How To Get Help With Court Fees in the UK: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Are you worried about the cost of going to court in the UK? Whether you're dealing with a divorce, a small claims dispute, or another legal matter, court fees can add up quickly. The good news is that you might be able to get help with these costs. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to get help with court fees in the UK in a way that’s simple, easy to follow, and free of legal jargon. Let’s break it down step by step.

Why You Might Need Help With Court Fees

Legal proceedings can be expensive—and stressful. If you're on a low income or receiving certain benefits, paying court fees might be difficult or even impossible. That’s exactly why the UK government offers a scheme called the Help with Fees program. This scheme is designed to support people who might otherwise struggle to afford legal action by covering or reducing the costs of court or tribunal fees.

Step 1: Check If You Qualify for Help With Fees

The first step is to see if you’re eligible. You can get help if:

• You have little or no savings
• You’re on a low income
• You’re receiving certain benefits like Universal Credit, Income Support, or Jobseeker’s Allowance

The amount of help you get depends on your finances—things like your income, savings, and benefits. You may qualify for:

• Full help: You don’t pay any fee
• Partial help: You pay a reduced fee

Quick tip:

If your financial situation has recently changed—say you lost your job or had a drop in income—you can still apply based on your current situation, not your past earnings.

Step 2: Gather the Right Information

Before applying, gather details about your finances. You’ll need to provide:

• Your income and recent payslips
• Savings and investments
• Benefits you receive
• Your court or tribunal reference number if you already have one

Having this information handy makes the process smoother and faster.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

To apply for help with court fees, you’ll need to fill out the EX160 form. You can do this in two ways:

• Online via the official government website
• By downloading and printing the form to fill it in by hand

Here’s what the form will ask for:

• Your personal details (name, address, date of birth)
• Details of the case or tribunal
• Your financial information – income, benefits, savings

Don’t panic if forms scare you—

There’s help available. You can ask the court staff for guidance or get advice from a local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once the form is complete, you’ll need to send it in. Here's how:

• If you’re applying online, you’ll upload your documents digitally
• If using a paper form, you’ll send it to the court where your case is being handled

Don’t forget to include proof of your income or benefits. You could be asked for more documents later, so keep copies of everything you submit.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

After you’ve submitted your application, the court will assess your information and make a decision. What happens next?

• If your application is approved: Your fee is either reduced or removed completely
• If it’s denied: You’ll get a letter explaining why and how to challenge the decision if you think it’s unfair

This usually takes up to 10 working days. If you haven’t heard back, you can call the court for an update.

Step 6: What If You Paid Already?

Already paid the court fee? No worries—you might still be able to get some or all of it refunded. Here’s how it works:

• You can apply for a refund within 3 months of paying the fee
• You’ll need to provide the same financial information as you would if applying in advance

Just make sure not to leave it too long—after 3 months, you usually can't get your money back.

Useful Tips to Keep in Mind

• Double-check your paperwork: Missing documents can cause delays
• Be honest and accurate: Give up-to-date financial info to avoid problems later
• Contact the court if you’re unsure: They’re there to help

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of fees can I get help with?

You can apply for help with most civil and tribunal cases, including:

• Divorce applications
• Eviction notices
• Small claim disputes
• Employment tribunals

Will applying for help delay my case?

Usually, no. But if extra information is needed, your application might take longer. Submitting everything up front helps avoid delays.

What if I’m not on benefits?

Even if you’re not receiving benefits, you might still qualify if you're on a low income. The government also looks at your monthly earnings and savings.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Fees Hold You Back

Legal issues are hard enough without worrying about the cost. The Help with Fees program exists to make sure money isn’t a barrier to getting justice. If you think you might be eligible, take a few minutes to apply—it could save you hundreds of pounds and take a weight off your shoulders. Life throws enough curveballs. If you’re facing a legal issue, know that help is out there. And sometimes, asking for help is the strongest thing you can do.

Need more information?

Visit the official UK government website’s Help with Court Fees page for more details and to apply online.

Keywords used:

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Still Got Questions?

Let us know in the comments! We’re here to help break down legal matters in a way that makes sense to you. 👇 — Looking to save money while navigating UK legal issues? Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone who might need it! Don’t go through it alone—there’s help available.