You can submit a claim online through the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS). Besides filing a claim, the online portal also allows you to submit supporting documents and track case developments.
Whether you’re a tenant or landlord, you’ll need your SingPass to log into the portal and file a claim with the SCT.
Documents required
Supporting documents that back up your claim (eg. receipts, invoices, contracts)
Memorandum of Consent, if any (for claims exceeding $20,000 but below $30,000)
Translations (if documents are not in the English Language)
Letter of Authorisation
Letter of Authorisation (Only for business entitles)
ACRA Business Profile (only for business entities)
Step-by-step Guide to Filing a Claim
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to file a claim through the portal:
Step 1: Visit http://www.statecourts.gov.sg/CJTS/
Step 2: Log in using your SingPass (for individuals) or CorpPass (for business entities). If you don't have SingPass or CorpPass, you can register for a CJTS Pass.
Step 3: Update “My Profile” with your personal particulars.
Step 4: Click “Online applications”, and then “Claim Form”.
Step 5: Input your Pre-filing ID or do a pre-filing assessment to get a Pre-filing ID.
Step 6: Answer all questions in the pre-filing assessment, and click “Submit”.
Step 7: Fill up the claim form, including the claimant’s and respondent’s particulars and upload the supporting documents. Click “Submit”, then “Confirm to Proceed”.
Step 8: Pay the filing fees. Applications will only be processed after payments have been made.
Step 9: Select a consultation date and time.
Step 10: Click “Save respondent’s notice”. Print the Notice of Consultation and the Claim to serve it to the respondent.
You can pay the filing fees by the following methods:
Credit card/internet banking (coming soon)
Pay at the State Courts: Choose “pay later” to generate payment advice. Bring the payment advice to the Finance Section on the 1st floor of State Courts and pay at the finance counter or Automated Collection System Machine there
Please also note that as the claimant, you’ll be responsible for serving the other party (respondent) a hard copy of the claim and the Notice of Consultation. This is to let him know about the court proceedings against him, and that he needs to attend the sessions at the SCT at a specified date and time.
Small Claims Tribunals: How Much Will I Need to Pay to File a Claim?
As a tenant or landlord (individuals/non-business entity), you’ll only need to pay a fee of $10 to $20 to file a claim amounting to $10,000. For claims amounting to $20,000, the filing fee can reach up to $200.
In addition, this claim amount can be increased to $30,000 if both parties agree to it and file a Memorandum of Consent online.
Here’s a table of the SCT Filing Fees, taken from the State Courts of Singapore:
Do take note that the filing fees are not refundable. Nonetheless, filing a claim with the SCT is significantly more affordable than filing a lawsuit with a regular court. Plus, you don’t have to hire a lawyer.
What’s next after Filing the Claim and Serving the Notice to the Respondent?
After filing the claim and serving the notice, both yo and the respondent are required to attend a consultation session, where the tribunal will attempt to mediate amicably.
During the Consultation, the Registrar will:
Assess if the claim is within the Tribunals’ jurisdiction
Give both parties an opportunity to discuss your cases with a view to resolving your dispute amicably
Fix for a Hearing before a Tribunal Magistrate when both parties cannot reach an agreement, or make such other orders as it deems fit
If the dispute is not resolved during the Consultation, the SCT can schedule a Hearing to take place within 24 hours of the Consultation session. At the Hearing, both you and the respondent will be given the chance to present your case before the Tribunal Magistrate.
Even after filing the claim, you and the respondent may still attempt to settle your dispute among yourselves. If you manage to reach an agreement before the Consultation date, you can withdraw the claim on the CJTS portal.
More FAQs about Small Claims Tribunals in Singapore
How Do I File a Small Claim in Singapore?
You can submit a claim online through the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS).
What Qualifies as a Small Claim?
Claims not exceeding $20,000. This limit may be raised to $30,000 if both parties agree to it.
What Happens If You Do Not Attend a Small Claims Court?
If you are a claimant, your claim may not be attended to. If you are a respondent, a default judgement may be placed against you.
