Small Claims · England and Wales
Money Claim Online: How to Start a Money Claim
What to prepare before starting an online money claim, how the official services differ, and the steps that follow submission.
Source checked · 4 min read
Before you start
A money claim is a formal court process for recovering money you believe you are owed. Starting a claim is a serious step: it involves court fees, formal deadlines and a process the other side can defend. This guide concerns ordinary money claims in England and Wales; different procedures apply elsewhere and to other types of dispute.[1]
Before using any online service, be clear about who owes the money, exactly how much is claimed and how that figure is calculated. Gather the documents that support the claim, such as contracts, invoices, correspondence and payment records, and check whether a formal letter before action is expected in your situation. Pre-action conduct can affect how a court later views the claim.[1][3]
The official online services
There is more than one official route. Money Claim Online is the long-standing service for many claims up to a set limit, and a separate online service exists for certain claims, including some for higher amounts. Eligibility depends on factors such as the amount, the number of parties and whether both sides have addresses in the United Kingdom. Check the current eligibility rules on GOV.UK before choosing a route, because they change from time to time.[1][2]
Use only the official services reached through GOV.UK. Keep your login details and claim reference private, and do not share passwords or security codes with anyone. PETERLEX will never ask you for these.
What you will need to provide
The online services ask for the names and addresses of the claimant and defendant, the amount claimed, the basis of the claim and the particulars of claim. The particulars set out your case in writing: what was agreed, what happened and why the money is owed. Prepare this wording carefully before you begin, because it becomes part of the formal court record.[1][3]
Interest and court fees are usually added to the amount claimed where the rules permit. Check the current fee for the amount you intend to claim before submitting, as fees depend on the value of the claim.[4]
Court fees
A fee is payable when the claim is issued, and further fees can arise later, for example if a hearing is needed. The fee depends on the amount claimed and is published on GOV.UK. Fee remission may be available in some circumstances. Confirm the current figures on the official pages rather than relying on older articles or forum posts.[4]
After you submit
Once a claim is issued, it must be served on the defendant, who then has a limited time to respond. The defendant may pay, admit the claim in whole or in part, file a defence, or do nothing. Each outcome leads to a different next step, and each has its own deadlines. Keep a record of the issue date and every notification the service sends you.[1][3]
If the claim is defended, the court will give directions about what happens next, which can include mediation or a hearing. If the defendant does not respond, you may be able to request judgment, but the correct procedure must still be followed. Do not assume any deadline or outcome; check the actual notices you receive.[3]
If you are the one being claimed against
If you have received a money claim rather than started one, different and urgent deadlines apply. See our guide on responding to a small claim in England and Wales, and do not delay complying with any court deadline while awaiting a response from PETERLEX.
How PETERLEX can help
PETERLEX provides document preparation and process-readiness support: organising your papers, checking that your particulars and evidence are in order, and helping you understand the procedural steps. PETERLEX is a consultancy, not a law practice, and does not provide legal advice or representation. Where a matter calls for regulated advice or representation, we can help you identify when an authorised professional is appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Is Money Claim Online the only way to start a money claim?
No. There are several official routes, including other online services and paper forms. Which route applies depends on the amount and the circumstances, so check the current GOV.UK guidance.
How much does it cost to start a claim?
The issue fee depends on the amount claimed and is published on GOV.UK. Further fees can arise later in the process, and fee remission may be available in some circumstances.
Can PETERLEX start or manage a claim for me?
No. PETERLEX does not issue claims, act on your behalf in proceedings or provide legal advice. We can help you organise your documents and understand the preparation steps.