Make a court claim for money
Fees
You must pay a fee when you make your claim. The fee amount depends on how much you’re claiming.
You may need to pay other fees later, for example if there’s a court hearing or you need a judgment enforced.
You can usually:
- apply for help with fees if you have a low income or you’re on certain benefits
- claim the fees back if you win the case
If you know the claim amount
The fee is based on the amount you’re claiming, including any interest.
If you do not know the claim amount
If you’re estimating the amount you’re claiming, you’ll need to pay the fee for that amount.
For example, if you estimate you’re claiming between £3,000.01 and £5,000, you’d have to pay £205.
If you leave the ‘amount claimed’ blank, the fee is £10,000.
Check the fee
| Claim amount | Fees |
|---|---|
| Up to £300 | £35 |
| £300.01 to £500 | £50 |
| £500.01 to £1,000 | £70 |
| £1,000.01 to £1,500 | £80 |
| £1,500.01 to £3,000 | £115 |
| £3,000.01 to £5,000 | £205 |
| £5,000.01 to £10,000 | £455 |
| £10,000.01 to £200,000 | 5% of the claim |
| More than £200,000 | £10,000 |
To calculate 5% of the value of the claim, take the amount you’re claiming and multiply it by 0.05. If necessary, round down the result to the nearest 1 pence.
The fee will be calculated for you if you make your claim online.
Get help to pay the fee
You can apply for help with fees online or by post.
Apply for help online
Apply for help with fees online before you make a court claim. You’ll get a ‘help with fees’ reference number - you’ll need this when you make your court claim.
Apply for help by post
If you apply for help with fees by post, you’ll need to make your court claim by post too. Apply for both at the same time.
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Fill in form EX160 for help with fees.
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Fill in form N1 to make a court claim for money.
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Return both forms to the Civil National Business Centre.
Civil National Business Centre
St Katharine’s House
21-27 St Katharine’s Street
Northampton
NN1 2LH
How to pay the fee
Pay by credit or debit card if you’re making a claim online.
If you use the paper claim form, pay by credit or debit card by sending a letter with your form asking to pay by card. Include your telephone number and a suitable time for the court to call you and take the payment.
You can also pay by postal order or cheque (payable to ‘HM Courts and Tribunals Service’) if you use the paper claim form.