You can claim expenses if you're required to attend court as a witness or summoned to attend as a juror.
The Ministry of Justice decides how much both jurors and witnesses can claim.
We regret that family members or people attending an inquest in a capacity other than a juror or formally summonsed witness aren't entitled to claim expenses.
Please read the following guidance then complete the appropriate form below.
Travel expenses
A claim for travel expenses can be made if you travel to an inquest using public transport, or by your own private vehicle.
If using public transport, you can claim the amount of the actual fare paid (for train travel only the Standard Fare can be claimed).
If travelling using your own private vehicle (motorcycle or car), the current mileage rate is 45p per mile, for travel by pedal cycles the rate is 20p per mile. Reasonable car parking charges will be reimbursed.
If exceptional circumstances cause the use of alternative/additional means of transport, or an overnight stay, please discuss this in advance with the Coroner’s Office.
Subsistence claim
You’re entitled to an allowance to cover reimbursement for food or refreshments to the following maximum amounts:
- Up to 5 hours: £2.40
- 5 to 10 hours: £4.75
Catering is usually provided for jurors, so a payment for subsistence will not apply.
Loss of earnings/child care costs
You can make a claim if you have suffered financial loss as a result of attending an inquest.
The amount of reimbursement is subject to the maximum amounts set by the Ministry of Justice:
- Up to 4 hours: £32.47
- Over 4 hours: £64.95
For long inquests which last beyond 10 days the maximum amount of reimbursement increases to:
- Up to 4 hours: £64.95
- Over 4 hours: £129.91
You will need to provide one of the following:
- a letter from your employer on company letterhead which confirms the amount of financial loss incurred
- a receipt for childcare costs
- appropriate evidence if you are self employed
You can’t make a claim if your employer continues to pay you whilst you’re attending an inquest.
Claim expenses as an ordinary witness or member of the jury
If you have attended an inquest hearing as an ordinary witness or juror you can claim payment for expenses by printing, completing and returning this claim expenses form (PDF, 53KB).
You must send us proof of each expense (e.g. a receipt).
Claims will not be paid without the relevant supporting documentation.
Claim expenses as a medical professional
If you are a medical professional and wish to claim expenses for an inquest hearing you attended, please complete and return the medical professional expenses claim form (Word, 51KB).
Medical professionals do not need to provide evidence of expenses.
