QCAT Fee Waiver — Who Qualifies and How to Apply (Form 49)

Filing Fees Can Be Waived If You Qualify

QCAT charges filing fees for initiating applications and counter-applications. As of 1 July 2026, these fees range from $96.30 to $405.60 depending on the claim amount; administrative fees are listed separately. Fees are indexed annually, and statutory fees increased by 3.4% on 1 July 2026.

If you are facing financial hardship, you can apply for a fee waiver or reduction using Form 49 — Application for fee waiver or appeal fee reduction by reason of financial hardship.

One important clarification for respondents: there is no filing fee for lodging a Form 7 response to a minor debt claim. Form 49 is relevant to fee-bearing applications such as a Form 8 counter-application and to appeal fee reductions. Check QCAT's current fee schedule for the fee that applies to the application you need to file.

Who Qualifies

Form 49 is available to people facing financial hardship. QCAT's criteria include eligible concession-card holders and individuals who meet its income and asset criteria.

The tribunal assesses each application. Holding a concession card does not guarantee approval.

How to Apply

1. Complete Form 49 — the current version was published on 6 August 2025. Download it from the QCAT forms page on qcat.qld.gov.au
2. Attach supporting evidence — include the documents requested in the current Form 49 instructions
3. File Form 49 at the same time as the application you need a fee waiver for — the waiver request must accompany the filing. Do not file the main application, pay the fee, and then apply for a refund separately

If your fee waiver is approved, the fee is either waived entirely or reduced to an amount the tribunal considers you can afford.

If Your Application Is Refused

If QCAT refuses your fee waiver application, you must pay the full filing fee for your application to proceed. The refusal does not prevent you from filing — it just means you need to pay.

If you are in financial distress and cannot afford fees, contact the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) for free financial counselling, or Legal Aid Queensland (1300 65 11 88) for guidance on your options.

For the full QCAT response process — including which steps have fees and which do not — the Responding to a QCAT Minor Civil Dispute guide maps every form and fee across the entire respondent timeline.

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