The small claims limit in South Carolina
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 | $7,500 | S.C. Code §22-3-10 |
| A business | $7,500 | S.C. Code §22-3-10 |
| A public agency | $7,500 | S.C. Code §22-3-10 |
More about South Carolina
Common questions
- How much can you claim in small claims court in South Carolina?
- An individual can claim up to $7,500. A business can claim up to $7,500. A public agency can claim up to $7,500. That comes from S.C. Code §22-3-10.
- Which court handles small claims in South Carolina?
- Magistrate Court. The magistrate court in the county where the other side lives or does business, or where the dispute happened.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in South Carolina?
- The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under S.C. Code §15-3-530(1), (4). 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 South Carolina'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 2025-07-01.
- S.C. Code §22-3-10 · effective 2004-03-05 · A magistrate court can hear a money claim of up to $7,500. Larger claims go to the circuit court.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.