If you've generated a debt recovery pack, enforcement pack, or property disrepair claim, you may be eligible to have your court fees reduced or completely waived — saving you up to hundreds of pounds.
This is guidance only — not legal or financial advice. We do not submit the EX160 form on your behalf and we cannot guarantee eligibility. Always refer to the official GOV.UK instructions and let HMCTS assess your application.
The EX160 is the official HMCTS (His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service) application form for Help with Fees — also known as fee remission.
When you take a case to court in England and Wales, you normally have to pay a court fee. These fees can range from £35 for a small claim to several hundred pounds for larger claims or enforcement actions.
If you are on a low income, receive certain benefits, or have limited savings, you may be able to get the fee fully waived or significantly reduced — without it affecting the merits of your case.
Key fact
Applying for Help with Fees does not affect the strength of your claim or the court's handling of your case. The judge will not know whether you paid a fee or had it remitted.
Who is it for?
Anyone taking a civil or family case to court in England or Wales who is on a low income or qualifying benefits.
What can you save?
Up to 100% of the court fee — or a partial reduction. For enforcement actions, fees can exceed £500.
When to apply?
Apply at the same time as you submit your claim form or enforcement application. You can apply in advance.
Where does it apply?
England and Wales only. Scotland has a separate system (Scottish Civil Legal Aid / SLAB). Northern Ireland differs too.
There are two routes to eligibility. Route 1 (benefits) is the fastest — if you tick a qualifying benefit, you are usually fully exempt without needing to provide income details.
Route 1 — Qualifying Benefits
Usually full exemption — no income check needed
Universal Credit
Must have no earnings, or earnings below the relevant threshold
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
Not contribution-based JSA
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Not contribution-based ESA
Income Support
Standard DWP income support
Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
Guarantee credit element specifically
Scottish Civil Legal Aid
Scotland only
Route 2 — Low Income
Full or partial remission based on gross income & savings
If you don't receive a qualifying benefit, HMCTS will assess your gross monthly income and savings. Thresholds increase if you have dependent children.
Savings over £16,000 usually exclude you. Savings of £3,000–£16,000 reduce the remission amount.
National Insurance number
Found on payslips, tax letters, or your NI card
3 months' bank statements
Required if applying on income grounds
Recent payslips or P60
To evidence your gross income level
Benefit award letters
Dated within 3 months — from DWP or relevant authority
Court claim/case number
If you already have one — leave blank if applying before issuing
The form has six sections. You won't always need to complete all of them — see each section's guidance note to know when it applies to you.
Tip: This section is always required for everyone.
Tip: If you tick any box here, you are likely fully exempt and do NOT need to complete Sections C or D.
Tip: If you completed Section B, you can skip this. Otherwise, use payslips or bank statements as evidence.
Tip: Savings under £3,000 have no impact. Savings over £16,000 usually mean no remission is available.
Tip: Always required. If you're applying before issuing, describe the type of claim.
Tip: Always required. Sign only when you're satisfied all information is accurate.
Answer a few simple questions to see which sections of EX160 apply to you
This is guidance only — not legal or financial advice. We do not guarantee eligibility. HMCTS makes the final decision. Always check the official GOV.UK guidance.
Answer 3–4 quick questions about your benefits and income. We'll tell you which sections of the EX160 form apply to you and what documents you'll need.
Download the form
Get the EX160 form free from GOV.UK. Print and complete it by hand or type in the PDF.
Attach with your claim
Submit EX160 together with your claim form (e.g. N1) and supporting evidence at the court counter or by post.
HMCTS assesses it
HMCTS will check your application and notify you of the outcome before the fee is due.
View official government guidance
Full instructions, current thresholds, and the EX160 form download — direct from GOV.UK
No. Whether you paid a court fee or had it waived does not affect how your case is handled and the judge is not informed.
Yes, but only in limited circumstances. It's much easier to apply before or at the same time as submitting your claim. Contact HMCTS directly if you've already paid.
No. Applying for Help with Fees has no impact on your credit record, existing benefits, or any ongoing benefit claims.
Self-employed people use their gross income from self-employment. You'll need 3 months' bank statements or your most recent tax return as evidence.
No. EX160 only applies to courts in England and Wales. Scotland has a separate system (SLAB / Scottish Legal Aid). Northern Ireland also has separate arrangements.
In certain circumstances, such as for a child or vulnerable adult, a representative may apply. Contact HMCTS for guidance on your specific situation.
Continue with your claim
Disclaimer: This page provides general guidance only. It is not legal or financial advice. We do not submit EX160 forms and cannot guarantee eligibility or outcomes. Always refer to the official GOV.UK instructions and contact HMCTS directly for case-specific questions.
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