If you are applying for probate and are worried about the cost, you may be entitled to help with probate fees through the Government's Help With Fees scheme.

Many executors are unaware that they may qualify for a probate fee exemption, probate fee reduction or probate fee remission if they receive certain benefits or have a low income. The scheme is administered by HM Courts & Tribunals Service and can significantly reduce or even eliminate the probate application fee.

In this guide, we'll explain who qualifies for Help With Fees, how to apply, what the EX160 Form is, and how to claim help paying probate fees when applying for probate.

Most probate applications require a fee to be paid before a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration can be issued.

The probate application fee is currently charged on estates valued above the Government's fee threshold of £5,000. Executors are responsible for ensuring the correct fee is paid when submitting the probate application.

It is currently (2026) £300 for the application fee which includes 1 official copy of the Grant of Probate/Grant of Letters of Administration) and additional copies cost £16 each.

For many families this is a relatively modest cost, but for some people on a low income, on variable self-employed income or receiving certain benefits, even a small fee can be difficult to afford.

Help With Fees is a Government scheme designed to help people who cannot afford court and tribunal fees, including probate fees.

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for:

• A full probate fee exemption
• A reduction in probate fees
• Partial help paying probate fees
• A refund of fees in certain circumstances

Eligibility is based on factors such as:

• Household income

• Savings and investments

• Benefits received

• Personal circumstances

You may qualify for help with probate fees if you:

• Receive Universal Credit
• Receive Pension Credit
• Receive Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Receive Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
• Have a low household income
• Have limited savings 
• Are on variable income such as being self-employed
  

Eligibility rules can change, so you should always check the latest Government guidance before making an application.

Don't be put off from looking into this further. Download the form or apply online and go through the questions carefully. We can also help you apply for probate including applying for Help With Fees for you as a service. 

Yes.

You can apply for Help With Fees online through the Government website before submitting your probate application.

The online service is usually the quickest way to obtain a Help With Fees reference number.

You can apply here:

Apply for Help With Fees Online

This is one of the most common areas of confusion for executors.

While you can apply for Help With Fees online, you cannot use the online probate application service if you are claiming Help With Fees for your probate application.

Instead, you should submit your probate application using the appropriate paper probate form:

PA1P Form

Use the PA1P Form if the deceased left a valid will and the executor is applying for a Grant of Probate.

PA1A Form

Use the PA1A Form if the deceased died without leaving a valid will and you are applying for Letters of Administration.

Your Help With Fees reference number should then be included with your probate application.

Many pensioners assume they are not eligible for help paying probate fees, but entitlement depends on income, benefits and savings rather than age alone.

Those receiving Pension Credit may be particularly likely to qualify.

Yes, many people receiving Universal Credit qualify for Help With Fees.

However, eligibility is assessed against specific income and savings limits, so receiving Universal Credit does not automatically guarantee a full probate fee exemption.

Yes, many people who are self-employed and those who earn a very variable income can potentially claim Help With Fees.

However, eligibility is assessed against specific income and savings limits, so you need to check this for your situation.

Are you looking for help to apply for probate and claiming Help With Fees? Give the Let's Do Probate team a call on 0330 229 0319 , and we’ll be happy to help. You can schedule a free timed call to suit you, using our online booking system here