Last updated 1 May 2026
Case Buddy vs Legal Aid
Legal Aid is government funding for legal advice and representation for people who cannot afford a solicitor. Eligibility is means-tested and restricted to certain case types. Case Buddy is free to everyone and covers more scenarios, but does not provide the qualified legal representation that legal aid-funded solicitors can.
Side-by-side comparison
| Case Buddy | Legal Aid | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24/7, instant — no waiting list | Subject to eligibility; finding a legal aid solicitor can be difficult due to funding cuts |
| Cost | Free | Free if you qualify (means and merits tested) |
| Specialist expertise | AI trained on UK housing, employment, and debt recovery law | Qualified solicitors funded by the government; high-quality specialist advice |
| Speed | Immediate answers in seconds | Eligibility checks take time; then finding a provider can take days to weeks |
| Covers all 3 areas | Yes — housing, employment, and debt recovery | Housing (possession, homelessness): yes. Employment tribunal: no. Most debt: no. |
| Generates legal letters | Yes — formal letters for housing, employment, and debt situations | Yes — and full legal representation in court proceedings |
Which is right for you?
Use Case Buddy when…
- You want to understand your rights before applying for legal aid
- Your issue does not fall within the categories covered by legal aid (e.g. employment tribunal, most debt)
- You do not qualify on means or merits grounds
- You need help right now and cannot wait for the legal aid process
- You are preparing your case while waiting for a legal aid solicitor
Use Legal Aid when…
- You face housing possession proceedings and are on a low income
- You face homelessness and need legal representation urgently
- You are on benefits or have a low income and face a serious legal problem
- You need representation at a court or tribunal hearing
- Your case meets the merits test — there is a reasonable chance of success
Our verdict
Legal aid provides something Case Buddy cannot: funded representation by a qualified solicitor in court. If you face a housing possession case or other qualifying legal action and you are on a low income, check whether you qualify for legal aid at gov.uk/legal-aid. Use Case Buddy to understand your rights while you navigate the eligibility process — the two are not mutually exclusive.
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