Small claims court dollar limits
The maximum you can claim depends entirely on where you file. Here are the current ceilings for Canada and the United States, updated for 2026.
Filing for more than the limit is the fastest way to have a case bounced. If your loss is above the ceiling, you must either move up to a higher court or formally abandon the excess.
Canada - by province
| Province | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $50,000 | Raised from $35,000 on Oct 1, 2025 |
| Alberta | $50,000 | Among the highest in Canada |
| British Columbia | $35,000 | CRT handles up to $5,000; Provincial Court to $35,000 |
| Manitoba | $15,000 | Small Claims (Court of King's Bench) |
| Saskatchewan | $30,000 | Provincial Court small claims |
| Nova Scotia | $25,000 | Small Claims Court |
| Quebec | $15,000 | Small claims division; no lawyers at hearing |
United States - selected states
| State | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | $12,500 | Individuals; $6,250 for businesses |
| Texas | $20,000 | Justice courts |
| Florida | $8,000 | County court small claims |
| New York | $10,000 | NYC; $5,000 in many town/village courts |
| Illinois | $10,000 | Small claims |
| Washington | $10,000 | District court small claims |
| Georgia | $15,000 | Magistrate court |
How to handle a claim above the limit
Say you are owed $58,000 in Ontario. You have two realistic choices. First, file in the Superior Court of Justice, where the full amount is recoverable but the process is formal and usually needs a lawyer. Second, file in small claims court for $50,000 and abandon the remaining $8,000. Most self-represented claimants choose the second route because speed and simplicity are worth more than the surplus.
Frequently asked questions
What is the small claims limit in Ontario?
Ontario's small claims court limit is $50,000, raised from $35,000 effective October 1, 2025. Claims above $50,000 must be filed in the Superior Court of Justice.
Which province has the highest small claims limit?
Ontario and Alberta share the highest limit in Canada at $50,000. Saskatchewan is $30,000 and Nova Scotia $25,000.
What is the small claims limit in California?
California allows individuals to claim up to $12,500 and businesses up to $6,250 per case, with limits on how many larger claims one person can file per year.
Can I split one big claim into several small ones?
No. Courts prohibit 'claim splitting', breaking a single dispute into multiple cases to stay under the limit. Doing so can get your cases dismissed.
What happens if my claim exceeds the limit?
You can sue in a higher civil court, or you can waive the excess and recover up to the small claims maximum. Waiving keeps the process fast and lawyer-free but forfeits the surplus.