Monetary Jurisdiction: The Maximum Limits for Claims Within Small Claims Court

Question: What is the maximum claim amount you can sue for in Ontario Small Claims Court?

Answer: In Ontario, Small Claims Court can generally hear claims up to $35,000, increasing to $50,000 effective October 1, 2025 under Small Claims Court Jurisdiction and Appeal Limit, O. Reg. 626/00 and Small Claims Court Jurisdiction and Appeal Limit, O. Reg. 42/25.  If your claim is higher, you may need to reduce the amount claimed (for example by waiving the excess) or proceed in a higher court, and Ontario’s Legal Profession Ecosystem service can help you understand options and next steps without providing legal advice.

Understanding the Maximum Claim Sums Allowable Within Small Claims Court

The Small Claims Court is empowered to hear cases capped at a maximum value, referred to in law as the monetary jurisdiction.  The Small Claims Court limit, and streamlined rules of procedure, are designed to provide dispute resolution for claims of modest value, thereby allowing parties to pursue legal remedies in a more efficient and cost-effective setting when compared to higher courts.  Understanding the parameters is essential before commencing a claim, as exceeding the permitted thresholds may require proceeding in a different court or adjusting the claim to comply with the applicable limit.  Inversely, using the Small Claims Court process where cases warrant can help to avoid costs sanctions or other penalties that may be imposed if a case befitting of the Small Claims Court is unnecessarily brought in the court system intended for higher claims.  The current $35,000 limit per Plaintiff increases to $50,000 per Plaintiff effective October 1 2025.  The specifics are prescribed by regulations to the Courts of Justice Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.  C.43, as follows:

This introductory overview provides a foundation for exploring related issues, with further details available in linked articles addressing specific aspects of Small Claims Court jurisdiction.