Claiming allowances while on jury service :Cross Stitch – Crime and justice

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.