Small Claims Court Fees UK: How Much It Costs and Help With Fees 2026

If you are bringing a claim in the small claims track in England and Wales, you will need to pay a court fee when you issue your claim. For the 2026 fee year, these costs range from £35 for claims up to £300 to £455 for claims up to £10,000. This guide explains the full fee structure, how the Help with Fees scheme works, and what to expect if you are in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Small Claims Court Fee Structure 2026

The small claims track in England and Wales covers claims valued at up to £10,000 (or £1,000 for personal injury). The court issue fee is calculated based on the amount you are claiming. For claims up to £300, the fee is £35. Claims between £300.01 and £500 cost £50; £500.01 to £1,000 cost £70; £1,000.01 to £1,500 cost £80; £1,500.01 to £3,000 cost £115; £3,000.01 to £5,000 cost £205; and £5,000.01 to £10,000 cost £455. These fees are set by the Civil Proceedings Fees Order and are reviewed annually. You may also need to pay a hearing fee if the case proceeds to a final hearing, which is currently £25 for most small claims hearings.

Help With Fees: Remission and Eligibility

The Help with Fees scheme (formerly fee remission) can reduce or waive your court fee entirely. You may qualify if you receive certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit, or if your disposable income and capital fall below set thresholds. For 2026, the scheme uses a sliding scale: if your disposable monthly income is under £425, you may get full remission; between £425 and £1,420, you may get partial remission. You must also have less than £16,000 in savings (or £8,000 if you are over 61). Apply online using form EX160 via GOV.UK. You will need to provide evidence of income and savings. The court will notify you of the outcome before you pay the fee.

Scotland and Northern Ireland: Different Rules

If you are in Scotland, the Small Claims procedure was replaced by the Simple Procedure for claims up to £5,000. The court fee for a Simple Procedure claim is a flat £105, with a hearing fee of £94. The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service offers a fee exemption scheme for those on low incomes. In Northern Ireland, small claims fees start at £30 for claims up to £300, rising to £170 for claims up to £3,000. Northern Ireland also has a remission scheme similar to England and Wales. Always check the specific jurisdiction's rules before issuing your claim.

What Happens After You Pay the Fee?

Once you pay the issue fee, the court will send your claim form to the defendant. If the defendant does not respond or disputes the claim, the court may list a hearing. You can ask the court to order the defendant to pay your issue fee if you win the case. However, recovering the fee depends on the defendant's ability to pay. If you lose, you will generally not get the fee back. For claims under £300, consider whether the fee is proportionate to the dispute. Mediation is often a cheaper alternative and is encouraged by the courts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the small claims court fees for 2026?

For claims up to £300 the fee is £35; £300.01 to £500 costs £50; £500.01 to £1,000 costs £70; £1,000.01 to £1,500 costs £80; £1,500.01 to £3,000 costs £115; £3,000.01 to £5,000 costs £205; and £5,000.01 to £10,000 costs £455. These are the issue fees for England and Wales.

Can I get help paying the small claims court fee?

Yes, the Help with Fees scheme can reduce or waive the fee if you are on a low income, receive certain benefits, or have limited savings. You apply online via GOV.UK using form EX160. The court assesses your disposable income and capital.

Are fees different in Scotland or Northern Ireland?

Yes. In Scotland, the Simple Procedure covers claims up to £5,000 with a fee of £105. In Northern Ireland, small claims fees start at £30 for claims up to £300 and rise to £170 for claims up to £3,000. Each jurisdiction has its own remission scheme.

Do I get the court fee back if I win?

If you win your case, the court can order the losing party to reimburse your issue fee as part of the judgment. However, you must specifically request this. There is no guarantee the defendant will pay, but you can enforce the judgment.

References and Further Reading

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