Money Claim Online | The Path to a CCJ and What Comes Next
Money Claim Online (MCOL) is the UK Government’s online court service for claiming money owed in England and Wales. It provides individuals and businesses with a straightforward route to issuing a court claim, obtaining a County Court Judgment (CCJ), and — where necessary — enforcing that judgment to recover the debt. For many creditors, MCOL is the starting point on the path to getting paid.
Understanding how Money Claim Online works, what it costs, what happens at each stage, and what to do with a judgment once it is obtained gives creditors the foundation they need to pursue claims efficiently and without unnecessary delay.
What Is Money Claim Online?
Money Claim Online is an HMCTS (His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service) digital service that allows claimants to issue, track, and manage money claims through the County Court system without attending court in person. It is available at moneyclaim.service.gov.uk and is accessible to both individuals and businesses.
As of 2025, MCOL handles claims for fixed sums of money — it does not process personal injury claims, claims for return of goods, or non-monetary disputes. Claims can be issued 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the defendant is notified by post once the claim is issued.
Key point | MCOL is suitable for straightforward money claims where the amount owed is known and fixed. It is not suitable for personal injury claims, claims involving complex disputed facts, or claims against defendants outside England and Wales.
How Much Can You Claim on Money Claim Online?
MCOL can be used for claims of any value — there is no upper limit on the amount that can be claimed through the service. However, the value of the claim determines how it is handled within the County Court system once it is issued.
Claim value and track allocation:
| Claim Value | Court Track | Key Feature |
| Up to £10,000 | Small Claims Track | Simplified procedure; limited costs recovery; no legal representation usually needed |
| £10,001 – £25,000 | Fast Track | More formal procedure; fixed costs; typically one-day hearing |
| Over £25,000 | Multi-Track | Full procedural rules apply; costs recovery available; complex cases |
| Personal injury up to £1,500 (road traffic) | Portal / Small Claims | Pre-action portal — cannot use MCOL |
Claims above £10,000 can still be issued through MCOL, but once the defendant responds or the case is contested, it will be allocated to the fast track or multi-track and transferred to the defendant’s local County Court. At that point, the more formal procedural rules of those tracks apply.
How Does Money Claim Online Work? | The Step-by-Step Process
The Money Claim Online process follows a defined sequence. Each stage has specific timescales and procedural requirements. Understanding the full process before issuing reduces the risk of errors that can delay or invalidate a claim.
Step 1 | Register and Prepare Your Claim
Create an account on the MCOL service at moneyclaim.service.gov.uk. Before issuing, gather the following information and documents:
- The defendant’s full name and current address (individuals) or registered address (companies)
- A clear, factual description of the claim — what happened, when, and the basis on which the money is owed
- The exact amount being claimed, plus any interest being claimed under contract or statute
- Supporting documentation — quotations, contracts, invoices, purchase orders, delivery confirmations, and relevant correspondence
Important | For debt claims, the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims requires creditors to send a Letter of Claim (Letter Before Action) to the defendant and allow a reasonable response period before issuing court proceedings. Failure to comply can result in costs sanctions.
Step 2 | Issue the MCOL Court Claim and Pay the Fee
Complete the online claim form with the required details. Court fees are payable at this stage — they are calculated as a percentage of the claim value and are payable online by card. Court fees are recoverable from the defendant if judgment is obtained.
MCOL court fees as of 2025 (indicative — confirm current rates on the GOV.UK fee schedule):
- Claims up to £300 — £35
- Claims £300.01 to £500 — £50
- Claims £500.01 to £1,000 — £70
- Claims £1,000.01 to £1,500 — £80
- Claims £1,500.01 to £3,000 — £115
- Claims £3,000.01 to £5,000 — £205
- Claims £5,000.01 to £10,000 — £455
- Claims £10,000.01 to £100,000 — 5% of the claim value
Once the claim is issued, HMCTS serves it on the defendant by first-class post. The defendant has 14 days from the deemed date of service to respond.
Step 3 | The Defendant’s Response
After service of the claim, the defendant has several options. Understanding each response type helps the claimant plan their next step.
Full admission — The defendant admits the full amount and either pays immediately or proposes a payment plan. If paid, the matter concludes. If a payment plan is proposed and the claimant rejects it, a judge determines the payment terms.
Partial admission — The defendant admits part of the claim. The claimant can accept the part-payment or proceed with the full claim at a hearing.
Defence — The defendant disputes the claim in full or in part. If filed in time, the case is transferred to the defendant’s local County Court for directions.
No response within 14 days — The claimant can apply for judgment in default — a CCJ issued without a hearing because the defendant has not responded.
Step 4 | Judgment in Default or After Hearing
If the defendant does not respond within 14 days, the claimant can apply online for judgment in default. This is one of the most straightforward routes to obtaining a CCJ — the court issues the judgment without the need for a hearing. The judgment sets out the amount owed and the date by which it must be paid.
If the defendant has filed a defence, the case is allocated to a track and proceeds toward a hearing. At the hearing, both parties present their evidence and arguments, and the judge makes a decision. A successful claimant will receive a judgment for the amount claimed, plus court fees and any fixed costs applicable to the track.
Step 5 | Mediation
For small claims track cases, HMCTS offers a free Small Claims Mediation Service. Both parties are invited to participate in a mediated telephone session to attempt to resolve the dispute without a hearing. Mediation is voluntary — neither party is required to accept an outcome — but successful mediation can save significant time and cost compared to proceeding to a court hearing.
Money Claim Online vs County Court Money Claims | Key Differences
Money Claim Online is a digital service within the County Court system. County Court Money Claims (CCMC) is the broader term for all money claims processed through the County Court — including those submitted on paper through local court offices.
| Feature | Money Claim Online (MCOL) | County Court Money Claims (CCMC) |
| Submission method | Online — 24/7 access | Online or paper at local court |
| Claim types | Fixed money sums only | Fixed sums and some unliquidated claims |
| Personal injury | Not permitted | Permitted through paper claim |
| Tracking | Online case management | Online or postal updates |
| Defendant address | Must be in England and Wales | Broader jurisdiction in some cases |
| Processing | Centralised through HMCTS | Local court allocation after issue |
What to Include in Your MCOL Claim Form
A well-prepared claim form reduces the risk of the defendant successfully defending the claim or the court striking it out. The particulars of claim — the written description of the claim — must be clear, accurate, and supported by documentation.
For debt claims, the particulars of claim should include:
- A brief description of the contract or agreement between the parties
- The date the debt became due and the basis on which it is owed
- The amount claimed, broken down where the claim includes interest
- A statement that the claimant is entitled to interest under the contract or under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 (for B2B claims), specifying the rate and period
Key evidence to retain and produce:
- Signed contract or written terms and conditions
- Invoices with purchase order numbers where applicable
- Proof of delivery or completion of services
- Written correspondence — emails, letters, and messages confirming the agreement and chasing payment
- The Letter Before Action (Letter of Claim) sent to the defendant and any response received
CCJ Application Online | What Happens After Judgment Is Obtained?
Obtaining a CCJ is not the end of the process — it is the beginning of enforcement. A CCJ that remains unpaid after 30 days appears on the debtor’s credit record, which can act as a prompt to pay. But where the debtor still does not pay, the creditor must take active enforcement steps.
The most significant decision at this stage is whether to enforce through the County Court or to transfer the judgment to the High Court. For judgments of £600 or more (not under the Consumer Credit Act 1974), transferring to the High Court unlocks access to High Court Enforcement Officers — who have significantly greater powers, act faster, and recover enforcement fees from the debtor.
Shergroup’s County Court Judgment (CCJ) Transfer service manages the transfer process on behalf of creditors, from filing Form N293A through to issuance of the Writ of Control.
Enforcement Routes After an MCOL Judgment | Choosing the Right Method
Once a County Court Judgment is obtained through Money Claim Online, the creditor has several enforcement routes available. The right choice depends on what is known about the debtor’s assets and financial circumstances.
Writ of Control (High Court enforcement) — For judgments of £600 or more, transferring to the High Court enables a High Court Enforcement Officer to attend the debtor’s premises, take control of goods, and — if necessary — remove and sell them. This is the fastest and most powerful enforcement route for business debtors with identifiable assets.
Warrant of Control (County Court) — County Court bailiffs can enforce judgment debts under £600 or Consumer Credit Act debts. Waiting times are typically longer than High Court enforcement.
Third-Party Debt Order — Freezes funds held in the debtor’s bank account and diverts them to the creditor. Effective where account details are known.
Attachment of Earnings Order — For employed individual debtors, a regular deduction is made from their wages until the debt is cleared.
Charging Order — Secures the judgment debt against property owned by the debtor. Followed by an Order for Sale if required.
For a complete guide to the options available once a judgment is obtained, Shergroup’s blog on enforcing a money judgment sets out each route in detail, including when each is most effective.
Enforcing an Existing High Court Judgment
Where a creditor holds a High Court Judgment — as opposed to a CCJ obtained through MCOL — enforcement can begin immediately without the need for transfer. A Writ of Control can be applied for directly, enabling a High Court Enforcement Officer to act without delay.
Shergroup’s Enforcement of High Court Judgment service provides a direct, fast-turnaround instruction route for creditors who already hold a High Court Judgment and wish to proceed to enforcement immediately.
CCJ and Online Court Claim Trends in England and Wales
County Court Judgment volumes in England and Wales have shown an upward trend in recent years, reflecting both the continued use of MCOL by creditors and the broader pressure of economic conditions on debt repayment. As of 2025, the Registry Trust — which maintains the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines — continues to record significant volumes of CCJ registrations each year against both individuals and businesses.
For creditors, this means an active and well-functioning court system for pursuing debts — but also increasing competition for debtor assets in enforcement, as multiple creditors may hold judgments against the same debtor.
Shergroup’s analysis of enforcement data and CCJ trends provides further context on the current enforcement landscape for creditors.
Claiming Interest Through Money Claim Online
Claimants can add interest to their MCOL claim in two ways — under a contractual right (where the contract between the parties specifies an interest rate) or under statute. The two most commonly used statutory bases are:
Section 69 of the County Courts Act 1984 — Allows the court to award interest at a rate it considers appropriate. The standard rate applied is 8% per annum, calculated from the date the debt became due to the date of judgment.
Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 — For B2B debts, statutory interest of 8% above the Bank of England base rate applies automatically from the date the debt became due, along with fixed late payment compensation.
Interest continues to accrue on the judgment debt after judgment is obtained, at the statutory judgment rate of 8% per annum for High Court judgments. County Court judgments below £5,000 do not accrue post-judgment interest unless the contract provides for it.
How Shergroup Helps After an MCOL Judgment
Many creditors successfully obtain a CCJ through Money Claim Online but find themselves without a clear path to enforcement. MCOL is straightforward for the claim stage — enforcement is where specialist knowledge and legal authority make the difference between recovery and a paper judgment.
Shergroup works with creditors who have obtained judgments through MCOL or the County Court and need to take the next step. The process includes an enforceability assessment, CCJ transfer to the High Court where appropriate, and High Court enforcement by authorised officers across England and Wales.
Shergroup’s post-judgment services include:
- Enforceability assessment — identifying what assets the debtor holds before enforcement is instructed
- CCJ transfer to the High Court using Form N293A
- Writ of Control enforcement — attending, seizing, and selling goods where necessary
- Third-Party Debt Orders — freezing and recovering bank account funds
- Charging Orders and Orders for Sale for property-owning debtors
- Honest advice where enforcement is not currently viable
For the full range of enforcement options available, visit Shergroup’s High Court Enforcement Solutions page.
When Not to Use Money Claim Online
MCOL is not suitable for every claim. The following types of claim should be pursued through alternative routes:
- Personal injury claims — Must be issued through the appropriate pre-action portal or by paper claim.
- Claims against defendants outside England and Wales — MCOL requires UK-based defendants. Claims against overseas defendants require different procedures.
- Unliquidated damages claims — Where the amount is not fixed (such as claims for breach of contract where the loss must be assessed), MCOL is not appropriate.
- Claims requiring urgent injunctive relief — Applications for injunctions must be made to the appropriate court by application, not through MCOL.
For a broader overview of how the High Court enforcement system works from judgment through to recovery, Shergroup’s guide on how High Court enforcement works provides a complete reference.
Summing Up
Money Claim Online provides a fast, accessible, and cost-effective route to obtaining a CCJ in England and Wales. The process is straightforward for fixed money claims — but the value of the CCJ depends entirely on what happens next. A judgment that is not enforced recovers nothing.
For creditors who have obtained a judgment through MCOL and need to take the next step, the key decision is whether to enforce through the County Court or to transfer the judgment to the High Court. For debts of £600 or more with identifiable debtor assets, High Court enforcement is almost always the faster, more effective route.
Shergroup’s blog on enforcing a County Court Judgment provides a practical guide to the options available at the post-judgment stage.
Ready to Enforce Your Judgment? Contact Shergroup
If you have obtained a CCJ through Money Claim Online and need help with enforcement, or if you want advice on the most effective route before issuing your claim, contact Shergroup today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Money Claim Online work?
Money Claim Online allows individuals and businesses in England and Wales to issue a court claim for money owed by completing an online form at moneyclaim.service.gov.uk, paying the required court fee, and having the claim served on the defendant by HMCTS. The defendant has 14 days to respond. If they do not respond, judgment in default can be applied for online. If they dispute the claim, the case proceeds to a hearing.
How much can I claim through Money Claim Online?
There is no upper limit on the amount that can be claimed through MCOL. Claims up to £10,000 are allocated to the small claims track. Claims above £10,000 are allocated to the fast track or multi-track and may be transferred to the defendant’s local County Court once a defence is filed. Personal injury claims cannot be made through MCOL regardless of the amount.
What is judgment in default on a Money Claim Online?
Judgment in default is a County Court Judgment issued without a hearing because the defendant failed to respond to the claim within 14 days of service. The claimant applies online once the response period has expired. The CCJ sets out the amount owed and the payment date. If the defendant does not pay, the creditor must take enforcement action to recover the debt.
What can I do if the defendant does not pay after a CCJ?
If a defendant does not pay after a CCJ is obtained through Money Claim Online, the creditor must apply for enforcement. For judgments of £600 or more, transferring the CCJ to the High Court and enforcing via a Writ of Control is generally the fastest and most effective option. Other routes include Third-Party Debt Orders, Charging Orders, and Attachment of Earnings Orders depending on what assets the debtor holds.
What is the difference between Money Claim Online and County Court Money Claims?
Money Claim Online is a specific digital service for issuing fixed-sum money claims in England and Wales via the HMCTS online platform. County Court Money Claims is the broader category covering all money claims processed through the County Court system, including those submitted on paper at local court offices. MCOL is a subset of County Court Money Claims — a digital gateway to the same court process.
Can I claim interest through Money Claim Online?
Yes — MCOL allows claimants to include interest in their claim. For B2B debts, statutory interest at 8% above the Bank of England base rate applies under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. For other claims, interest can be claimed under Section 69 of the County Courts Act 1984 at a rate the court considers appropriate — typically 8% per annum from the date the debt became due.
