Fee remission (full or partial fee exemption)

A minority of low-paid workers will qualify for remission (full or partial exemption from the fee). The remission scheme is not generous and is very complicated and likely to deter all but the most determined of claimants. Plenty of time should be set aside to complete the form and organise the necessary documents. Applications for fee remission are made to HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Claimants must submit a separate application for each fee, i.e. one application for the issue fee, another for the hearing fee, and so on. The Form to use (EX160A) is available from the Ministry of Justice website.

Two threshold tests must be met in order to qualify for remission: a capital and an income threshold. Both look at household rather than individual capital and income. Anyone who exceeds either threshold must pay the fee in full.