OCMC Common Mistakes: 7 Errors That Get Your Money Claim Rejected

In short: The Online Civil Money Claims (OCMC) service lets you file a specified money claim — a claim for a definite sum owed — in England and Wales. Most claims that fail do so for avoidable reasons: naming the wrong legal entity, vague or incomplete Particulars of Claim, an inflated or understated amount, a missing interest calculation, the wrong court fee, skipping the Pre-Action Protocol, or misunderstanding the statement of truth. eLitigant drafts your OCMC claim — or checks the draft you have written — for a flat £30, working only from your own information.

Filing a money claim through the Online Civil Money Claims (OCMC) service should be straightforward. The system is designed to guide you through each step. But every day, claims are rejected, returned, or fatally weakened by errors that could have been avoided — errors that have nothing to do with the merits of the case and everything to do with how the claim was filed.

Some of these mistakes are administrative. The wrong name, the wrong fee, a missing tick box. Others are substantive — a set of Particulars of Claim so vague that the defendant cannot understand what they are being accused of, or an interest calculation that does not stand up to scrutiny. Either way, the result is the same: delay, additional cost, and in some cases, a claim that cannot proceed at all.

This guide sets out the seven most common mistakes litigants in person make when filing at OCMC, explains why each one matters, and shows you how to avoid them. If you are about to file a claim, read this first. The twenty minutes it takes could save you months.

Mistake 1: Getting the Defendant’s Name Wrong

This is the single most common reason for claims failing at the outset, and it is entirely avoidable. The defendant must be named correctly and precisely. A judgment against the wrong legal entity is a judgment you cannot enforce.

What Goes Wrong

Litigants frequently name the trading name rather than the legal entity. If you hired “Smith’s Plumbing” but the company is registered as “J. Smith Services Ltd,” your claim against “Smith’s Plumbing” may not be enforceable against the company. Similarly, if you are claiming against an individual sole trader, you need their personal name, not just their business name.

Other common errors include:

• Using an abbreviation instead of the full registered name (e.g., “ABC Ltd” instead of “ABC Solutions Limited”)
• Misspelling the defendant’s name
• Naming an employee rather than the company that employed them
• Suing a dissolved company

Why It Matters

A judgment is only enforceable against the party named in it. If the legal name is wrong, the defendant can argue the judgment does not apply to them. Correcting a defendant’s name after proceedings have been issued requires an application to the court under CPR 17.4 (substitution of parties), which costs time, money, and goodwill with the court.

How to Avoid It

For companies, search Companies House and use the exact registered name, including “Limited” or “Ltd” as it appears. Check the company is active and not dissolved. For individuals, use their full legal name. For sole traders, use the format: “John Smith (trading as Smith’s Plumbing).” Our guide to starting a money claim at OCMC covers identifying the correct defendant in detail.

Mistake 2: Submitting Vague or Incomplete Particulars of Claim

The Particulars of Claim are the foundation of your case. They tell the defendant — and the court — what happened, why it gives rise to a legal claim, and what remedy you seek. Vague particulars are not just unhelpful; they can be struck out under CPR 3.4(2)(a) as disclosing no reasonable grounds for bringing the claim.

What Goes Wrong

Many litigants in person treat the Particulars of Claim as a place to vent frustration. The result is a narrative heavy on emotion and light on the facts the court actually needs. Common problems include:

• Failing to identify the legal basis of the claim (breach of contract, negligence, debt, etc.)
• Not specifying the date or dates of the events giving rise to the claim
• Omitting the amount claimed or how it has been calculated
• Using vague language (“the defendant was unhelpful and caused me stress”) instead of specific factual allegations
• Including irrelevant background that obscures the actual claim

Why It Matters

Under CPR 16.4, the Particulars of Claim must include a concise statement of the facts on which the claimant relies, and where the claim is for money, must include a statement of the amount claimed and how it is calculated. If your Particulars do not comply, the defendant can apply to strike them out or for further information under CPR Part 18. The court itself can strike out a statement of case on its own initiative.

How to Avoid It

Structure your Particulars logically: (1) who the parties are, (2) the contractual or legal relationship between them, (3) what the defendant did or failed to do, (4) how this constitutes a breach or wrong, (5) what loss you suffered, and (6) what you are claiming. Every paragraph should contain a specific factual allegation, not an opinion or a complaint.

Mistake 3: Getting the Claim Amount Wrong

OCMC handles specified money claims — claims for a definite amount of money. Getting the figure wrong creates problems that range from minor inconvenience to fundamental jurisdictional issues.

What Goes Wrong

Litigants sometimes include amounts they are not entitled to claim, such as compensation for distress in a straightforward debt claim. Others fail to include amounts they are entitled to, such as contractual late payment charges or the cost of the pre-action letter. Some simply add the numbers up wrong.

A more serious error is claiming an amount that puts the case into a different track. If your actual losses are £9,500 but you claim £11,000 by inflating the figures, you move from small claims track to fast track — with dramatically different costs consequences if you lose.

Why It Matters

An inflated claim damages your credibility with the court. An understated claim means you cannot recover your full losses. A claim amount that crosses a track boundary exposes you to costs risks you may not have anticipated. The court can also reduce the claim to the amount it considers properly claimed, leaving you with a judgment for less than you expected.

How to Avoid It

List every head of loss separately: the principal debt, any contractual interest, statutory interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 (if applicable), and any reasonable costs incurred. Add them up carefully. Check your arithmetic twice. Do not include heads of loss you cannot evidence.

Mistake 4: Failing to Include a Proper Interest Calculation

If you are claiming interest — and in most money claims, you should be — the calculation must be set out clearly in the Particulars of Claim. A vague statement that you are claiming “interest” is not sufficient.

What Goes Wrong

Litigants either forget to claim interest entirely (leaving money on the table), claim it without specifying the rate or basis (which the court cannot assess), or apply the wrong rate. Contractual interest and statutory interest have different rules, and confusing the two undermines your claim.

Why It Matters

CPR 16.4(2) requires that if the claimant is seeking interest, the Particulars of Claim must state the basis for the claim to interest, the rate, the dates from and to which interest is claimed, and the total amount of interest claimed to the date of issue. If this information is missing, the court cannot award interest — even if you are otherwise entitled to it.

How to Avoid It

Identify which type of interest applies to your claim:

• Contractual interest: If your contract specifies an interest rate for late payment, claim at that rate. State the relevant clause.
• Statutory interest (commercial debts): Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, you can claim 8% above the Bank of England base rate for business-to-business transactions.
• Court interest (Section 69): Under Section 69 of the County Courts Act 1984, the court may award interest at a rate it considers appropriate. For consumer claims, 8% simple is the standard.

Specify the rate, the start date (usually the date payment was due), the daily rate of accrual, and the total to the date of issue plus a daily rate thereafter.

Mistake 5: Paying the Wrong Court Fee

OCMC calculates the court fee automatically based on the claim amount, which significantly reduces this error compared to the paper N1 process. However, mistakes still occur — particularly when claimants amend the claim amount during filing without understanding the fee implications.

What Goes Wrong

The most common fee-related error on OCMC is failing to account for interest when calculating the fee band. The court fee is based on the total amount claimed, including any interest accrued to the date of issue. If you claim £5,000 in principal but have £600 in accrued interest, the fee is calculated on £5,600. You cannot retrospectively claim a fee refund if you were eligible but did not apply.

Why It Matters

If the fee is incorrect, the claim may not be issued. On OCMC, the system generally prevents underpayment, but if there is a discrepancy, the processing of your claim will be delayed. For claimants on low incomes, the court fee (which ranges from £35 to £455 depending on claim value) can be a significant barrier.

How to Avoid It

Finalise your total claim amount — including all interest — before starting the OCMC process. Our Form EX160 guide explains the eligibility criteria and application process.

Mistake 6: Not Following the Pre-Action Protocol

Before issuing court proceedings, claimants are expected to follow the relevant Pre-Action Protocol or, where no specific protocol applies, the Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct and Protocols. Failure to do so does not prevent you from filing a claim, but it can have serious consequences once the case is before a judge.

What Goes Wrong

Many litigants in person are unaware that pre-action protocols exist. They file a claim without sending a Letter Before Action (sometimes called a Letter Before Claim), without giving the defendant a reasonable opportunity to respond, or without attempting to resolve the dispute without court proceedings.

Why It Matters

The court takes compliance with pre-action protocols seriously. Under CPR 44.2 and the Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct, a party who fails to comply may face adverse costs consequences — even if they win. The court can:

• Order the non-compliant party to pay costs they would not otherwise have been liable for
• Deprive the successful party of some or all of their costs
• Order a party to pay costs on the indemnity basis (a higher rate)
• Stay the proceedings until the protocol steps are completed

How to Avoid It

Before filing at OCMC, send a Letter Before Action to the defendant. This should: (1) clearly set out the claim, (2) state the amount owed, (3) explain how the amount has been calculated, (4) give a deadline for response (usually 14 days for a straightforward debt, or 28-days for more complex matters), and (5) state that court proceedings will follow if the matter is not resolved. Keep a copy of the letter and proof of posting or delivery. For guidance on the full OCMC process including pre-action steps, see our PD51R guide.

Mistake 7: Omitting or Misunderstanding the Statement of Truth

Every statement of case — including the Particulars of Claim filed through OCMC — must contain a statement of truth. This is not a formality. It is a declaration, carrying the force of a contempt of court sanction, that the facts stated are true.

What Goes Wrong

On OCMC, the statement of truth is built into the submission process, so it is difficult to omit entirely. However, litigants sometimes do not understand what they are signing. They include factual allegations they cannot prove, exaggerate their losses, or include statements they believe to be true but have not verified. If any statement turns out to be false, and the court finds it was made without an honest belief in its truth, the consequences are severe.

Why It Matters

Under CPR 22.1, a statement of case must be verified by a statement of truth. CPR 32.14 provides that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against a person who makes a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth, without an honest belief in its truth. This means that knowingly including false or exaggerated information in your Particulars of Claim is not just bad practice — it is a potential contempt of court.

How to Avoid It

Before submitting your claim, read every factual allegation in your Particulars of Claim and ask yourself: “Is this true? Can I prove it?” If the answer to either question is no, remove or amend the allegation. Only include facts you honestly believe to be true and can support with evidence. The statement of truth protects the integrity of the court process — and it protects you, too, by ensuring your case is built on solid ground.

Key Points to Remember

• Name the correct legal entity — search Companies House for the exact registered name before filing.
• Draft clear, specific Particulars of Claim — include the legal basis, dates, amounts, and factual allegations the court needs.
• Get the claim amount right — itemise every head of loss and check the arithmetic.
• Set out interest properly — state the rate, basis, start date, and total accrued to the date of issue.
• Check the court fee — ensure it is based on the total amount including interest.
• Follow pre-action protocol — send a Letter Before Action and give the defendant a reasonable time to respond before filing.
• Understand the statement of truth — only include facts you honestly believe to be true and can evidence.

Related Court Forms & Guides

• Form N260: Statement of Costs — the costs schedule used at summary assessment.
• Form N244: Application Notice — the form for interim applications.
• Start a Money Claim Online (OCMC) — where most civil money claims begin.
• Particulars of Claim — setting out the basis of your claim.
• Civil Court Forms Index — every civil court form guide in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I correct a mistake on my OCMC claim after it has been submitted?

It depends on the stage of proceedings. Before the claim is issued, you may be able to amend details through the OCMC dashboard. After issue, amending the Particulars of Claim requires either the defendant’s consent or the court’s permission under CPR 17.1. Amending before service of the defence is generally straightforward, but amendments after service may require a formal application. The later you seek to amend, the more likely it is that the court will impose conditions, including costs.

What happens if my claim is rejected by OCMC?

If OCMC rejects your claim, it will provide a reason. Common reasons include an incorrect or incomplete claim amount, a defendant who cannot be identified from the information provided, or a claim that falls outside the scope of the OCMC pilot (e.g., unspecified claims or claims above £25,000). Rejection does not prevent you from filing again — correct the error and resubmit. Rejection by OCMC does not affect limitation periods, but you should not delay as time continues to run.

Do I need a solicitor to file a claim at OCMC?

No. OCMC is designed to be accessible to litigants in person. The system provides prompts and guidance at each stage. However, the quality of your Particulars of Claim — the legal and factual content of your case — depends entirely on you. A well-prepared claim filed by a litigant in person is far more effective than a poorly prepared claim filed by anyone. Thorough preparation is the key, regardless of whether you are represented.

Will the judge know I made a mistake on my original filing?

Potentially, yes. If you amend your claim, the original version remains on the court file. The defendant may also refer to discrepancies between the original and amended versions. This is another reason to get it right first time — amendments can be used to suggest that your case is uncertain or poorly thought through. That said, courts are experienced in dealing with litigants in person and will not penalise genuine errors. It is the pattern of carelessness or exaggeration that causes problems.

Last updated: March 2026. This guide applies to proceedings in England and Wales. Always verify current rules at justice.gov.uk.

Related Guides

• How to Start a Money Claim at OCMC
• OCMC and PD51R: The Definitive Guide
• Form EX160: Help with Court Fees
• Do You Have a Claim? How to Evaluate Your Case

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common reason an OCMC money claim is rejected?

Getting the defendant’s name wrong is the single most common reason claims fail at the outset. A judgment is only enforceable against the party named in it, so naming a trading name instead of the registered legal entity — or misspelling it — can leave you with a judgment you cannot enforce.

What must my Particulars of Claim include?

They must set out a concise statement of the facts you rely on: who the parties are, the legal or contractual relationship between them, what the defendant did or failed to do, how that is a breach or wrong, the loss you suffered, and what you are claiming. Vague, emotional narrative that does not state the legal basis can be struck out.

How do I get the claim amount right?

OCMC handles specified money claims — claims for a definite amount. List every head of loss separately (the principal debt, any contractual or statutory interest, and reasonable recoverable costs), add them carefully and check your arithmetic. Avoid inflating the figure, as crossing a track boundary can expose you to costs risks you did not anticipate.

Do I need to claim interest, and how?

In most money claims you should. The Particulars must state the basis for the interest claim, the rate, the dates from and to which it is claimed, and the total accrued to the date of issue, plus a daily rate thereafter. Identify whether contractual, statutory commercial, or court (Section 69) interest applies — confusing the types undermines the claim.

Do I have to follow a Pre-Action Protocol before filing?

Before issuing, you are expected to follow the relevant Pre-Action Protocol or the Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct — usually by sending a Letter Before Action that sets out the claim, the amount, how it is calculated, and a reasonable deadline to respond. Failing to do so will not stop you filing, but it can lead to adverse costs consequences even if you win.

Do I need a solicitor to file at OCMC?

No. OCMC is designed to be accessible to litigants in person and provides prompts at each stage. But the quality of your Particulars — the legal and factual content — depends on you. A well-prepared claim filed by a litigant in person is far stronger than a poorly drafted one.

Related guides: How to start a money claim at OCMC · Particulars of Claim · Form EX160: Help with Court Fees · All civil court forms