Can't Afford Court Fees? Ontario's Fee Waiver

Ontario has a fee waiver program under the Administration of Justice Act for people who can't afford court fees.

Who can qualify

You may qualify based on your household income, assets and size of household, or if you receive certain social assistance. The thresholds are set out in the regulation and the application form.

What it covers

Most court fees, such as filing a claim, a defence or a motion, and setting a trial date. Some costs, such as paying a process server or an interpreter in some situations, may not be covered.

How to apply

1. Complete the fee waiver request form with your financial information.
2. File it with the court office, often when you file your first document.
3. If granted, you receive a fee waiver certificate for the case.

If refused

You can ask a judge to review the decision.

Tribunals

Many tribunals have their own fee waiver or low fees. Check with the tribunal you are dealing with.

Sources

• O. Reg. 2/05: fee waiver
• Ontario: court fee waiver

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General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 16 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Unsplash: Empty courtroom featuring rich wooden paneling and a decorative ceiling · a magnifying glass sitting on top of a piece of paper.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.