What is the maximum amount I can claim in Ontario Small Claims Court?

Ontario Small Claims Court handles civil money claims up to the limit set by provincial regulation. The monetary limit has been adjusted over time by changes to Ontario regulations, so it is important to confirm the current cap on the Ontario government's website or with a lawyer at the time you file your claim.

If your claim exceeds the current Small Claims Court limit, you have two options. You can reduce your claim to fit within the limit — in which case you give up any portion of your claim above the limit — or you can file in the Superior Court of Justice, which handles claims of any size but involves more formal procedures, higher filing fees, and typically requires legal representation for complex matters.

The nature of what Small Claims Court can award is also important. It handles claims for money only — it cannot issue injunctions ordering someone to stop doing something or specifically perform a contract. If your remedy requires a court order rather than money, you need to go to Superior Court.

Small Claims Court is designed to be accessible to people without legal training, and many plaintiffs represent themselves. However, legal advice at the outset can help you assess whether your claim is appropriate for Small Claims Court and how to structure and document it effectively.