Small claims court · Calculator
Which small claims court? New York court finder and limits
Updated By The editorial teamNot reviewed by an attorney — based on the official sources below
In short
Small claims limits in New York depend on the court: up to $10,000 in New York City, $5,000 in city courts outside NYC and in the Nassau and Suffolk district courts, and $3,000 in town and village courts. Pick where the person or business you're suing is and enter your amount to see which court and whether it fits.
Read on for the details, the exceptions and the sources.
How we calculate
- New York City Civil Court Act Art. 18: small claims up to $10,000.
- Uniform City Court Act and Uniform District Court Act Art. 18: up to $5,000.
- Uniform Justice Court Act Art. 18: town and village courts, up to $3,000.
- Your amount is compared with the limit of that court.
What the calculation leaves out
- Commercial claims by businesses, which follow Article 18-A.
- Claims against the State of New York (Court of Claims).
- Current filing fees, which the clerk will confirm.
What to do with the result
- Gather your evidence: contracts, receipts, photos, messages.
- Write down the correct legal name and address of the person or business you're suing.
- File with the clerk or online where available; the court mails the notice to the defendant.
Calculator
How we calculated
| Where | New York City (any of the five boroughs) |
|---|---|
| Court | Small Claims Part of the NYC Civil Court |
| Small claims limit | $10,000 |
| Your claim | $3,000.00 |
| Where to file | The borough where the person or business you're suing lives, works or has a place of business. |
- Small claims is meant for people without a lawyer: simple forms, a low filing fee and an informal hearing (New York City also holds evening sessions).
- Small claims is for individuals (a minor sues through a parent or guardian); corporations generally use the commercial claims part where it exists.
- Check the current filing fee with the clerk; it depends on the court and the amount.
Frequently asked questions
My claim is $12,000. Can I still use small claims in NYC?
Small claims in New York City only hears claims up to $10,000, and splitting one claim into two to fit the limit is generally not allowed. Ask the clerk whether to sue for the limit or in the regular civil part.
Can my small business sue in small claims?
Corporations, partnerships and associations generally use the commercial claims part instead; individuals use small claims.
Want your own situation checked?
This page is general. Describe what happened, attach the letter or document you received, and get a free first answer — then, if you want, a full check against New York and federal law and a letter ready to send.
Check my situation — freeOfficial sources
This page was written from the sources below. “Checked” is the date the source was last opened and read.
- New York City Civil Court Act (opens in a new tab)New York State Senate — Open Legislation (official text of the Consolidated Laws) · Art. 18, § 1801 · Checked: October 30, 2026NYC small claims limit
- N.Y. Uniform City Court Act (opens in a new tab)New York State Senate — Open Legislation (official text of the Consolidated Laws) · Art. 18, § 1801 · Checked: October 30, 2026City court small claims limit
- N.Y. Uniform District Court Act (opens in a new tab)New York State Senate — Open Legislation (official text of the Consolidated Laws) · Art. 18, § 1801 · Checked: October 30, 2026District court small claims limit
- N.Y. Uniform Justice Court Act (opens in a new tab)New York State Senate — Open Legislation (official text of the Consolidated Laws) · Art. 18, § 1801 · Checked: October 30, 2026Town and village court small claims limit
- Small Claims — New York State Unified Court System (opens in a new tab)New York State Unified Court System — CourtHelp · Checked: October 30, 2026How small claims work in New York
Related questions
- Do I need a lawyer to file in small claims court? · How to file a small claims case in New York, step by step
- Can I sue for something other than money, like getting my property back? · How to file a small claims case in New York, step by step
- Can I sue for more than $10,000 in New York City small claims if I add interest? · What is the small claims limit in New York? $10,000, $5,000 or $3,000 depending on the court
- Is the limit in Nassau or Suffolk higher than in a town court? · What is the small claims limit in New York? $10,000, $5,000 or $3,000 depending on the court
- Do I get the filing fee back if I win? · How much does it cost to file in small claims court in New York?
- Does the defendant pay anything to defend a small claim? · How much does it cost to file in small claims court in New York?
Related guides
- How toHow to file a small claims case in New York, step by step
- QuestionWhat is the small claims limit in New York? $10,000, $5,000 or $3,000 depending on the court
- QuestionHow much does it cost to file in small claims court in New York?
- QuestionHow is the other side notified of a small claims case in New York?
- How toYour small claims hearing in New York: what to bring and what to expect
- How toYou won in small claims court in New York but weren't paid: how to collect
This page is general information based on the official sources listed, current as of the update date. It is not legal advice and does not replace a review of your own situation; if a case is already in court, a deadline is close, the amount is large, or there are criminal, immigration or family-law consequences, talk to a lawyer or legal aid.