Help with Court Fees UK: Forms & How to Apply

What this document is

Help with fees (sometimes called fee remission) is the government scheme that lets people pay a reduced court or tribunal fee, or nothing at all, if their income and savings fall below set thresholds. The scheme is run by HM Courts and Tribunals Service and covers most civil court proceedings, family matters, and tribunal applications in England and Wales.

Different forms exist because different courts have slightly different processes. The EX160 covers general court and tribunal applications, the COP44A is specific to the Court of Protection, the EX160B deals with emergency situations where you need the court to act before your remission application has been decided, and the EX504 relates to fee references for certain graduated fee matters.

Eligibility generally looks at two things: how much you earn and how much you have in savings or capital. If you receive certain means-tested benefits, you may automatically qualify. You will usually need to provide evidence, such as bank statements, payslips or benefit letters, when you submit the form.

How to use this document

1. Work out which form fits your situation. The form you need depends on the court or tribunal you're applying to. For most civil and family matters, use the EX160. For Court of Protection applications, use the COP44A. For urgent or emergency applications where you cannot wait for a decision, the EX160B is the right route.
2. Gather the evidence you'll need. Help with fees decisions are based on financial information, so you should have recent bank statements, payslips, proof of any benefits you receive, and details of savings or capital. If you share finances with a partner, their information will usually be needed too, unless you're applying against them.
3. Complete the form carefully. Read each question before answering and be accurate about your income, savings, and household circumstances. Mistakes or missing information are the most common reason applications are delayed or refused, so take your time and double check the figures before you sign.
4. Submit the form alongside your court application. The help with fees form should usually go in at the same time as the main application or claim you're making. If you send the application in without it, you may be asked to pay the full fee upfront. Keep a copy of everything you send.
5. Wait for the decision and respond to any queries. HMCTS will assess your application and either grant full remission, partial remission, or ask you to pay in full. If they need more evidence they'll contact you, so respond quickly to avoid your main case being held up.