Key Takeaways
- You must respond to a money claim within 14 days of deemed service (5 clear days after posting for paper claims, or the date stated in your MCOL email) to avoid a default judgment and CCJ.
- Check whether your claim was issued via Money Claim Online (MCOL) or by post (Form N1) — your response method and deadline calculation depend on how you were served.
- You can admit, part-admit, defend, or counterclaim — choose carefully and support your response with evidence (contracts, invoices, emails, payment records).
- Filing an Acknowledgment of Service extends your deadline by a further 14 days (to 28 days total), giving you time to gather documents and seek advice.
- Ignoring a money claim almost always results in a default County Court Judgment (CCJ), which damages your credit for six years and triggers enforcement (bailiffs, charging orders, attachment of earnings).
- Respond online via the “Respond to a money claim” service on GOV.UK (for MCOL claims) or by returning Form N9A (individuals) or N9B (companies) to the County Court Business Centre in Northampton.
- If you believe the claimant owes you money, you can make a counterclaim in your defence — this can shift leverage and lead to settlement.
- Most money claims settle before trial, especially when both sides exchange evidence and engage in mediation — the Small Claims Mediation Service is free and often successful.
- Our firm is rated Excellent on Trustpilot with over 130 five-star reviews and a 4.9/5 rating from satisfied clients.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Money Claim in the UK? Deadlines, MCOL Process, and Defence Options
Receiving a money claim can be overwhelming, especially when you realise that ignoring it — even for a few days — puts you at immediate risk of a default County Court Judgment (CCJ) and long-term credit damage. The process is strictly time-sensitive: you must respond within 14 days of deemed service, either online using the Money Claim Online (MCOL) platform or by returning the paper response forms (N9A for individuals, N9B for companies) to the County Court Business Centre in Northampton.
This step-by-step guide explains how to identify your claim type, calculate your deadline accurately, admit or dispute the claim, file a defence or counterclaim, and understand what happens if you miss the deadline. Whether your claim arrived by email (MCOL) or by post (Form N1), understanding your responsibilities and options will help you respond confidently and avoid escalation to court enforcement.
Our London-based solicitors provide clear, practical guidance for any money claim. If you require immediate assistance, our team is available for urgent review and support.
What Is a Money Claim in the UK and Why Might You Receive One?
A money claim is a formal court process for recovering debts or seeking compensation through the County Court in England and Wales. Claims are most commonly issued online via Money Claim Online (MCOL), but may also be started using the court’s paper Form N1. Typical reasons for receiving a claim include:
- Unpaid business or personal debts, such as invoices, loans, or credit agreements
- Disputes over goods, services, or refunds (breach of contract or poor performance)
- Disagreements over property, tenancy deposits, or rent arrears
- Claims for damages arising from negligence, misrepresentation, or breach of duty
If the claim is ignored, the court may enter a default judgment against you (CPR 12.3), marking your credit record and exposing you to enforcement procedures — bailiff action, charging orders, or attachment of earnings.
Step 1: Identify Your Claim Type and Check Your Deadline
Money claims in England and Wales are issued either online via Money Claim Online (MCOL) or by post using Form N1 (the paper claim form). Your response method and deadline depend on how you were served:
- MCOL claims: You receive an email with a claim number (e.g. A1QZ1234) and a link to the “Respond to a money claim” service on GOV.UK. Your 14-day deadline runs from the date stated in the email (usually the date the claim was issued online).
- Paper claims (Form N1): You receive a printed claim pack by post, including the particulars of claim and a response pack (Form N9A for individuals, N9B for companies or organisations). Your 14-day deadline runs from the deemed date of service — 5 clear days after the claim was posted by first-class post (CPR 6.14 and 6.26). For example, if the claim was posted on Monday 3 February, deemed service is Saturday 8 February, and your deadline is Saturday 22 February (or the next working day if it falls on a weekend or bank holiday).
If you need more time to prepare your defence, you can file an Acknowledgment of Service (see Step 3 below) to extend your deadline by a further 14 days (CPR 10.3).
Step 2: Understand Your Response Options
After receiving a claim — whether via MCOL or by post — you must choose your response promptly. You have four main options:
- Admit the claim in full if you accept liability for the entire amount and wish to propose a payment arrangement.
- Part-admit the claim if you accept liability for some of the amount but dispute the rest.
- Defend the claim if you believe the claim is incorrect, unfair, or unenforceable — you will need to file a defence setting out your reasons and evidence.
- Make a counterclaim if you believe the claimant owes you money in return (this is included in your defence).
You must respond within 14 days of deemed service. This can be completed online using the “Respond to a money claim” service (for MCOL claims) or by returning the response forms from your claim pack to the County Court Business Centre, St Katharine’s House, 21-27 St Katharine’s Street, Northampton, NN1 2LH.
If you do not recognise the claim or believe it was sent in error, dealing with it quickly is essential. Our litigation experts can ensure your response is correct and protect your position.
Step 3: File an Acknowledgment of Service to Extend Your Deadline (Optional)
Filing an Acknowledgment of Service (AoS) tells the court you need more time to prepare your defence, extending your deadline from 14 to 28 days (CPR 10.3). You can lodge the AoS online via the “Respond to a money claim” service (for MCOL claims) or by completing and returning Form N9 from your response pack to the County Court Business Centre in Northampton.
When filing an AoS:
- Submit it at the earliest opportunity — do not leave it until the last day.
- Indicate whether you intend to defend the claim in full, admit it, or make a counterclaim.
- Use the extra time to gather supporting documents (contracts, invoices, emails, payment records) and seek legal advice if needed.
If any documentation is unclear or missing, our lawyers can review your papers and advise on the essential next steps.
Step 4: Respond to the Claim — Admit, Part-Admit, Defend, or Counterclaim
As the defendant, make a measured and strategic choice based on the facts and evidence available to you:
How to Admit or Part-Admit a Money Claim
If you accept liability for all or part of the claim:
- Full admission: Respond online via the “Respond to a money claim” service (for MCOL) or complete Form N9A (individuals) or N9B (companies) and return it to the County Court Business Centre. Offer a realistic payment plan — the court may approve repayment by instalments if your financial circumstances justify it (CPR 14.9 and 14.10).
- Part admission: Specify clearly what amount you accept and explain the basis for disputing the remainder. Support your position with evidence (invoices, contracts, correspondence). The claimant can either accept your part admission or proceed with the claim for the disputed balance.
How to Prepare and File a Defence
If you dispute the claim in full or in part, you must file a defence (CPR Part 15 and CPR 16.5). Your defence should:
- Address each part of the claim separately, confirming what you admit and what you dispute.
- Present your version of events clearly and concisely, supported by evidence — contracts, payment records, email chains, invoices, and all relevant correspondence.
- Highlight any procedural irregularities (incorrect party name, inadequate service, lack of particulars, or failure to comply with a pre-action protocol).
- Set out any legal defences (e.g. the claim is time-barred under the Limitation Act 1980, the contract was void or unenforceable, or the claimant has no standing to bring the claim).
You can file your defence:
- Online via the “Respond to a money claim” service (for MCOL claims) — you will be prompted to upload supporting documents.
- By post by completing Form N9B (the defence section) and returning it to the County Court Business Centre, St Katharine’s House, 21-27 St Katharine’s Street, Northampton, NN1 2LH.
Ensure your arguments are precise and focused. A well-drafted defence can lead to early settlement or a successful outcome at trial.
How to Make a Counterclaim
If you believe the person or business suing you in fact owes you money, you can issue a counterclaim (CPR Part 20). This is included in your defence (either online or by paper form) and must set out:
- The amount you are claiming and the legal basis for it (breach of contract, debt, damages, etc.).
- The facts supporting your counterclaim, with evidence.
- Any connection between your counterclaim and the original claim (e.g. both arise from the same contract or transaction).
Counterclaims may shift the court’s perspective and increase your negotiation leverage. Always set out fully the sums and reasons, and file within the same deadlines as your defence (14 days, or 28 days if you filed an AoS).
If you are considering a counterclaim, get legal advice quickly to preserve your rights and gather the required evidence.
What Happens If You Ignore a Money Claim?
Ignoring a money claim nearly always results in serious and immediate consequences. If you fail to respond within 14 days of deemed service, the claimant can request a default judgment (CPR 12.3), meaning:
- A County Court Judgment (CCJ) will be recorded against you or your business, instantly impacting your credit rating for six years (unless paid in full within one month of the judgment date).
- Enforcement can begin promptly — the claimant can apply for a warrant of control (bailiffs), a charging order over your property, an attachment of earnings order, or a third-party debt order against your bank account.
- You lose your right to defend the claim — the court will not consider your version of events or any evidence you may have had.
Contact our expert lawyers straightaway for an urgent, fixed-fee review if a claim form arrives. If you dispute the claim or believe it was sent in error, do not delay — seek prompt legal advice and set out your defence clearly
