Small Claims Court Fees UK – The Complete 2025/26 Guide
Everything you need to know about court fees, from filing to enforcement. Know exactly what you'll pay before you start.
What Does It Cost to Make a Small Claim?
If someone owes you money and won't pay, the small claims court in England and Wales lets you take legal action without hiring a solicitor. But before you file, you need to know exactly what fees you'll pay — and when.
This guide covers every fee you may encounter, from filing to enforcement, based on the latest HMCTS schedule (April 2025). The good news? If you win, the court typically orders the other side to reimburse your court fees. Even better? Sending a Letter Before Action often resolves disputes before you pay any court fees at all.
Court Issue Fees (What You Pay to File)
The issue fee is the first cost. You pay it when you submit your claim. The amount depends on how much you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Issue Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to £300 | £35 |
| £300.01 – £500 | £50 |
| £500.01 – £1,000 | £70 |
| £1,000.01 – £1,500 | £80 |
| £1,500.01 – £3,000 | £115 |
| £3,000.01 – £5,000 | £205 |
| £5,000.01 – £10,000 | £455 |
You can file online through Money Claim Online (MCOL) or by post using Form N1. The fees are the same either way since October 2021.
Hearing Fees (If Your Case Goes to Trial)
Most small claims settle before trial — often after a Letter Before Action is sent. But if the defendant defends the claim, the court will set a hearing date and you'll need to pay a hearing fee:
| Claim Amount | Hearing Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to £300 | £27 |
| £300.01 – £500 | £59 |
| £500.01 – £1,000 | £85 |
| £1,000.01 – £1,500 | £123 |
| £1,500.01 – £3,000 | £181 |
| Over £3,000 | £346 |
Important: If you don't pay the hearing fee by the deadline, your claim will be struck out automatically.
Enforcement Fees (If They Won't Pay After Judgment)
Winning a judgment doesn't guarantee payment. If the defendant ignores the court order, you may need to apply for enforcement. Each method has its own fee:
| Enforcement Method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Questioning debtor about finances | £61 |
| Attachment of earnings order | £38 |
| Third-party debt order (freeze bank account) | £88 |
| Charging order on property | £43 |
| Judgment summons | £83 |
| General enforcement application | £114 |
| Warrant of possession or delivery | £135 |
Other Fees You Might Encounter
Depending on how your case progresses, additional fees may apply:
- General application (on notice): £313
- General application (by consent or without notice): £123
- Appeal (County Court, small claims track): £147
- Witness summons: £4
- Application to vary judgment or suspend enforcement: £15
Can You Get Help With Fees?
If you're on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may qualify for fee remission — meaning reduced or waived court fees. You apply using Form EX160 before filing your claim.
Benefits that may qualify you include Income Support, Universal Credit (with no earnings), and Pension Credit Guarantee. You can also apply if paying the fee would cause you or your family undue hardship.
Northern Ireland – Small Claims Court Fees
Northern Ireland has its own Small Claims Court, handled through the County Court. The maximum claim value is £5,000 — higher than Scotland but lower than England. Unlike England and Wales, Northern Ireland uses a single application fee rather than separate issue and hearing fees. The current fees (as of October 2024) are:
| Claim Amount | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to £300 | £47 |
| £300.01 – £500 | £77 |
| £500.01 – £1,000 | £108 |
| Over £1,000 | £155 |
Counterclaim fees follow the same scale. The appeal fee is £232. Note: a 5% increase to all court fees has been proposed from April 2026, with further 2% increases in 2027 and 2028.
You can apply online through the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service. If you win, the respondent is ordered to pay your application fee on top of the amount owed. If you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may qualify for fee exemption or remission. Enforcement in Northern Ireland is handled by the Enforcement of Judgments Office (EJO), which is a separate step with its own fees if the respondent does not pay voluntarily. Before considering court action, it's advisable to send a Letter Before Action to try to resolve the matter.
Scotland – Simple Procedure Fees
Scotland replaced its small claims and summary cause procedures with the Simple Procedure in November 2016. It covers claims up to £5,000 and is handled through the Sheriff Court. The fee structure is straightforward:
| Claim Amount | Court Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to £300 | £22 |
| Over £300 | £123 |
The appeal fee is £72. If the court serves documents via sheriff officer, there is an additional fee of £14 plus the sheriff officer's charges.
Claims are submitted through the Civil Online portal on the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service website. You do not need a solicitor — the Simple Procedure is designed for people to represent themselves. If you win, you can claim back your court fee and limited expenses from the other side, though expenses are capped for claims under £3,000. Fee exemptions are available if you or your spouse or civil partner receive certain benefits such as Income Support, Pension Credit Guarantee, or Working Tax Credit. Understanding the small claims process can help you navigate the system more effectively.
Republic of Ireland – Small Claims Fees
The Republic of Ireland has the simplest and cheapest small claims system of all four jurisdictions. Claims are capped at €2,000 and handled through the District Court. The fee is a flat €25 regardless of the amount you are claiming. Counterclaims also cost €25.
You can apply online through the Courts Service of Ireland. The Small Claims Registrar will first try to negotiate a settlement between both parties by phone, letter, or email — meaning many cases are resolved without ever going to court. If no agreement is reached, the case is referred to the District Court for a hearing. You do not need a solicitor, and even if you choose to use one, their costs are not recoverable from the other side. If you are unhappy with the result, you can appeal to the Circuit Court, though be aware that legal representation becomes mandatory at that level and fees are significantly higher.
For cross-border disputes between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, be aware that enforcement across jurisdictions is not automatic. A judgment obtained in one jurisdiction may need to be separately registered and enforced in the other. If you're unsure whether you have a valid claim, you can check if you have a claim using our free tool.
How to Reduce Your Total Costs
The smartest way to keep costs down is to resolve the dispute before it reaches court. A well-drafted Letter Before Action often prompts the other side to pay or negotiate — without you paying any court fees at all.
A well-drafted Letter Before Action often resolves disputes at this stage, saving you court fees entirely. That is exactly what GotAClaim automates for you. Learn more about how to make a small claim effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum I can claim in small claims court?
In England and Wales, the small claims track handles claims up to £10,000. Claims above this go to the fast track or multi-track, which involve higher fees and more complex procedures.
Do I get my court fees back if I win?
Yes. If you win, the court will normally order the defendant to reimburse your issue fee and hearing fee as part of the judgment.
Do I need a solicitor for small claims court?
No. Small claims court is designed for people to represent themselves. Solicitors are allowed but their fees are generally not recoverable, so most claimants handle it independently.
Can I file a small claim online?
Yes. You can file through the Money Claim Online (MCOL) service on GOV.UK. You'll need the defendant's name and address and details of what they owe you.
What happens if I can't afford the court fees?
You can apply for Help with Fees using Form EX160. Depending on your income and circumstances, you may get a full or partial fee exemption.
Related Guides
Ready to Take Action?
Start With a Letter Before Action
Before paying any court fees, send a Letter Before Action. It's legally required before filing a claim — and it often resolves the dispute on its own.