Courts · Small Claims
Small Claims Court Limit in Illinois
The most you can sue for in Illinois small claims — with the filing-fee range and whether a lawyer is allowed, cited to the statute.
The limit, the fee & who can appear in Illinois
The claim ceiling, how the filing fee is set, and whether lawyers are allowed at the hearing.
| Maximum claim | $10,000 |
| How the limit works | One statewide limit |
| Filing fee | ~$90–$379 sharply by county (Cook County is tiered) — Illinois has one of the widest fee spreads of any state |
| Lawyers at the hearing | Allowed Individuals may represent themselves. But a corporation or LLC bringing a small claim generally MUST be represented by a lawyer (Supreme Court Rule 282) — that is a representation rule, not a different dollar limit. |
| Statute / court rule | Ill. Sup. Ct. Rules 281–288 (Rule 281 defines small claims) |
Where to file in Illinois
A reference page, not a filing walkthrough — here's the official resource for procedure.
This page is a reference for the dollar limit, fee, and whether a lawyer is allowed — not a step-by-step filing guide. For the forms, where to file, and how service works, use Illinois's official court self-help resource.
→ Illinois CourtsWhat Illinois filers get wrong
Illinois defines small claims by court rule, not statute: Supreme Court Rule 281 sets the ceiling at "money not in excess of $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs," and the rule applies in the circuit courts statewide. There's a wrinkle that catches businesses: an individual can represent themselves, but a corporation or LLC filing a small claim generally has to appear through a lawyer under Rule 282. That's a rule about who can stand up in court, not a lower dollar cap. The figure to double-check before you file is the fee — Illinois has one of the widest county-to-county spreads in the country, from around $90 to nearly $380, with Cook County using its own tiered schedule. Rule 281 hasn't changed since January 1, 2022.
Common questions
What is the small claims limit in Illinois?
Illinois small claims covers money claims up to $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs, under Supreme Court Rule 281. It applies in the circuit courts across the state.
Does a business need a lawyer for small claims in Illinois?
Usually, yes. A corporation or LLC bringing a small claim generally must be represented by an attorney under Supreme Court Rule 282. An individual suing on their own behalf can represent themselves.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Illinois?
It depends heavily on the county — roughly $90 to $379. Cook County uses a tiered schedule based on the amount claimed. Check your county circuit clerk’s fee schedule before filing.
Can individuals represent themselves in Illinois small claims?
Yes. Individuals may appear without a lawyer. The representation requirement in Rule 282 applies to corporate and LLC plaintiffs, not to individuals.
Not legal advicePlainStatute provides plain-language summaries of public law for general information only. This is not legal advice. Statutes change; always confirm current requirements with the official source linked above before acting.