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File a small claim
About the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT)
The Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) of the State Courts resolve specific types of low-value disputes between consumers and suppliers in a quicker and less expensive way than if the same dispute went for a civil trial.
Common types of small claims include disputes that involve goods, services or residential tenancy agreements not exceeding 2 years. The claim limit is $20,000 (or $30,000 if there is a Memorandum of Consent (PDF, 91 KB) signed by both parties). Find out more about the cases that are eligible.
File a small claim step-by-step
This is the process for filing a claim.
If you file a claim, you are the claimant.
The party against whom the claim is filed is the respondent. If you have received a notice about a claim filed against you, refer to Respond to a small claim.
Note
Lawyers are not allowed to represent parties for SCT matters.
Before filing
Check if your case is eligible
Find out if your case is eligible, the types of claims and the possible outcomes.
When filing
File and serve a small claim
Find out the documents you need to prepare, fees you need to pay, and steps to file and serve a claim.
Resolving the dispute
Resolve the dispute online
You and the respondent may choose to resolve the dispute online through eNegotiation or eMediation. If you reach an agreement, you do not need to attend court. This may speed up the small claims process.
Attend court
If the dispute is not resolved, you will attend a consultation with a registrar. If you are not able to settle the case at the consultation, your claim may proceed to a hearing before a tribunal magistrate, who will decide the outcome of the claim.
After an order is made
File an application, if needed
You may file an appeal against a small claims order in some cases, or set aside an order made in your absence if you missed a court session. If the SCT makes an order in your favour but the other party does not comply, you may apply to enforce it.
2021/07/23
Resources
Orders of the Small Claims Tribunals (English)(PDF, 206 KB)
Orders of the Small Claims Tribunals (Chinese) (PDF, 335 KB)
Orders of the Small Claims Tribunals (Malay) (PDF, 110 KB)
Orders of the Small Claims Tribunals (Tamil) (PDF, 134 KB)
Legislation associated with this topic includes:
Related questions
You can apply to withdraw your claim if the SCT has not issued an order. Log in to the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS), click the Online Applications tab and select Withdrawal Request Form. This application is subject to the SCT's approval.
If the application is approved, the claim will conclude. There will be no further proceedings at the SCT. Filing fees are not refundable.
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