Can I Amend My Small Claims Case From $35,000 to $50,000 After October 1?
A major change is coming to Ontario’s Small Claims Court on October 1, 2025.
A major change is coming to Ontario’s Small Claims Court on October 1, 2025. The monetary limit will increase from $35,000 to $50,000, opening the door for more people to resolve legal disputes through a faster and more affordable process.
But what if you already filed a claim at the current $35,000 limit? Can you bump it up?
Let’s take a look.
Yes, You Can Increase the Amount — If You Follow the Right Process.
If you’ve already started a case in Small Claims Court, it may be possible to amend your claim to seek up to $50,000 after the new limit takes effect. But this is not automatic. You must provide proper documentation showing that your case genuinely supports the higher amount. This might include unpaid invoices, contracts, repair bills, or other evidence of damages.
What’s the Process for Amending a Claim?
It depends on how close you are to your trial:
- If your trial is more than 30 days away, you can usually file and serve an amended claim without asking for court permission.
- If your trial is within 30 days, you will need to ask the court for leave to amend. That means showing that the change is reasonable and won’t cause unfairness to the other side.
Even with the increased dollar limit, the Small Claims Court still only handles claims for money or the return of personal property. It doesn’t deal with issues like injunctions or declarations.
Example: When an Amendment Makes Sense
Say you filed a $35,000 claim back in July 2025 over an unpaid construction contract. In early October, you realize that some overlooked invoices bring the total closer to $45,000.
If your trial is not scheduled until December, you may be able to increase the claim amount without court permission. But if your trial is scheduled for early October, you’ll need to ask the court to approve the change.
Why This Matters
Small Claims Court is designed to be efficient and cost-effective. With simpler rules and lower legal fees, it’s a great option for individuals and small businesses with straightforward legal disputes.
This change makes that option available for higher-value cases, but only if you take the proper steps. If you think your claim could or should be increased, now is the time to talk to a licensed paralegal.
Have Questions About the New $50,000 Limit?
If you're wondering whether the Small Claims Court limit increase affects your existing or potential claim, we're happy to provide guidance. Whether you're just getting started or considering next steps, we can help you understand your options under the new rules.
Reach out to De Palma Paralegal for general information or to schedule a consultation. We’ll let you know if and how we can assist, or point you in the right direction.
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