Established in 1985 under the Small Claims Tribunals Act, the Small Claims Tribunals ("SCTs") were set up to provide an avenue for consumers to seek quick redress against errant merchants in a less formal and inexpensive forum where they self-represent themselves to file their claims.

The SCT resolve specific types of low-value disputes between consumers and suppliers in a quicker and less expensive way than if the same dispute went for a civil trial.

Common types of small claims include disputes that involve goods, services or residential tenancy agreements not exceeding 2 years. The claim limit is $20,000 (or $30,000 if there is a Memorandum of Consent (PDF, 91 KB) signed by both parties).

For more information, visit https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/civil/file-small-claim.