Help with Fees: how to reduce or avoid a court fee in the UK

Almost any application to a court or tribunal in England and Wales carries a fee. But people with modest savings and income may get a reduction or a full waiver — the scheme is called Help with Fees. You can apply before paying or, in some cases, reclaim what you have already paid.

The savings test

First your savings and capital are looked at — yours and your partner's. If you are both 65 or younger, the limit depends on the fee: up to £4,250 for fees of £1,420 or less (most cases fall here) and up to £16,000 for fees over £7,000. If you or your partner are 66 or older, the limit is £16,000 whatever the fee.

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The benefits or income test

If you get income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) or Universal Credit while earning less than £6,000 a year — and you are within the savings limit — you qualify for help. If you get none of those, income is checked: the limit is £1,420 a month for a single person and £2,130 for a couple, plus £425 for each child aged under 14 and £710 for each child aged 14 or over. The lower of your last month's income or your three-month average is used.

How to apply

The easiest way is online, at the same time as your court application. You can also apply by post: complete form EX160 and send it with your court application. Apply separately for each fee. If you have already paid, you can reclaim the fee only if you paid within the last three months and qualified at the time.

What to remember

Court of Protection cases use a different form, COP44A. Help with applying is available from We Are Group on 03300 160 051 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules. Always check the current thresholds and process on GOV.UK: the figures are reviewed from time to time.