UK court fees and Help with Fees
Civil court fees in England and Wales — the issue-fee scale, hearing fees, allocation fees, and how the Help with Fees (HWF) remission scheme works.
Prezentare generală
Court fees are payable at each stage of civil proceedings in England and Wales. They are mandatory — without paying the fee (or being granted remission), your case cannot proceed. The fees are set by statutory instrument and reviewed regularly. The Help with Fees (HWF) scheme provides means-tested remission. This guide explains the main fees and the remission scheme. Always verify current fees on gov.uk before paying.
Cine poate folosi acest proces
- You are likely eligible to use this guide if your situation involves uk court fees and help with fees.
- You have a genuine legal basis for the matter (contract, tort, statutory right, etc.).
- You have made reasonable attempts to resolve the matter directly with the other party first.
Proces pas cu pas
Calculate the issue fee
Money claims: percentage of claim value (5% for claims £10,001–£200,000, capped at £10,000 above £200,000). Smaller claims have flat fees on a sliding scale (e.g. £35 up to £300, £80 up to £500, £115 up to £1,000).
Check Money Claim Online (MCOL)
For online money claims up to £100,000, MCOL is cheaper than paper by around 10%. Use it where possible.
Pay allocation and hearing fees as they arise
Allocation fee (small claims: nil; fast track: £80; multi-track: £80). Hearing fees: small claims hearing fee varies by claim value; fast/multi-track hearing fees are higher.
Apply for Help with Fees (EX160)
If your savings are below £4,250 (or £16,000 if you receive certain benefits) AND your monthly income is below set limits, you may qualify for full remission. Partial remission if income is slightly above. Apply via EX160 form or online before the fee falls due.
Other special fees
Application fees during proceedings (e.g. £255 for most general applications). Trial fees. Witness summons fees. Each has its own line in the Fees Order.
If you cannot pay
Apply for HWF before the fee deadline. If refused, you can ask for review. Failure to pay leads to the claim or application being struck out. Some judges will allow extra time if HWF is pending.
Costuri
Avertismente importante
Fees are increased periodically — verify current rates on gov.uk before paying.
HWF eligibility limits are strict and reviewed annually. Even a small over-limit can disqualify you.
If you pay a fee and your HWF application is later approved, you can usually claim a refund.