The small claims limit in Philadelphia is $12,000. Filing fees are $50 to $175. Enter your claim amount below to check eligibility and see how to file.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: MIT Living Wage Calculator, C2ER, U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Enter your claim amount to see if it qualifies for small claims court in Philadelphia.
Small claims court in Philadelphia handles disputes up to $12,000. Attorneys ARE permitted in Pennsylvania's Magisterial District Courts (small claims) and in the Philadelphia Municipal Court, though many parties represent themselves. The same $12,000 limit applies to individuals and businesses. Cases are filed at the Philadelphia Municipal Court, Small Claims Division.
| Detail | Philadelphia Small Claims |
|---|---|
| Maximum Claim | $12,000 |
| Filing Fee Range | $50 to $175 |
| Attorneys Allowed? | Yes - permitted but optional |
| Where to File | Philadelphia Municipal Court, Small Claims Division |
| Typical Hearing Time | 30 to 90 days after filing |
| Business Claim Limit | $12,000 |
Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and a major East Coast hub for healthcare and higher education (the eds and meds economy), pharmaceuticals and life sciences, financial services, a busy seaport, and tourism rooted in the nation's founding history.
| Local Metric | Philadelphia (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 1.6 million |
| County / jurisdiction | the City and County of Philadelphia |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 102 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $21.50/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $42.00/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $7.25/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,650/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,950/month |
| Median home price | $245,000 |
| Median household income | $60,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 8% |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.92% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the C2ER Cost of Living Index, U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
The maximum claim in Philadelphia is $12,000, set by Pennsylvania law. The same $12,000 limit applies to individuals and businesses. Larger disputes must be filed in a higher court.
Attorneys ARE permitted in Pennsylvania's Magisterial District Courts (small claims) and in the Philadelphia Municipal Court, though many parties represent themselves.
File at the Philadelphia Municipal Court, Small Claims Division, generally in the county where the defendant lives or does business or where the dispute happened. Filing fees are typically $50 to $175 depending on the claim amount.
Filing fees in Philadelphia run about $50 to $175, and fee waivers are available for low-income filers. You may also have small costs to serve the defendant by certified mail or through the constable or sheriff.
Most small claims hearings in Philadelphia are scheduled within roughly 30 to 90 days of filing. Bring all contracts, receipts, photos, and any witnesses to the hearing.