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Written by Brad Askew
Legal Tech Founder
Civil & Commercial Law background · Founder of LegalDocuments.co.uk
We’re not a law firm — we help you find the right legal support. For advice on your situation, speak to a legal adviser or find a solicitor.
Updated April 2026 · England & Wales
BA
Written by Brad Askew Legal Tech Founder
Civil & Commercial Law background · Founder of LegalDocuments.co.uk
Updated May 2026
·
England & Wales
If the cost of starting a court claim, lodging an appeal, or dealing with a probate application feels out of reach, form EX160 is the route HM Courts and Tribunals Service provides to ask for a reduction or full remission. It sits behind the Help with Fees scheme, which looks at your savings, your income and the benefits you receive to decide whether you pay the full fee, part of it, or nothing at all.
The form itself is not complicated, but a lot of applications get sent back because a section has been left blank or the financial details do not line up with what HMCTS can verify. This page walks through what EX160 covers, who tends to qualify, and the common traps that catch people out when they apply.
What this document is
EX160 is the paper application form used to request Help with Fees for court and tribunal proceedings in England and Wales. It is aimed at people on a low income or receiving qualifying benefits who would otherwise struggle to pay the fee attached to their case.
The scheme looks at three things: how much you have in savings and investments, your monthly disposable income, and whether you or a partner receive certain means-tested benefits. Depending on the figures, the fee may be waived in full, reduced, or not covered at all.
You can use EX160 across a wide range of matters, including money claims, family applications, probate fees, employment tribunals and immigration tribunals. There is also an online version of the application through the HMCTS Help with Fees service, which many people find faster.
Whichever route you choose, the information requested and the eligibility criteria are the same, and any fee paid in the three months before you apply can sometimes be refunded if you qualify.
How to use this document
01
Check whether you are likely to qualify. Before filling anything in, look at the current savings threshold on gov.uk and work out your monthly take-home income. Savings over a set amount, or income above the published limits for your household, usually rule out a remission. Age and benefits also matter, so gather the details first.
02
Gather your supporting evidence. You will need your National Insurance number, recent pay information, benefit award letters where relevant, and details of any partner's income. For probate applications, have the date of death and the deceased's full name to hand. Missing evidence is the single biggest reason EX160 forms are rejected or delayed.
03
Complete the personal and case sections accurately. Fill in your name, date of birth, NI number and the case or claim reference. Match the form number to the proceedings you are in, for example N1 for a money claim or D8 for a divorce. If you share a household, declare your partner so HMCTS can assess joint finances correctly.
04
Work through the benefits, savings and income sections carefully. Declare qualifying benefits such as Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Universal Credit within the income cap, and Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. List savings and investments honestly. In the income section, include wages, tax credits, child benefit and pensions, but leave out items specifically excluded by the guidance notes.
05
Submit the form and keep a copy. Send EX160 to the court or tribunal handling your case, or submit the equivalent online application, at the same time as the document that triggers the fee. Keep a dated copy of everything you sent. HMCTS will verify your details and write to you with the outcome, or ask for more information if needed.
Common questions
QWho can apply for Help with Fees using EX160?
Anyone involved in a court or tribunal matter in England and Wales can apply if they meet the financial tests. It is aimed at people with limited savings, a low monthly income, or who receive qualifying means-tested benefits. Both sides of a dispute can apply separately, and you can use it for your own application or in response to one brought against you, provided the fee is yours to pay.
QHow much savings can I have and still qualify?
There is a capital limit on savings and investments that applies to you and any partner combined, with a higher threshold for applicants aged 66 and over. The exact figures are reviewed periodically, so check the current amounts on gov.uk before applying. If your savings sit above the threshold, you will not get a remission even if your income is low, so it is worth checking this first.
QDo I have to include my partner's income?
Yes, if you live with a partner and share an income, their finances form part of the assessment. HMCTS treats the household as a single unit for the means test, which means their wages, benefits and savings all count. You should not leave your partner off the form even if only your name is on the court papers, as doing so can lead to the application being refused.
QCan I claim back a fee I have already paid?
In many cases, yes. If you paid a court or tribunal fee within a short window before applying, you can ask for a refund on the same EX160 form by giving the date the fee was paid and the amount. Probate fees have their own specific section. Check the current refund window on gov.uk, as the rules on how far back you can claim have changed over time.
QWhat happens if my application is refused?
If HMCTS decides you do not qualify, they will write to you explaining why and telling you how much of the fee you need to pay for your case to proceed. You can ask for the decision to be looked at again if you think the figures were wrong or your circumstances have changed. If the fee is not paid within the deadline, the court will usually not issue or continue the application.
QIs the online Help with Fees service different from EX160?
The online service is the digital version of the same scheme, using the same eligibility rules. Many people find it quicker because it pulls through information and gives you a reference number to quote on your court application. The paper EX160 is still useful if you cannot apply online, if you are dealing with probate, or if the court has specifically asked you to submit the paper form.
QWhich benefits count towards automatic eligibility?
Qualifying benefits typically include Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit where earnings are within the published cap, and Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. Contribution-based JSA and ESA, Housing Benefit and Child Benefit do not trigger automatic eligibility on their own. Always check the current list on gov.uk, as the qualifying benefits and income limits are updated from time to time.
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Brad Askew Legal Tech Founder
Brad has a background in civil and commercial law and founded LegalDocuments.co.uk to make clear, reliable legal information accessible to everyone. This site is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.
Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. We are not solicitors. For advice on your specific situation, please consult a qualified solicitor.
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