The small claims limit in Pennsylvania
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.
| Court | Claiming as | Most you can claim | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magisterial District Court | An individual | $12,000 | 42 Pa.C.S. §1515(a)(3) |
| Magisterial District Court | A business | $12,000 | 42 Pa.C.S. §1515(a)(3) |
| Magisterial District Court | A public agency | $12,000 | 42 Pa.C.S. §1515(a)(3) |
| Philadelphia Municipal Court, Small Claims | An individual | $12,000 | 42 Pa.C.S. §1123(a)(4) |
| Philadelphia Municipal Court, Small Claims | A business | $12,000 | 42 Pa.C.S. §1123(a)(4) |
| Philadelphia Municipal Court, Small Claims | A public agency | $12,000 | 42 Pa.C.S. §1123(a)(4) |
More about Pennsylvania
Common questions
- How much can you claim in small claims court in Pennsylvania?
- In the Magisterial District Court, an individual can claim up to $12,000. In the Magisterial District Court, a business can claim up to $12,000. In the Magisterial District Court, a public agency can claim up to $12,000. In the Philadelphia Municipal Court, Small Claims, an individual can claim up to $12,000. In the Philadelphia Municipal Court, Small Claims, a business can claim up to $12,000. In the Philadelphia Municipal Court, Small Claims, a public agency can claim up to $12,000. That comes from 42 Pa.C.S. §1515(a)(3), 42 Pa.C.S. §1123(a)(4).
- Which court handles small claims in Pennsylvania?
- Magisterial District Court. For every county except Philadelphia. The magisterial district judge's office for the area where the other side lives or where the dispute happened. Philadelphia Municipal Court, Small Claims. For disputes inside the City of Philadelphia.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Pennsylvania?
- The shortest window is 2 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under 42 Pa.C.S. §5524(3). 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 Pennsylvania'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 2026-09-05.
- 42 Pa.C.S. §1515(a)(3) · effective 2011-01-22 · A magisterial district judge can hear a money claim of up to $12,000, not counting interest and costs. Claims against a state agency go elsewhere.
- 42 Pa.C.S. §1123(a)(4) · effective 2011-01-22 · In Philadelphia, the Municipal Court hears money claims of up to $12,000, not counting interest and costs. Claims against a state agency go elsewhere.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.