todirectly.

How getshould theI casesbill intoLegal court,Help ourescape Customercases? Service[added Team30 canMay consider2025]

Providers issuingshould thecontinue providerto withsubmit aescape contingencyfee referenceclaims numbervia soGalaxkey anand applicationemail. canThese bewill madecontinue to thebe processed by LAA viafor thepayment contingencyunder emailthe processnormal ontimeline. theProviders relevantcan formcontinue (CIVAPP6).

Whatto supportsubmit isescape therefee forclaims providersif inthey civilhave casesnot whenbeen usinguploaded delegatedonto functions,CWA due to checkthe ifPortal evidenceoutage. 

How ofdoes domesticthe abusecurrent orincident childimpact protectionon isHousing acceptableLoss toPrevention bringAdvice proceedingsService within(HLPAS) scopepayments? for[added certain22 privateMay law2025, familyupdated matters? 27 June 2025]

WeHLPAS arepayments introducingwill abe newpaid serviceas allowingnormal. providersClaims tomade checkas evidencepart withof the LAACWA contingency submission by 20 June will be paid on or before makingMonday an7 emergencyJuly. grantClaims undermade delegatedas functions.part Queriesof shouldthe CWA contingency submission by 20 July will be sentpaid toon GatewayEvidenceCheck@justice.gov.ukor Thebefore serviceMonday is4 intendedAugust.

Claims tomade beon availablespreadsheet wherecan thecontinue providerto isbe concernedsubmitted in the evidenceusual maymanner. notYour payment will be acceptedpicked byup on the LAA,next mostpayment ofrun theafter evidencereceipt attachedand toprocessing applicationswhich ismay straightforwardresult andin willyou notreceiving needyour topayment beearlier checked. than you currently do.

WhatHow supportshould isI thereaccount for providersEscape toCases undertakein themy client’sLegal financialHelp assessment/ inCrime civilLower casesmonthly beforesubmission? using[added delegated4 functions? June 2025]

WeGuidance recogniseis someprovided elementsin of the financialmonthly eligibilitysubmission assessmentform, areavailable notfor straightforward.download Providersat: who Legal haveAid queriesAgency inContingency relationMonthly Contract Submission (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 38.2 KB), on what to financialinclude eligibilityin assessmentsyour cantotal seekclaim assistancefigure. fromThe atotals dedicatedreported teamfor your monthly submission must not include any adjustment for Escape Cases regardless of caseworkerswhether beforethey grantinghave emergencybeen representationsubmitted underfor delegatedassessment. functions.Escape QueriesCases shouldwill be sentprocessed as usual and the LAA will make an adjustment to ContactMeansExpert@justice.gov.ukthe monthly payment to account for any additional sums due for Escape Cases that have been assessed during the month.

Civil billing: Statutory Charge and Costs Recoveries Reporting

CanHow do I includeclaim a claimnil inbill myto Crimebe Lowerable monthlyto submissionrelease inter partes costs for amy caseclient? that[added has24 completedJuly]

The butLAA wherewill noaccept Representationboth Orderrequests hasfor beena grantedStatutory yetCharge duedecision and to therelease Portalmonies outage?to  clients via email to ContactCivil@Justice.gov.uk

Yes.Please Ifsend yourvia applicationemail relatesan toAdmin 1 form for a SummaryStatutory OnlyCharge /decision, Eitheror Waya matterwritten inundertaking to request the Magistrates’release court,of pleasecosts assumeor thatdamages. theA applicationcaseworker will becorrespond granted. via email to confirm the decision, and any further information required.

WhenThe oursubmission internalof systemsnil becomebills availableand again,case yououtcomes willon needCCMS toare submitan theseadministrative applications. process where contingency is not required.

WhenWe assessingwill youraccept application,an ifemail weundertaking determinefrom thatfirms confirming the case shouldhas notconcluded havefor beenreporting granted,purposes. This process does not overrule the caseworkerneed willfor authorisenil legalbills aidand fromcase outcomes to be lodged on CCMS at the datereturn of thesystem initialaccess.

Crime stampapplications 

Crime (whichapplications: youGeneral

How will confirmtransfers toof us)Representation untilOrders thebe datemanaged yourto applicationresolve ispossible reviewed.duplicates? AtWhat thatrelated point,guidance ahas withdrawalbeen ofgiven legalto aidthe wouldjudiciary occur.on Thisthis? process[added 21 July 2025] 

Transfers will enableoperate youlargely toas claimthey fordo anynow costsas incurredset duringout thisin period.the  

WeCriminal understandLegal thatAid youManual will(CLAM) notat haveSection 7.1. If the transfer is of a Representation Order,Order that was issued by a noteprovider onusing thedevolved filepowers referring(and tofollowing transfer the incidentcase will becontinue sufficientto meet the criteria for auditthe purposes.use  

Asof youdevolved willpowers) notthen havethere receivedis ano MAATrequirement numberto forinform thesethe cases,LAA pleaseof usethe 900900transfer asdecision amade dummyby MAATthe numbercourt. whenThe claiming.receiving  Pleasefirm noteshould thatsimply whileuse currentthe MAATexisting numberstemplates areto 7issue digits,themselves 900900a Representation Order. 

When using devolved powers, is athe validprovider MAATrequired numberto andsend willa becopy accepted.of Thisthe isRepresentation essentialOrder to ensurethe thatclient itfor both new and stockpiled cases? Why is clearthere not a section for crime on the legal aid learning website? [added 21 July 2025] 

The regulations require that youra claimRepresentation Order is asent contingencyout claim,in all cases, and allowsso usthis requirement applies to trackthe andstockpiled monitorcases these.as well as ongoing cases.  

WhatCan should providers berecord capturingthe whentime usingfor theirfilling delegatedout function? the Representation Orders templates? [added 21 July 2025] 

Providers5.55 whenof usingthe delegatedStandard functionsCrime shouldContract captureSpecification allStandard theCrime informationContract theySpecification wouldstates: normally,“You includingmay undertakingcharge for work done in the client’sexercise financialof assessmentDelegated Functions and capturingrecording anyof requiredsuch evidenceexercise”, ofalthough we recognise that this will only make a difference to the clientfee financialclaimed in limited circumstances. 

WhatFirm signedA declarationswas areinstructed providerson expecteda tocertain obtaindate and toexercised retaindevolved onpowers filebut whenwithdrew usingat delegatedthe functionsfirst whilehearing on the portalsame day due to professional embarrassment. A new firm is down?  

Thenow followinginstructed appliesand inhas relationindicated they will be applying for legal aid. Can Firm A still exercise their devolved powers to grantsgrant ofa emergencyRepresentation representationOrder viaand Delegatedclaim Functionsthe madefee? duringNormally, the contingencyRepresentation process: 

• AOrder clientwould signaturebe istransferred. not[Added required21 July 2025]

  If Firm A was acting for the providerdefendant, they effectively exercised their devolved powers to grant emergencya representation,Representation whichOrder, caneven beif inthe placeinternal foradministrative upprocesses tohad eightnot weeks.

• Theyet LAAbeen willcompleted. notIf retrospectivelyFirm challengeA thiswishes grantto formake thea lackclaim under paragraph 10.93 of athe signatureStandard ifCrime thereContract is2022 clearSpecification, evidencethen (forFirm example,B emailmust exchangesapply orto telephonethe attendancecourt notesfor etc)a ontransfer of the fileRepresentation thatOrder.

  In this situation, the grantprovisions wasfor legitimatelyan madeurgent intransfer accordancemay withapply (see section 7.1.2 of the clientCriminal wishes. Legal TheAid evidenceManual). needsSince tothe demonstrateLegal oneAid ofAgency (LAA) had not issued the following:

  • Theinitial clientRepresentation formedOrder, the appropriatecourt intentiondoes not need to signnotify andthe submitLAA of the applicationtransfer.

    Where form,a or

  • Youprovider havereceived beena directlydate appointedstamp byon a16 courtApril orbut tribunalwas waiting to actsubmit the application for thea client.
• AtRepresentation Order pending receipt of the pointclient’s thatNI annumber applicationwhen can,the beportal submittedwent ontodown, CCMS,can youthey shouldnow seekexercise devolved powers and grant a signatureRepresentation fromOrder you(criteria clientis atsatisfied) from the earliestdate possiblestamp opportunity.
• Youdate? may[added still21 submitJuly a2025] 

  For claimapplications ifdate youstamped arein unableCrime toApply securebefore a7 clientMay signature,2025 includingbut anot digitalsubmitted, signature,providers where:

  • itwill isneed clearto reasonableemail attemptsa haveCRM14 been(and madeCRM15 where required) for the LAA to secureprocess. Please tell us on the client’sapplication signature,about andthe date stamp you haveobtained providedin evidenceCrime ofApply and the client’sLAA intentionwill backdate any Representation Order to signthis thedate. 

    For form,any applications date stamped in Crime Apply on or

  • you haveafter been7 appointedMay to2025, actwhen forthe delegated powers were implemented, and the criteria are satisfied, then providers can exercise those powers and grant a clientRepresentation Order. 

    Is there a deadline by when providers need to submit stockpiled applications to the LAA (Crown Court and defendants who are employed, self-employed, a courtdirector or tribunal.

Whenis canliving providersoff usesavings)? delegated[added functions?   21 July 2025] 

ProvidersThese canwill usebe delegatedaccepted functions for initialthe applications.foreseeable Thefuture timehowever limitfor ofCrown anCourt emergencyapplications certificateit is 8in weeks;your interests to submit these at the providerearliest canopportunity. continueWithout toa amendCrown Court representation order from the scopeLAA andyou costswill ofbe theirunable emergencyto grantapply for theprior 8authority weeks, or untilclaim theyany submitinterim thepayments. 

Why applicationis onthere CCMSnot a section for thecrime LAAon determination.the Alegal tableaid oflearning Delegatedwebsite Authoritiestoo Proceduralfor Regulationsan area which detailsis whatequally providersimportant, canand delegatewhich for,is subjectcomplex with regard to thecrime termsapplications ofand thecrime relevantbilling? contact,[added can21 beJuly found2025] 

A herecrime contingency section has now been added: Crime Contingency – Legal Aid Learning.  

When

Guidance on the LAAincident makewebpage thestates substantivethat  determination,where exercising devolved powers, crime providers aremust unableprovide toa usecopy delegatedof functionsthe Representation Order to amendthe client. Where the scopeProvider orincurs costs of postage to do so, can they claim these as a certificate.disbursement, Providersgiven these are ableexpenses that would not normally have to submitbe theincurred? amendment[added for21 aJuly decision2025] 

It atis aenvisaged laterthat date,this thewould LAAnormally willhappen exerciseduring routine correspondence with the backdatingclient provisionsor wereat required.   a physical hearing and so cannot be claimed separately. 

WillOn BACSthe statementsRepresentation continueOrders tothat befirms senthave followingbeen eachprovided paymentwith run? - what should they populate the ASN, ASN Seq and URN fields with? [added 23 July 2025]

BACS[updated statements29 willJuly continue2025]  

We topreviously beupdated printedthe andRepresentation postedOrder outtemplates asto usualremove afterthe eachASN payment,field as willthis is not needed. Similarly, the ProviderASN StatementSeq offield Accounthas (PSOA)also thatnow arebeen sentremoved outso atthat only the endoffences and date of each month.

Howoffence doneed Ito makebe alisted. claimPlease foruse CrimeVersion Hardship4 payments?

Providersof arethe referredmagistrates’ court through to Crown Court sentence template (see also new FAQ below) and Version 3 of the Crown Court Feetemplate Guidanceavailable andon Litigatorthe feeincident claimwebpage. formsThe andURN guidanceis -the GOV.UKUnique forReference detailsNumber ofused hardshipin andthe interimCommon claims.Platform. 

Graduated

Why feedoes (LGFSthe andrepresentation AGFS)order claimtemplate assessmentfor hasmagistrates’ nowcourt recommencedthrough andto paymentsCrown Court sentence not specify that it will also cover a junior advocate if the case is committed for sentence? [added 29 July 2025]

We have begunupdated the template to make it clear that this weekis (w/cthe 2case. June)Please use Version 4 going forward as this clarifies the position; however, anyorders claimsissued using previous versions still include cover for hardshipinstructing mayjunior becounsel discussedin withthese yourcircumstances, Contracteven Manager.though it is not explicitly stated.

WhatWhere shouldcan providers dofind ifthe aexact civilwording application,of amendmentthe oroffences appealto wasbe submittedincluded viaon the portalrepresentation previously,order? but[added no29 decisionJuly was2025]

The madeshort beforetitle theoffence portalwording wentwill down? 

Regardlessbe ofvisible whetherto providers when they associate themselves with a case wason previouslyCommon submittedPlatform, onand thethis system,is providerswhat should followbe included on the samerepresentation proceduresorder, underrather than the contingencyfull process. description of the offence.

HowWhen emailing a CRM14, how should providers applyrequest forthat amendmentsa torepresentation costorder andis scopebackdated into civilthe certificatesdate whenof instruction due to the portalservice isbeing down?  offline? [added 29 July 2025]

ProvidersSome areproviders ablehave tobeen submitindicating this date in the amendmentaccompanying foremail, aand decisionothers athave abeen latersetting date,it theout LAAin willfree exercisetext in the backdatingform provisionsitself. wereBoth required. of these approaches are acceptable.

If

Where thea provider wantsissued thea LAARepresentation toOrder makeunder devolved powers and the decision,client ifthen theyopts arefor unsureCrown ifCourt thetrial meritsor criteriathe case is beingsent metto theythe shouldCrown contactCourt, what date should the LAAprovider CSTask teamthe LAA to explaindate the urgencynew toRepresentation obtainOrder afrom contingencywhen referencesubmitting number.a TheyCRM14? will[added then29 beJuly advised2025]

Unless toa submitprovider requests otherwise, the relevantLAA applicationwill formdate andthe emailCrown itCourt toRepresentation ContactCivil@Justice.gov.ukOrder wherefrom theythe willdate we receive athe decisionCRM14 byor returnthe email.day Providersafter incommittal, thesewhichever circumstancesis shouldlater. tryIf andthe provideprovider granted a copymagistrates’ ofcourt theirRepresentation mostOrder recentand certificate,would anylike reportsus orto evidencebackdate to supportthe coverageday after committal, they would need to Finalstate hearing.this on the CRM14 or within the email. However, please ensure Crown Court applications are submitted at the earliest opportunity.

WhatFollowing happenson iffrom athe above question, how does the provider usesensure delegatedthey functionsare thenpaid for the LAASending atHearing theFixed pointFee ofand considerationcan deeminstruct theCounsel? merits[added are29 notJuly met?  2025]

TheIf LAAthe willprovider honourgranted allfunding useswhilst ofthe delegatedcase functionsis whichin arethe mademagistrates’ undercourt, the termsself-granted ofmagistrates’ court Representation Order would cover the providerssending contacthearing and therefore allow them to claim the regulations,Sending ifHearing itFixed isFee. deemedNote, this would be the meritscase areeven if the internal administrative processes had not metyet atbeen pointcompleted ofto LAAissue assessingthe anorder embargoitself.

To and/orinstruct dischargecounsel ofhowever, they will then need to submit a CRM14 to the emergencyLAA.

When certificateaccess to systems has been restored will takeproviders placebe fromrequired thatto date,submit all self-granted applications onto Crime Apply? Providers are retaining records of self-grant and using 900900 but it will be onerous for providers canand billLAA staff alike, if they are required to retrospectively apply for workfunding. up[added 23 July 2025]  

Providers do not need to thatsubmit date.any Itself-granted isapplications, importanteither thatnow theor providerwhen ensuresCrime thatApply abecomes reasonableavailable.

Crime assessmentapplications: Financial eligibility 

Is use of the client’sonline financialcalculator circumstancemandatory (includingfor thatpassported / unemployed defendants? [added 30 July 2025]

Whilst we would strongly advise using the calculator, it is not mandatory.

If a client hasis disclosedin allcustody financialand information)no toevidence ensureis therequired of passported benefits, if they are granted bail for sentence or trial will evidence be required then? [added 29 July 2025]

If a client is in court custody when they instruct, and they are later released on bail, they will not atthen riskneed ofto provide evidence. Providers need not retrospectively request evidence based on a change in custody status. If, however, the certificatecase beingis revokedcommitted andto havingCrown Court for trial, the provider will need to paysubmit backan application to the costsLAA, ofand workwe undertaken.  would request the NINO and evidence if not already provided with the application.

HowFor stockpiled magistrates’ court applications that now fall within the delegated powers, do providers recordneed anto applicationget afterproof of passporting benefit or can they claim based on the useinfo ofthey delegatedhad functions?  at the time they signed their client up for funding? [added 21 July 2025] 

Providers shoulddo keepnot aneed recordto ofgather any evidence of a passporting benefit for cases grantedwhere underthey delegatedwere functions.instructed Therebefore is16 noJuly 2025.

Do firms need to try and obtain evidence of a passporting benefit for theseany tocase bethat sentremains live? [added 21 July 2025] 

The onus on paper-basedproviders formsto viatry theand contingencyobtain process.evidence Fundingof grantedpassporting underbenefits delegatedwill functionsonly shouldapply beto sentcases viawhere theproviders Portalare oncenewly accessinstructed hasfrom been16 restored.  July 2025 onwards.

What Applicationsteps andshould Meansa formsprovider shouldfollow bewhere submittedit foris not possible to obtain evidence of a substantivepassporting application?   benefit from a client? [added 21 July 2025] 

AfterIf youevidence haveof contacteda thepassported LAAbenefit Customercannot Servicebe Teamobtained andor receivedis not provided despite a contingencychaser, referencethe numberapplications forshould urgentbe workassessed youas willnon-passported. beFor adviseda non-passported case, a provider only needs to download,gather completedetails of the name, amount and emailfrequency theof relevantbenefit Applicationpayments and Meansuse formthis fromto GOV.UKcomplete the online means calculator (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/criminal-legal-aid-means-testing). In line with anyexisting supportingrequirements, documentsproviders do not have to ContactCivil@Justice.gov.uk   obtain evidence of a non passported benefit. 

• CIV

  Note: APP1:if applicationa forcase civilis legaltreated aidas certificates

• CIVAPP3non-passported, –it applicationdoes fornot legalneed aidto inbe familyemailed proceedings
• CIVto MEANSthe 1:LAA financialon assessmenta form,completed notCRM14. passported
• CIVThe Meansonly 1A:cases self-employedthat soleneed trader
• CIVto MEANSbe 1B:submitted tradingremain inthose awhere self-employedthe partnership
• CIVdefendant MEANSis 1C:employed, companyself-employed, a director or aliving shareholderoff insavings aor limitedif company
• CIVthe MEANScase 2:progresses Financialto assessmentthe formCrown forCourt. 

  Should legalproviders aidstill clientbe passported

• CIVseeking MEANS2A:to passported,obtain selfa employedNational orInsurance innumber business(NINO) partnership
• CIVfrom MEANSeach 3:passported clientclient? living[added outside21 theJuly UK

2025]

Will

It has always been a providermandatory needrequirement for providers to re-enterobtain a paperNINO applicationfor submittedany underdefendant who is in receipt of a contingencypassported referencebenefit number(with ontocertain CCMSexceptions whenset theout portalin accessCLAM). hasThis beenrequirement restored?  

No,remains anyin decisionsplace. madeIt byis necessary to enable retrospective confirmation that a defendant was in receipt of the LAAbenefit onclaimed. paperIt applicationsis duringimportant contingencyto arrangementsnote that this checking will benot enteredlead byto the LAArecoupment ontoof CCMSany onceclaims systempaid, accesswhere a good faith and proportionate approach has been restored.  

Hasdemonstrated to implementing the LAAcontingency extendedprocesses thein lengthline ofwith the emergencyguidance. certificates?   

EmergencyThis representationchecking currentlyis, remainshowever, limitedessential for us to eightassess weeks.  the impact of the contingency arrangements, and the extent of any errors. 

WhatDo willproviders happenstill whenneed ato client’sobtain meansproof isof eventuallypassported assessed,benefits andwhere athe contributionclient is due?  in court custody? [added 21 July 2025] 

ContributionsFor willapplicants becomewho effectiveare fromin thecourt datecustody theand LAAclaim makesto be in receipt of a substantivepassported determination.benefit, Theythese willapplications can be automatically passported and do not accruehave arrears.  

Howto shouldprovide providerstheir/partner’s dealNINO. withThe LAA appreciates the needdifficulties that applicants are likely to increasehave aaccessing costthis limitinformation in these circumstances. (NINOs continue to be mandatory for all other applicants as per the normal process). 

What evidence is required to show receipt of a certificate?  passported benefit? [added 21 July 2025]

RequestsEvidence toof increasereceipt costsof area appliedpassported retrospectivelybenefit and(Income areSupport, notUniversal dateCredit, specific.Income-related TheEmployment LAASupport wouldAllowance, encourageIncome-based providersJob toSeekers applyAllowance forand costGuaranteed limitState increasesPension whenCredit) accesswould tobe satisfied by one of the portalfollowing: 

• A hasrecent beenbank restored.or Thebuilding LAAsociety acceptstatement thereshowing istransactions anduring elementthe ofcalculation riskperiod with(within thisthe forlast 3 months) – the providerbenefit andtype willmust providebe specified on the statement.
• A benefit notification letter dated within 3 months.
• A benefit notification letter older than 3 months supported by a contingencyrecent referencebank wherestatement i.e. showing transactions during the providercalculation isperiod.
• A notscreenshot preparedof tothe workpayments atfrom risk.  

  Howthe willuniversal Highcredit Costonline Familyaccount.

• Additional caseguidance plansthat bemay consideredhelp underobtaining contingency? 

  Toevidence registerdirect afrom familyDWP caseGet asa Highproof Costof providersbenefit shouldletter email Highcostfamily@justice.gov.uk- GOV.UK with

If supportingthe evidence.client Casecan plansonly willprovide bea acceptedbank andstatement providerswhich shoulddoes usenot specify the sametype address.of Morebenefit, informationthe onprovider howshould toprocess submitthe applications as a casenon-passported planbenefit under(‘benefits contingencybypass’) measuresas previously referred. 

Guidance on benefit income can be found here:in HighCLAM, Costincluding Familythe (HCF)regular Contingencypayment Processesamount at Annex S of the Criminal Legal Aid Manual. Any applications sent to the LAA continue to follow the usual evidence requirements. 

HowPlease note, if the evidence of Universal Credit shows a payment of zero, the applicant is not in receipt of a UC payment and should Itherefore billnot Legalbe Helpassessed escapeas cases?  passported. 

Providers

Crime shouldapplications: continueInterests toof submitJustice escapetest 

What feehappens claimsif viaa Galaxkeyprovider andgrants email.a TheseRepresentation willOrder continuefor toan beEither processedWay bymatter LAAthat forthey paymentthink underwill remain in the normalmagistrates’ timeline.court, Providersbut canthe continuemagistrates’ court decide it should go to submitthe escapeCrown feeCourt claims(for iftrial) at a hearing, after they have notgranted beenthe uploadedRepresentation ontoOrder?        CWA 

The dueRepresentation toOrder template covers the portalmagistrates’ outage.   

Howcourt willwork Ionly. knowIf an Either Way case is committed to the valueCrown ofCourt Escapefor Casetrial, assessments?  

Providersproviders will continueneed to receiveapply for the usualCrown individualCourt assessmentwork letters,by whichemailing in a completed CRM14/15, as they will confirmneed thea assessmentRepresentation outcome.Order Ifcovering the resultCrown isCourt “paidto asclaim claimed”for thenthe work done. 

What evidence should providers willretain receiveon file to evidence that the Interests of Justice (IOJ) test has been satisfied with self-granted applications? [added 21 July 2025] 

Providers should keep a note of IOJ reasoning on file along with full amountdetails claimedof forthe client’s means (including all relevant evidence). For all applications as part of the case.contingency, ForIOJ thosejustification claimsshould thatbe haveprovided beenin reducedline butwith stillthe requireWidgery ancriteria, Escapewhether Casethat paymentis (ie,on theyfile haveor notpart beenof reducedan application to aLAA. 

It Fixedis Feealso only)recommended thenthat theproviders assessmentcomplete tablea includedcopy withinof the assessmentCRM14/15 letterand willkeep detailthis whaton hasfile beenfor authorisedthis againstpurpose, whatalthough hasthis beenis claimed. not mandatory.

Crime billing

How should I account for Escape Cases in my Legal Help / Crime Lower monthly submission? submission? [added 4 June 2025]

Guidance is provided in the monthly submission formform, available for download atat: LAA Legal Aid Agency Contingency Monthly Contract Submission (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 38.2 KB), on what to include in your total claim figure. The totals reported for your monthly submission must not include any adjustment for Escape Cases regardless of whether they have been submitted for assessment. Escape Cases will be processed as usual and the LAA will make an adjustment to the monthly payment to account for any additional sums due for Escape Cases that have been assessed during the month.

AreHow theredo anyI issuesmake witha Qualifiedclaim Legalfor RepresentativeCrime (QLR)Hardship claims? payments? [added 4 June 2025, updated 27 June 2025]

No,Providers are referred to the QualifiedCrown LegalCourt RepresentativeFee schemeGuidance isand unaffectedLitigator fee claim forms and claimsguidance canfor bedetails submittedof ashardship normal. and interim claims.

How

Graduated canfee I(Litigators’ progressGraduated ECFFee controlledScheme work(LGFS) applications?  

Youand canAdvocates’ continueGraduated toFee submitScheme ECF(AGFS)) controlledclaim workassessment applicationsrecommenced inwith payments resuming the usualweek way.commencing For2 urgentJune. cases,Claims pleasefor contacthardship usshould onbe ContactECC@justice.gov.uk.discussed Inwith circumstancesyour whereContract youManager.

Can wouldI ordinarilyinclude usea CCMS,claim pleasein submitmy anCrime urgentLower applicationmonthly usingsubmission thefor appropriatea applicationcase formsthat andhas submitcompleted tobut thiswhere emailno address.Representation GuidanceOrder onhas thebeen formsgranted toyet usedue isto availablethe atPortal thisoutage? link:[added Legal5 aid:June apply2025, forupdated exceptional17 caseJune funding

2025]

How

Yes. canIf Iyour makeapplication claimsrelates forto Paymentsa onSummary AccountOnly (POAs)/ andEither finalWay claims? 

Duematter toin the currentmagistrates’ portalcourt, outage,please assume that the LAAapplication iswill unablebe togranted. 

When processour claimsinternal forsystems payment,become includingavailable POAsagain, inyou thewill usualneed way.to Thesubmit Averagethese Paymentsapplications. 

When forassessing Civilyour Representationapplication, contingencyif schemewe hasdetermine beenthat calculatedthe tocase includeshould anynot POAhave paymentsbeen orgranted, interim/finalthe billcaseworker paymentswill thatauthorise alegal provideraid orfrom memberthe date of the independentinitial Barstamp would(which otherwiseyou haswill received.  

Moreconfirm informationto onus) howuntil the scheme,date includingyour howapplication it is calculated,reviewed. andAt whatthat topoint, doa ifwithdrawal youof dolegal notaid believewould itoccur. isThis appropriateprocess forwill you,enable isyou availableto here:claim Contingencyfor Paymentany -costs Providersincurred Guide during this period.

Where

We weunderstand that you will not have a newRepresentation clientOrder. andA urgentnote workon needsthe file referring to the incident will be carriedsufficient outfor andaudit wepurposes.

As needyou towill decidenot whetherhave toreceived applya MAAT number for anthese Emergency/cases, Substantialplease application,use what900900 doas wea do?  

Underdummy CurrentMAAT contingencynumber arrangements,when ifclaiming. thePlease providernote hasthat awhile newcurrent clientMAAT andnumbers thereare 7 digits, 900900 is urgenta workvalid theyMAAT shouldnumber exerciseand Delegatedwill Functionsbe ifaccepted. reasonableThis is essential to doensure sothat andit startis theclear workthat required,your thisclaim applicationis shoulda becontingency uploadedclaim, throughand CCMSallows whenus accessto istrack restoredand tomonitor thethese.

What portal.date Wewill aremy waivingCRM4 thebe needgranted forfrom, providersthe todate submitof submission or the applicationdate toof usdecision? within[added 522 workingJuly days. 

2025] 

IfOur providerspre-incident areprocess unablewas to exercisegrant Delegatedbased Functionson the providerdate shouldof contactdecision. theThis LAAworked CSTbecause teamwe were able to explainprocess theelectronic urgencyapplications andwithin why1 theyto cannot2 usedays. delegatedAs functionsa toresult obtainof athe email based contingency referencecurrently number,in theyplace, willturnaround thentimes beare advisednow toapproximately submit8 days (at the relevanttime applicationof formwriting), and emailwe ithave tohad ContactCivil@Justice.gov.ukfeedback quotingthat using the contingencydate referenceof number,decision wherefor theyCRM4s willis receivecausing adifficulties decisionfor bysome returnproviders. email.  

WhereAs a clienttemporary hasmeasure, aprior Finalauthority Hearinggrants andwill wenow arebe unablebackdated to amendthe theirdate certificateof tosubmission. includeThis thewill Finalbe Hearingthe scope,date willthe thisfully becompleted honouredCRM4 and all necessary information is received by email. If further information is requested, the Finalgrant Hearingwill be coveredeffective later?    

Providersfrom the date that further information is provided. Once systems are ablereinstated and our turnaround times have fallen to submitmore theusual amendmentlevels, forwe awill decisionrevert atto aour laterprevious dateapproach. andPlease we’llnote exercisethat thewe backdatingremain provisions. unable to grant retrospective CRM4s.  

IfTo theensure providerthat wantsyour theCRM4 LAAapplication tocan be processed first time, please make sure you provide the decision,following: 

• A iffully theycompleted areCRM4 unsureform. ofPlease theensure meritsa criteriaUnique File Number is beingprovided, metalong theywith shoulddetails contactof why the LAAexpenditure CSTis teamsought
• A toquote explainfrom the urgencyexpert, tocontaining obtain a contingencybreakdown referenceof number,the theyrequested willhours thenand behourly advisedrate, toas submitwell theas relevanttheir applicationpostcode
• Alternative formquotes andif emailthe ithourly torate ContactCivil@Justice.gov.ukis wherehigher theythan willthe receiveprescribed arates, decisionor bythe returnnumber email.of Providershours inis thesehigher circumstancesthan shouldtypically tryexpected

What andcan providehelp awith copyassessment ofif theirI mostam recentclaiming certificate,a anyCommittal reportsfor orSentence evidencefixed tofee supporton coveragea tocase Finalwhere hearing.   

Whyno isMAAT thenumber Portalhas offline? been provided? [added 23 July] 

A

• Please messageclaim updatingthe providerscase on CCCD using the positiondummy wasnumber sent4900900. on 
• Provide Monday,a 19copy May.of Followingthe manual representation order issued by the plannedsolicitor, weekendor outageconfirm lastin weekthe additional information section if the decisionrepresentation order was takenself-granted. 
• If toyou keepare themaking Portalan offlineAdvocates atclaim, thisplease time.also Providersprovide willan receiveattendance anote furtheras updatethis onwill accessenable toan theaccurate systemassessment on Thursdayinitial 22submission.

Ministry May. 

of Justice schemes 

WhyAre didthere twoany paymentsissues appearwith inQualified myLegal accountRepresentative w/c(QLR) 19claims? [added May?30 May 2025]

FollowingNo, the extendedQualified downtimeLegal ofRepresentative thescheme LAAis Portalunaffected onand 8claims andcan 9be May,submitted theas LAAnormal. 

Payments

Will workedBACS hardstatements continue to processbe assent muchfollowing ofeach thepayment backlogrun? as[added possible4 June 2025]

BACS statements will continue to ensurebe providersprinted receivedand theposted paymentsout theyas areusual due.after Toeach dopayment, thisas itwill isthe wasProvider necessaryStatement toof undertakeAccount two(PSOA) paymentthat runs.are sent out at the end of each month.

What billsdo willI bedo paidif inI thecan’t paymentmeet runa forVAT onbill deadline as a result of delayed legal aid payments? [added 27 May?June 2025]

CivilFollowing Representationcontact from the LAA, His Majesty’s Revenue and CrownCustoms Court(HMRC) Billshas authorisedupdated upits toguidance Friday,on 16the May.

AreVAT Centraland FundDebt claimscustomer impacted? 

Thesupport centrallines fundsincluding claimed‘time assessedto andpay administeredarrangements’ byacknowledging that HMRC is working with the LAALAA.

Individual practitioners who are notconcerned impacted. about Pleasetheir submitability asto usual.   

Ismeet Securea FileVAT Exchangebill viadeadline Galaxkeyas stilla operational? 

Yes,result theof Securedelayed Filelegal Exchange,aid viapayments Galaxkeyshould iscontact operatingHMRC asindividually.  

HMRC normal.VAT Helpline: 0300 200 3700

Communications

I didam a legal aid provider, why have I not receivereceived theincident-related email notification,notifications whyfrom not?  the LAA? [added 22 May 2025, updated 27 June 2025]

All legal aid providers (contracted solicitors and barristersbarristers) registered on the portalLAA werePortal sent receive theregular message.email updates. Please check whether your spam filters have blocked incoming emails from the LAA. You will need to ensure you are able to receive messages from communicationsdepartment@justice.gov.uk and legalaidbulletin@labulletin.org.uk to ensure that you receive future correspondence. Alternatively,If you think you are not receiving LAA emails please speak to your LAA Contract ManagerManager, inor for members of the firstindependent instanceBar, ifplease youcontact thinkthe youLAA areCustomer notServices receivingTeam LAAon emails0300 200 20 20 in the first instance to ensure that your correct details are on file. file.

Can I correspond with the LAA by email? email? [added 22 May 2025]

Yes, there is no concern with email communication.

Other

WillIn relation to Judicial Review work under Public Law, as providers approach settlement but cannot serve the LAAN255 provideform on the paid party due to a setlack of communicationsa forcertificate, legalwill aidthey practitionersbe thatprotected if they complete the form declaring that the certificate has been issued, even though it hasn’t, until the system is operational and the certificate can givebe toformally clientsobtained? if[added they9 areJuly contacted?2025]

GuidanceWhere formatters clientsare concluding and providerscosts isare availablebeing atconsidered, we would consider that the email from the Legal Aid Agency cyber-security(LAA) incidentconfirming -the GOV.UK.grant of funding is sufficient to constitute the certificate for the purposes of submitting an application to the court. 

We

Under haveRegulation recently38 receivedof athe paymentCivil runLegal fromAid (Procedure) Regulations 2012, the LAAprovider foris criminalrequired legalto aidnotify fees,the butcourt and other parties of the reconciliationdetermination. notificationThe diddetails typically included in the LAA’s confirmation email—such as the client’s name, scope of funding, and date of determination—should satisfy the requirements of this regulation. 

We would not comeexpect throughthere afterwards.to Whatbe any penalty or procedural issue if this email is provided to the latestcourt updatein onplace of the formal certificate, particularly where system issues are preventing its immediate issuance. However, we recommend including a brief covering note explaining the situation and confirming that situation?

the formal certificate will be provided once available.