How the value of assets is calculated

When Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) calculates the value of the assets of the person for the purpose of the means test, VLA subtracts allowable assets from the total value of the assets.

Purpose

VLA uses the result of the calculation of a person’s assets to decide:

• whether the person qualifies for the grant of legal assistance under the assets test
  and, if so,
• the amount of any initial contribution VLA may require the person to pay towards their legal costs.

Giving information and documentary proof of assets and any allowable assets

The person applying for a grant of legal assistance must give their lawyer (if using the simplified grants assessments process) or VLA (if using the standard grants assessments process) documentary proof of assets and documentary proof of allowable assets.