How much can you claim in small claims court in Connecticut?

An individual can claim up to $5,000. A business can claim up to $5,000. A public agency can claim up to $5,000. That comes from Conn. Gen. Stat. §51-15(d).

What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Connecticut?

$95 for a claim up to $15,000. That comes from Conn. Gen. Stat. §52-259(b).

How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Connecticut?

The shortest window is 2 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under Conn. Gen. Stat. §52-584. Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.

Do you have to ask for the money before filing in Connecticut?

No, Connecticut does not require it, per Connecticut Judicial Branch, Small Claims FAQ. Sending a demand letter first is still the usual first step, and it is often what gets the money paid.

Which court handles small claims in Connecticut?

Superior Court, Small Claims Session. The small claims session of the Superior Court for the town where the other side lives or does business, or where the dispute happened.

Small claims in Connecticut

The court

Superior Court, Small Claims Session: The small claims session of the Superior Court for the town where the other side lives or does business, or where the dispute happened.

The court's own small claims page

The most you can claim

The small claims limit in Connecticut
Claiming as	Most you can claim	Rule
An individual	$5,000	Conn. Gen. Stat. §51-15(d)
A business	$5,000	Conn. Gen. Stat. §51-15(d)
A public agency	$5,000	Conn. Gen. Stat. §51-15(d)

What it costs to file

The fee runs from $95 to $95, set by the size of the claim.

Conn. Gen. Stat. §52-259(b) · The entry fee for a small claims case is $95.

How long you have

The shortest window in this state is 2 years from the day the damage happened.

Conn. Gen. Stat. §52-584 · A claim for damage to your property caused by carelessness must be filed within two years of when the damage was first noticed, and never more than three years after the act. Some other property claims have a three-year window; this tool shows the shorter one.

Also worth knowing

A claim for property damage against a town, city, or borough usually needs written notice filed with that municipality's clerk within six months of the event, and the case has to start within two years. Conn. Gen. Stat. §7-465(a)
Two kinds of claims can go above $5,000 in Connecticut small claims: claims about home improvement or new home construction work by a registered contractor (up to $15,000), and a tenant's claim for a security deposit. The court's small claims FAQ explains both. Conn. Gen. Stat. §51-15(d)

Does small claims fit your dispute in Connecticut?

Pick what it is about. The next screens ask the amount and the dates. Nothing is saved, and no account is needed.

The detail

The limit
The limit is the most the court can award on one claim. It depends on who is claiming, and in some states on which court hears it.
What it costs
The court charges this when you hand in the claim. It is separate from the amount you are claiming.
How long you have
Every kind of claim has its own window, counted from the day the clock started. Miss it and the court usually cannot hear the claim.

Common questions

How much can you claim in small claims court in Connecticut?: An individual can claim up to $5,000. A business can claim up to $5,000. A public agency can claim up to $5,000. That comes from Conn. Gen. Stat. §51-15(d).
What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Connecticut?: $95 for a claim up to $15,000. That comes from Conn. Gen. Stat. §52-259(b).
How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Connecticut?: The shortest window is 2 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under Conn. Gen. Stat. §52-584. Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
Do you have to ask for the money before filing in Connecticut?: No, Connecticut does not require it, per Connecticut Judicial Branch, Small Claims FAQ. Sending a demand letter first is still the usual first step, and it is often what gets the money paid.
Which court handles small claims in Connecticut?: Superior Court, Small Claims Session. The small claims session of the Superior Court for the town where the other side lives or does business, or where the dispute happened.

Verify with your court

Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open Connecticut's small claims page and confirm anything you are about to rely on.

Open the court's small claims page

Verified on 2026-09-05, sources: Rules effective from 2023-07-01.

Conn. Gen. Stat. §51-15(d) · effective 2022-07-01 · Small claims in Connecticut hears money claims of up to $5,000. Claims about home improvement or new home construction work by a registered contractor can go up to $15,000, and a tenant's security deposit claim can be awarded above the limit.
Conn. Gen. Stat. §52-259(b) · effective 2023-07-01 · The entry fee for a small claims case is $95.
Conn. Gen. Stat. §52-584 · effective 2019-10-01 · A claim for damage to your property caused by carelessness must be filed within two years of when the damage was first noticed, and never more than three years after the act. Some other property claims have a three-year window; this tool shows the shorter one.
Connecticut Judicial Branch, Small Claims FAQ · effective 2026-09-05 · Connecticut does not require a written demand before filing a small claim. Asking first is still the usual first step.
Conn. Gen. Stat. §7-465(a) · effective 2015-10-01 · A claim for property damage caused by a town, city, or borough employee needs written notice filed with the clerk of that municipality within six months, and the case must start within two years.

FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.