After you apply

Your application will only be assessed after all required documents have been submitted.

To assess your application, you will need to undergo two interviews:

(1)   Means Test Interview – determine if you have limited financial means to afford legal representation; and

(2)   Merits Test Interview – determine if you have reasonable grounds for bringing or defending a case in Court.

You will be informed of your interview schedule, and you must make yourself available for the respective interview which will typically be conducted via telephone. To ensure efficiency in the interview process, please indicate in your application if you require any special assistance (i.e. sign or foreign language interpretation). In the event you are unable to attend any interview, kindly inform the respective officer in advance for a reschedule.

During the interviews, our officers may ask you to provide further information or documentation to assess your financial circumstances, or to understand your legal case better. Hence, your cooperation is essential for our officers to provide a full and complete assessment of your case.

You will be notified of your application outcome by your preferred correspondence mode. If your application is successful -

(a) You may be required to pay a contribution amount to the Public Defender’s Office before the Grant of Aid is issued, and a Public Defender assigned to your case; or

(b) If your case is referred to Pro Bono SG, you may also be required to pay a contribution amount before a volunteer lawyer is assigned to your case.

The quantum of your contribution amount is based on your financial means assessment. Payment can be made via our eCollection Portal (click here ↗ (opens in new tab)). The available payment modes are PayNow, eNets and Visa/Mastercard.