Illinois Small Claims Fees & Claim Limits

Before filing a small claims case in Illinois, it's important to understand the costs involved and the limits that apply. The Circuit Court of Illinois handles small claims cases with a maximum claim amount of $10,000.

Filing Fees Explained

The filing fee for a small claims case in Illinois is $100 to $400. The fee varies based on the claim amount and may be waived if you qualify for a fee waiver based on financial hardship. The filing fee is paid when you submit your complaint to theCircuit Court of Illinois.

Claim Limits — What You Can and Can't Sue For

In Illinois, you can sue for up to $10,000 in small claims court. Common case types include:

• ✓ Unpaid loans or personal debts
• ✓ Security deposit disputes with landlords
• ✓ Property damage caused by another person
• ✓ Poor or incomplete work by contractors
• ✓ Unpaid wages (in some cases)
• ✓ Breach of written or oral contracts

If your claim exceeds $10,000, you'll need to file in a higher court or waive the excess amount to stay in small claims court. Attorneys are permitted in small claims court in Illinois.