Are You Eligible for a Government-Funded Lawyer?
Legal help can be expensive, especially when a case drags on. Fortunately, the Netherlands offers subsidised legal aid for those who meet certain income and asset requirements. This system, known as the toevoeging, allows you to receive legal assistance from a government-funded lawyer. In this blog, you'll learn when you're eligible, what your own contribution will be, and how this could expand your legal options.
What is a government-funded lawyer?
A government-funded lawyer is paid primarily by the Dutch government. The Legal Aid Board (Raad voor Rechtsbijstand) assesses who qualifies for this support. The goal is to ensure that people with low or moderate incomes are not excluded from legal assistance due to financial reasons.
When do you qualify for subsidized legal aid?
To receive help from a government-funded lawyer, your income and assets must fall below certain thresholds. These limits are reviewed annually. The Legal Aid Board usually looks at your income and assets from two years ago. In 2025, your eligibility will be based on your 2023 tax return.
The 2025 thresholds are:
Singles: annual income below €33,200
Couples or people with dependent children: joint annual income below €46,900
Assets: no more than €31,747 in box 3 (excluding tax-free allowance)
Has your income dropped since 2023? You can request a reassessment based on your current (lower) income. This is particularly relevant if you’ve recently become unemployed.
How much will you pay yourself?
If you’re eligible, you won’t pay the full lawyer’s fee. Instead, you’ll pay a personal contribution ranging from €165 to €891, depending on your income level. The remaining costs are covered by the government.
In some cases, your personal contribution may be reduced further, for example, if the Legal Help Desk (Juridisch Loket) referred you to a lawyer. This makes access to legal assistance even more affordable.
What does this mean for you?
A government-funded lawyer can help with a wide range of issues: from employment disputes to housing conflicts or family law matters. If you meet the financial criteria, you won’t have to worry about high legal fees. This ensures legal support remains within reach, even if your financial means are limited.
Please note: subsidized legal aid is not available for all types of legal proceedings. For example, simple debt collection cases or matters with clear financial gain usually don’t qualify. A lawyer can assess your situation.
Conclusion
Government-funded legal aid ensures access to justice for all. If your income and assets fall within the legal limits, you may be entitled to substantial financial support for legal services. Contact a lawyer early to check your eligibility and understand what steps to take.
This blog was written by Mr. Stijn Blom
Employment law attorney at expatlawyer.nl B.V. Stijn has extensive experience in employment law and supports entrepreneurs on a daily basis with a wide range of employment law issues. From dismissal cases to drafting watertight agreements and regulations – with his practical and personal approach, he helps employers and employees move forward. Want to know more? Visit Stijn’s page.
Expatlawyer.nl is happy to think along with you if you have questions about the topic of employment law. Feel free to get in touch.
June 2025
