maid agency<\/a> was recently ordered to compensate a customer after falsely claiming that a domestic helper could speak Mandarin – a case that has put the spotlight on Singapore\u2019s Small Claims Tribunals (SCT).<\/p>\nFor consumers and businesses locked in disputes over money, going to court can be costly and intimidating. The SCT offers a faster, lower-cost alternative to resolve certain disputes – without the need for a lawyer.<\/p>\n
What kinds of cases qualify, how much can you claim, and what happens after you file? Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n
What are the Small Claims Tribunals?<\/h2>\n
Part of the State Courts, the SCT specialises in resolving low-value disputes.<\/span><\/p>\nIt typically deals with cases involving goods or services or residential tenancy agreements. Claims must be filed within two years after the date that creates one’s “cause of action”, according to the Singapore Courts (SG Courts) website.<\/span><\/p>\n“Cause of action” in this case is the set of facts that entitles one to start a court action against another party.<\/span><\/p>\nMost SCT cases conclude within four months of filing, it said.<\/span><\/p>\nLawyers are not allowed to represent parties in proceedings before the SCT, though they can provide legal advice to claimants to help them better understand the process, assess the merits of their case and ensure that their supporting documents are in order, Ms Cherie Tan of DOT Chambers told CNA.<\/span><\/p>\nAccording to SG Courts’ annual report for 2024, 11,771 cases were filed in the SCT that year, making up about 77 per cent of the State Courts’ community justice and tribunals cases.<\/p>\n