The small claims limit in Massachusetts
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.
| Claiming as | Most you can claim | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| An individual | $7,000 | G.L. c. 218, §21 |
| A business | $7,000 | G.L. c. 218, §21 |
| A public agency | $7,000 | G.L. c. 218, §21 |
More about Massachusetts
Common questions
- How much can you claim in small claims court in Massachusetts?
- An individual can claim up to $7,000. A business can claim up to $7,000. A public agency can claim up to $7,000. That comes from G.L. c. 218, §21.
- Which court handles small claims in Massachusetts?
- District Court, Boston Municipal Court, or Housing Court, Small Claims Session. The small claims session of the District Court or Boston Municipal Court for the place where either side lives or does business. Housing Court also hears small claims about rental housing.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Massachusetts?
- The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under G.L. c. 260, §2A. Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
Verify with your court
Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open Massachusetts's small claims page and confirm anything you are about to rely on.
Open the court's small claims pageVerified on 2026-09-05, sources:
Verified on 2026-09-05, sources: Rules effective from 2021-12-13.
- G.L. c. 218, §21 · effective 2021-12-13 · Small claims in Massachusetts hears money claims of up to $7,000. Property damage from a motor vehicle accident has no dollar cap in small claims.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.