In this section: details of expense claims for travel, subsistence and financial loss

Travel

All claims for travel expenses must be supported by proof of purchase.

By Public Transport

If travelling by public transport you are entitled to claim the amount of the fares actually paid. This is usually only standard class travel. First class travel will not be paid for.

By car

If travelling by car you are entitled to claim for your mileage at the standard mileage rate (please see the Allowance sheet for exact mileage rate). The special circumstances rate can only be paid  if the use of a car would result in a substantial saving of time, or where there is no other means of transport available. However, this must be approved by the court in advance.

In circumstances where a car is used and there is no viable public transport, car parking charges may also be reimbursed in full or in part, up to a maximum equivalent to the charges for the cheapest convenient car park.

By taxi

If travelling by taxi or mini-cab you must firstly get prior approval from the jury manager at the court before using this method of travel. A receipt must be obtained from the driver to support an expense claim. Taxis must only be used where no public transport service is reasonably available or if you have mobility issues.

Subsistence

The day subsistence allowance available to you is calculated according to the period on any one day that you are absent from your place of residence, business or employment. This also includes the time spent travelling to and from the courthouse.

In most locations, on-site catering is available through the use of a ‘smart card.’ The caterers will supply a card credited with a daily subsistence amount. This allows you to purchase food and drink without the need for cash. At the end of your service, the caterers will ask for reimbursement from the court by producing a receipt from the swiped card. Any unused credit from the card will be payable to you by the court. The use of the ‘smart card’ is optional and if you choose not to use this system you will be entitled to the appropriate daily subsistence allowance as a payment at the end of the service.

Financial loss

An allowance may be claimed for an amount of loss or additional expense (other than travelling or subsistence) which you have incurred, subject to the maximum set out in the allowances sheet (PDF) . This is calculated on a daily basis, according to the period of time over which the earnings or benefits under the National Insurance Acts are lost or additional expense incurred.

Salaried jurors

Claims for loss of earnings must be supported by a certificate, which has been fully completed, signed and officially stamped by your employer. In the absence of an official stamp, a supporting letter on your employer’s headed notepaper should be requested. You will receive the loss of earning certificate (PDF) with your jury summons.

Frequently asked questions for employers (PDF)

Self employed jurors

If you are self-employed some evidence of loss of earnings or additional expenses incurred must be obtained, e.g. a letter from an accountant stating average weekly income; a copy of a previous tax return; an authenticated letter from someone who would have offered work, quoting the remuneration.

Without a supported certificate, or other satisfactory evidence, payment other than for travel and subsistence will not be made.

Night work

Compensation will be paid to you in respect of night work lost during the period of jury service but this must be supported with a certificate or other satisfactory evidence from your employer.

Other expenditure

The financial loss allowance also covers any other expenditure, which you would not otherwise have incurred, but any costs incurred must not exceed the stated maximum.

Claims for:

• childminding
• care of dependant relatives
• any expenses incurred solely as a result of attendance for jury service