Go to main content
Archive Website of the UK government
Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.
Main menu
Page menu
Crime and justice
Claiming allowances while on jury service
If you're asked to do jury service you are able to claim certain allowances - like travel costs to the court. Find out the types of allowances, how and when to claim them and what records you must supply to support any claim.
Allowances – what they are
Jury service is unpaid but you can normally claim an allowance for:
- travel
- lunch and refreshments
- financial loss (up to a maximum daily amount)
If you’re working or claiming benefits
Your employer (or benefit office) must complete a ‘Certificate of Loss of Earnings’ form. The form and guidance are included in the pack you get sent once you have confirmed you can do jury service.
If you’re self-employed
If you’re self-employed, you must provide the court with evidence of your loss of earnings. This could be your last tax return or a letter from your accountant giving your average gross daily income. If you do not have proof, speak to court staff on your first day of jury service.
Allowance amounts you can claim
The tables below show the maximum daily allowance that can be paid. Court staff do not have the authority to change these amounts.
Loss of earnings or benefits – and other expenses
‘Other expenses’ include things like child minding costs. You can claim for more than one type of loss – as long as the total amount is no more than the maximum daily allowance. For example, if you’re claiming loss of earnings and child care, the total of both must not exceed the maximum daily allowance.
| Length of time each day on jury service | Maximum allowance the court may pay |
|---|---|
| Up to and including four hours – first ten days | £32.47 per day |
| Up to and including four hours – between day 11 and up to day 200 | £64.95 per day |
| Up to and including four hours – after day 201 | £114.03 per day |
| Over four hours – first ten days | £64.95 per day |
| Over four hours – between day ten and up to day 200 | £129.91 per day |
| Over four hours – after day 201 | £228.06 per day |
Travel and parking costs
You must get permission from the court before you travel if you are either:
- planning to take a taxi to court
- using your car and paying a parking fee
| How you travel | The court will pay |
|---|---|
| Bus or underground | Cost of the ticket |
| Train | Cost of the ticket (2nd class return fare) |
| Bicycle | 9.6p per mile |
| Motorcycle | 31.4p per mile |
| Car | 31.4p per mile |
|
Car – if you carry one other juror as a passenger Car – for each additional passenger |
4.2p per mile 3.2p per mile |
| Taxi | The fare |
Subsistence – food and drink
Some courts have catering facilities for jurors – for example, a canteen. Depending on the court, you may be able to use:
- a pre-paid ‘smartcard’
- cash if there are no catering facilities (or you choose this method instead) and claim at the end of your jury service
| Length of time each day you are away from home or work | The court will pay up to |
|---|---|
| Up to and including ten hours a day | £5.71 per day |
| Over ten hours a day | £12.17 per day |
| If the court asks you to stay overnight | The court will arrange accommodation |
How to make an allowance claim
You should make your claim at the end of your jury service (and no later than three months after jury service). If this causes you problems – for example, you haven’t enough money to travel – speak to court staff.
If the trial is likely to last a long time (for example, several months) special arrangements for payment will be made.
Keeping records of what you spend
You must keep records of costs – like ticket receipts – and send them in with your claim. If you’re unsure what should be submitted with your claim form, contact the court.
How you are paid
You are not paid in cash. The court normally transfers your allowance claim money direct into your bank account. If this isn’t possible, speak to court staff on your first day of jury service.
When you are paid
You should be paid within seven to ten working days after submitting your claim form. You should wait at least ten working days before contacting the court.
Additional links
Your role as a juror
Watch a video on what's involved in being a juror
Simpler, Clearer, Faster
From 17 October, GOV.UK will be the best place to find government services and information
