Help with Court Fees
Overview
If you are on a low income, it is possible to get help with court fees. There are rules for making an application for help with the cost of your fee, in the County Court and the High Court. You can apply for help online or with an application form.
When would I use the Courts?
One example of needing to use the County Court is where a creditor obtains a county court judgment (CCJ) against you. In this scenario you might need to request the following of the court:
Allow you to pay by instalments, or reduce the instalments you have already been asked to pay
Stop any enforcement action
Set aside a judgment that you believe should not have been made
If you are in breach of a suspended possession order due to a change of circumstances, you can apply to court to vary the repayment terms. You must offer the contractual rent plus a more affordable rent arrears repayment, if acceptable, this would prevent a warrant of possession.
Help with the fees
To be eligible for help with fees you will usually have less than £3,000 in savings and investments and be receiving certain benefits or be on a low income (including receiving other benefits).
You may also be eligible for help if you or your partner:
are over 61, or are paying a fee of more than £1,000, and you have more than £3,000 in savings and investments
support children financially and earn more than £1,085 a month (before tax and National Insurance is taken off)
You can read more detailed guidance on the HM Courts & Tribunals Service Guide.