Make a court claim for money
Court fees
You must pay a court fee when you make your claim.
If you know the claim amount
The court fee is based on the amount you’re claiming, plus any interest.
| 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.
If you do not know the claim amount
Use the paper claim form if you do not know the exact amount - you cannot make a claim online.
You’ll need to estimate the amount you’re claiming and 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.
Get help to pay the fee
You may be able to get help with fees if you have a low income or you’re on certain benefits. Find out who can apply for help with fees.
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
Pay the court 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.
You may have to pay more fees later on - for example, if there’s a court hearing or you need to get a judgment enforced.
You may be able to claim the fees back if you win the case.