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Help with Court Fees Application: Apply for help with fees
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Form EX160 in short
Form EX160 is the paper application for Help with Fees, which can reduce or remove a court or tribunal fee in England and Wales if you have little savings and are on certain benefits or a low income. You send it with your court or tribunal form. You can also apply online.
| Issued by | HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) |
|---|---|
| Current version | EX160 Apply for help with fees (11.23) (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | The person who has to pay the fee, or a litigation friend or legal representative applying for them. If you have a partner, their savings and income are included unless they have a conflicting interest in the case. |
| Who receives it | The court or tribunal handling your case or claim. |
| Where to send it | Send it with your court or tribunal form to the address on that form. If you are asking for a refund of a fee already paid, send it to the court or tribunal you paid. The form says you can return it by post or email. |
| Deadline | The form says your application may be rejected if it is received more than 28 days after you sign it. Refunds can be claimed for a fee paid in the last 3 months. |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF · Official instructions |
What changed
gov.uk says lines about needing to provide evidence of benefits were removed from the guidance and the form in November 2025. A large print version was added the same month. In January 2026 the EX160A guidance moved to its own page. The printed date on the form is still 11.23.
How to fill out Form EX160, line by line
| Question 1 | Your personal details Name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number, or a Home Office reference number. If you have neither, explain why in the box. |
| Questions 2 and 3 | Relationship status and partner details Select Single if you live alone, are permanently separated, or your partner has a conflicting interest in the case. Otherwise give your partner's name, date of birth and National Insurance number. |
| Question 4 | Have you already paid the fee? If yes, give the date paid. A refund can only be claimed for a fee paid in the last 3 months, and you answer about your circumstances when you paid. |
| Questions 5 to 7 | Court form, case number and probate The form number is at the bottom of the first page of your court form, for example N1 or C100. Add your case or claim number if you have one. |
| Questions 8 and 9 | Savings and investments Tick your band: less than £4,250, between £4,250 and £15,999, or £16,000 or more. Include ISAs and the value of second homes. Question 9 asks if you or your partner are 66 or over. |
| Question 10 | Benefits Income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Income Support, Universal Credit with earnings under £6,000 a year, or Pension Credit guarantee credit. If yes, skip to question 14. |
| Questions 11 to 13 | Children and income Number of children by age group, the types of income received, and last calendar month's income before tax, or a 3 month average if that is lower. Some benefits such as Carer's Allowance and PIP are not counted. |
| Questions 14 and 15 | Declaration and representative details Tick the declaration that applies, sign and date. A litigation friend or legal representative also fills in question 15. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sending the EX160 on its own instead of with the court or tribunal form it relates to.
- Posting the form more than 28 days after signing it.
- Leaving out a partner's savings or income when you live together.
- Reporting income after tax. The form says to give wages before tax and National Insurance.
- Counting benefits that the guidance says to leave out, such as Carer's Allowance, PIP or Housing Benefit.
- Using one EX160 for several fees. gov.uk says to apply separately for each fee.
- Using EX160 for Court of Protection fees, which need form COP44A.
Questions about Form EX160
Can I apply for help with fees online instead of using the EX160?
Yes. gov.uk has an online service that gives you a Help with Fees reference number to quote on your court application. You can also apply by post with the EX160.
How much savings can I have?
gov.uk says up to £4,250 if your fee is £1,420 or less, rising to £16,000 if your fee is over £7,000. If you or your partner are 66 or older, you can have up to £16,000 whatever the fee.
What income limits apply?
gov.uk lists £1,420 a month or less if you are single and £2,130 if you have a partner, plus £425 for each child aged 0 to 13 and £710 for each child aged 14 and over. If you earn more, you may still get some money off.
Can I get a refund of a fee I already paid?
Yes, if you paid it in the last 3 months and were eligible when you paid. Send the EX160 to the court or tribunal you paid.
Do I need to send proof of my benefits?
gov.uk removed the lines about needing benefit evidence in November 2025. The form says the court may check with other government departments and contact you if proof is needed.
Does Help with Fees apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
No. gov.uk says there are different rules in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
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Sources
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the HM Courts and Tribunals Service or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.