Important Amendments to the Legal Aid and Advice Act

Introducing Section 6A - Supporting Volunteers for Mentally Incapacitated Persons

We are excited to share a significant update to the Legal Aid and Advice Act ("LAAA") with the introduction of Section 6A! This amendment marks a step forward in enhancing access to justice and empowering professionals to step in when vulnerable individuals need assistance the most.

What's New?

The new Section 6A ensures volunteers (social workers, professional deputies) from means testing when helping mentally incapacitated persons with legal aid. This applies when the person qualifies and has no suitable family members as deputies, removing financial barriers for volunteers.

Why is this important?

• No financial barriers; streamlined access: Volunteers can support vulnerable individuals without incurring additional legal costs.
• Means test applies to the person lacking capacity: Volunteers will not be subject to the usual means test.

 How to apply?

Volunteer deputies may send in their names, e-mail addresses and contact numbers to labssr_mailbox@lab.gov.sg