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

An individual can claim up to $10,000. A business can claim up to $10,000. A public agency can claim up to $10,000. That comes from Ill. S. Ct. Rule 281.

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

Illinois does not set one statewide fee. Each court publishes its own, so check the court where you will file.

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

The shortest window is 4 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under 810 ILCS 5/2-725(1). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.

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

No, Illinois does not require it, per Ill. S. Ct. Rule 282. 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 Illinois?

Circuit Court, Small Claims. The circuit court for the county where the other side lives or where the dispute happened. Small claims are a simplified track inside that court.

Small claims in Illinois

The court

Circuit Court, Small Claims: The circuit court for the county where the other side lives or where the dispute happened. Small claims are a simplified track inside that court.

The court's own small claims page

The most you can claim

The small claims limit in Illinois
Claiming as	Most you can claim	Rule
An individual	$10,000	Ill. S. Ct. Rule 281
A business	$10,000	Ill. S. Ct. Rule 281
A public agency	$10,000	Ill. S. Ct. Rule 281

What it costs to file

This state does not set one statewide fee. The court where you file publishes its own.

705 ILCS 105/27.1b(a) · Filing fees are set by each county board within maximums fixed by statute, so the amount differs from county to county. Your circuit clerk's fee schedule has the exact amount. No fee is charged for a defendant's appearance in a small claim.

How long you have

The shortest window in this state is 4 years from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken.

810 ILCS 5/2-725(1) · A claim about a sale of goods must be filed within four years of the breach.

Also worth knowing

In Illinois, a corporation cannot bring a small claim on its own. It must be represented when it is the one making the claim. An unincorporated business owner can file in their own name. Ill. S. Ct. Rule 282
A claim against a city, county, school district, or other local public body usually has to be started within one year of the injury or loss, which is much shorter than the usual window. 745 ILCS 10/8-101(a)

Does small claims fit your dispute in Illinois?

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 Illinois?: An individual can claim up to $10,000. A business can claim up to $10,000. A public agency can claim up to $10,000. That comes from Ill. S. Ct. Rule 281.
What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Illinois?: Illinois does not set one statewide fee. Each court publishes its own, so check the court where you will file.
How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Illinois?: The shortest window is 4 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under 810 ILCS 5/2-725(1). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
Do you have to ask for the money before filing in Illinois?: No, Illinois does not require it, per Ill. S. Ct. Rule 282. 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 Illinois?: Circuit Court, Small Claims. The circuit court for the county where the other side lives or where the dispute happened. Small claims are a simplified track inside that court.

Verify with your court

Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open Illinois'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 2026-07-01.

Ill. S. Ct. Rule 281 · effective 2022-01-01 · A small claim in Illinois is a money claim of $10,000 or less, not counting interest and costs, based on a contract or on harm someone caused.
705 ILCS 105/27.1b(a) · effective 2026-07-01 · Filing fees are set by each county board within maximums fixed by statute, so the amount differs from county to county. Your circuit clerk's fee schedule has the exact amount. No fee is charged for a defendant's appearance in a small claim.
810 ILCS 5/2-725(1) · effective 1962-07-02 · A claim about a sale of goods must be filed within four years of the breach.
Ill. S. Ct. Rule 282 · effective 2018-01-01 · A small claim starts when you pay the filing fee and file a short complaint. No written demand is required first, though asking first is the usual step. A corporation making a claim must be represented.
745 ILCS 10/8-101(a) · effective 2003-06-04 · A claim for an injury or loss against a city, county, school district, or other local public body must be started within one year of the date of the injury.

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