Can I get court fees waived?

Yes — if you receive certain benefits (Universal Credit, Income Support, ESA) or your gross annual income is below a threshold, you can apply for fee remission using Form EX160. The threshold depends on household size.

Are court fees recoverable if I win?

Yes. If you win, the court will order the defendant to repay your court fee as part of the judgment. You cannot recover solicitor's fees in the small claims track, but the filing and hearing fees come back to you.

Is MCOL cheaper than filing at the court counter?

No — the court fee is exactly the same whether you file online (MCOL / Online Civil Money Claims) or on paper. HMCTS's EX50 schedule draws no online/paper distinction and gov.uk states plainly that no paper surcharge exists. For example a £4,000 claim costs £205 either way. Filing online is faster and more convenient, but not cheaper.

What if my claim crosses a fee band as I add interest?

The fee is calculated on the total amount claimed including interest on the date of issue. Add your interest calculation before you file so you are in the correct fee band.

Do I pay a fee if the case settles?

You pay the issue fee regardless. If you settle before the hearing, you won't pay the separate hearing fee. If you filed via MCOL and the claim settles very early, you can sometimes discontinue and avoid the hearing fee.

Small claims court fees: exactly what you’ll pay

How much does it cost to sue someone in the small claims court? Full 2026 fee table (£35–£455), hearing fees, and enforcement costs — the same whether you file online or by post.

Scales with claim value. Waived if claim settles before hearing.

Free if you apply online via MCOL.

Needed for some enforcement methods.

To enforce a judgment under £5,000.

For judgments over £600 — often more effective.

Fees are set by the Ministry of Justice on the EX50 schedule. The fee is exactly the same whether you file online (MCOL / Online Civil Money Claims) or on paper — there is no paper surcharge.

Claim value	Fee
Up to £300
£300.01 – £500
£500.01 – £1,000
£1,000.01 – £1,500
£1,500.01 – £3,000
£3,000.01 – £5,000
£5,000.01 – £10,000

Maximum claim value on the small claims track is £10,000 (or £1,000 for personal injury/housing disrepair). Claims above £10,000 go to the fast track with higher court fees.

, schedule current as at

Other fees to know about

Item	Fee	Notes
Hearing fee (if claim defended)		Scales with claim value. Waived if claim settles before hearing.
Default judgment application	£0	Free if you apply online via MCOL.
Certified copy of judgment	£15	Needed for some enforcement methods.
Warrant of control (bailiff)	£83	To enforce a judgment under £5,000.
High Court Writ of Control	£71 + HCEO fees	For judgments over £600 — often more effective.

Worked example: £2,500 disputed invoice

Issue fee (online or paper, claim £2,500)

Hearing fee (if defended, £2,500 band)

If you win, you recover

in court fees on top of your £2,500 claim. If you settle before the hearing, you recover

Help with Fees (fee remission)

If you receive means-tested benefits or have a low income, you may be entitled to a full or partial fee waiver. Apply using Form EX160 before paying. You'll need to provide evidence of your income and benefits.

Income thresholds also apply even without benefits. Check Form EX160 for the current limits — they are updated annually.

Small claims court process

Letter Before Action

Unpaid invoice claims