Start My Claim
Cannot afford the small claims court fee? Apply for fee remission using form EX160. Full thresholds for income and savings, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to claim back fees you have already paid.
How fee remission works
There are two tests. Pass both and you get full or partial remission. The savings test comes first — fail it and your income is irrelevant.
1. Savings test (capital)
If your savings are above the threshold, you cannot get remission regardless of income. Excluding your main home and household goods.
| Household | Savings limit |
|---|---|
| Single, under 66 | £3,000 |
| Couple, under 66 | £4,250 |
| Single, 66 or over | £16,000 |
| Couple, 66 or over | £16,000 |
Higher thresholds apply for fees over £1,420 or for over-66s — full table on GOV.UK.
Pass the savings test, then check your monthly gross income (before tax, benefits included). For each child or dependent, add £356 to the income threshold.
| Monthly gross income | Remission |
|---|---|
| Up to £1,420 (single) / £2,160 (couple) | Full remission |
| £1,420.01–£5,085 (single) / £2,160.01–£5,825 (couple) | Partial remission — pay £5 for every £10 above the threshold |
| Above £5,085 (single) / £5,825 (couple) | No remission |
Figures are 2026/27. Verify on GOV.UK before applying — Help with Fees thresholds change annually each April.