In March, Swann was convicted of defrauding the Otago District Health Board of almost $17 million.
He is serving a prison term of nine years and six months, with a minimum non-parole of four years and six months.
In a brief statement to the Otago Daily Times, Legal Services Agency manager Robyn Nicholas said "in line with agency policy" on granting aid for criminal appeals, "Mr Swann has been given a limited legal aid grant to enable his lawyer to prepare a summary of issues detailing the proposed grounds of appeal.
"This will enable the agency to decide whether he meets the criteria for a full grant of aid."
She did not say how much money was being made available to Swann, and his barrister, Hugo Young, of Invercargill would not comment.
In April, Swann lodged an appeal against his minimum non-parole period of four and a-half years and last month indicated to the High Court he was considering an appeal against his conviction.
His appeal was set down for October 6 but the ODT has been told it has been adjourned to another date.
Swann is still involved in a Proceeds of Crime Act case in which the Solicitor-general is attempting to recover Swann's known assets, valued at about $7 million, and other assets as yet undiscovered.
