CJTS FAQ

Part A: SINGPASS

S/No. Question Answer

1. Why do I need SingPass to

file or response to a claim

online?

SingPass is an online account management for access to

Singapore Government e-services. If you are an individual filing

a claim or responding to a claim, you would need to login by way

of SingPass and input a one-time password which will be sent to

your mobile phones, or generated through a token. You will then

be able to file an e-service, see the case details online, view

submitted documents, participate in e-Negotiation, monitor the

progress of the case and check for Consultation/Hearing dates.

2. I have forgotten my

SingPass password. How

can I reset my password?

You may reset password via SingPass website at

www.singpass.gov.sg

You may also reset password in-person at any SingPass

counter, with your original NRIC or FIN card.

For more information, please visit www.singpass.gov.sg

3. Why do I need 2-Step

Verification (2FA) to file or

respond to a claim?

2FA, also known as two-factor authentication or two-step

verification, requires a user ID and password, as well as

additional information that is specific to you, such as a physical

token or an SMS notification. This serves as an additional layer

of security to better protect your personal data.

4. I heard that the 2FA setup

process has been enhanced

recently. What are the

enhancements?

The SingPass 2FA setup process has been simplified to make it

even easier for you to get on board.

You can register for 2FA by sending “Register” to 78008 via

SMS, OR clicking “Set Up 2-Step Verification” on SingPass

website.

Upon successful registration, a PIN mailer (containing an

activation code) to be sent to your registered addresses. You

can then send the activation code to 78111 via SMS, or log into

Assurity’s website (https://portal.assurity.sg/activate), to activate

your 2FA.

Following which, your SingPass 2FA setup is complete and you

can access all sensitive government e-services.

5. [IMPORTANT] When do I

have to set up my 2FA by?

What if I don’t set up by

then?

All Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are to set up

the 2FA and will be given one-time grace period of 30 days when

they log in to SingPass from 5 July 2016. They have to register

for 2FA at www.singpass.gov.sg and click "Set Up 2-Step

Verification" under the quick links section. Upon successful

registration, local and overseas users will receive a PIN mailer

for activation within seven and 10 working days respectively.

6. How about those users who

need 2FA urgently, after the

grace period?

After the grace period, users who need to login urgently may visit

the Assurity counters to set up their 2FA on-the-spot. For more

information on Assurity (OneKey Token) please visit

www.assurity.sg for more information.

7. How can I register for 2-

Step Verification (2FA)

online?

Please log into your SingPass account at www.singpass.gov.sg,

and click "Set Up 2-Step Verification" under the Quick Links

section. You can select either "Verification by SMS", or

"Verification by OneKey Token and SMS".

Upon successful registration, a PIN mailer and token will then be

sent separately to your registered addresses within seven

working days (local addresses).

8. Can I register for 2-Step

Verification (2FA) if I do not

have a mobile phone?

If you don’t have a Singapore-registered mobile number, you can

visit the nearest SingPass counter (with the relevant documents

for verification) where the counter staff will promptly perform an

exception for you. Having done the exception at the counter, you

can then register for a OneKey token as part of your 2FA setup.

1. Register for OneKey token

Please log into your SingPass account at www.singpass.gov.sg,

click “Set Up 2-Step Verification” under the Quick Links section,

followed by “Verification by OneKey Token.”

Upon successful registration, a PIN mailer and token will then be

sent separately to your registered addresses within seven

working days (local addresses).

2. Activate OneKey token

With the PIN mailer and token, you can log into Assurity’s

website using your NRIC and the password in the PIN mailer to

activate your 2FA. Following which, your SingPass 2FA setup is

complete and you can access all sensitive government e-

services.

9. My parents do not have a

mobile number, can they

use my mobile number for

their SingPass accounts?

For security reasons, one Singapore-registered mobile number

can only be linked to one SingPass account. For users who don't

have a locally-registered mobile number, they can visit the

nearest SingPass counter, where the counter staff will promptly

perform an exemption for them.

10. If I am a FIN holder, how do

I set up 2FA?

If you have not registered for 2FA, please visit one of the 2FA

counters in-person, with your original FIN card or Passport, to

set up your 2FA on-the-spot.

If you have already registered for 2FA, please refer to the PIN

mailer sent to you to activate your 2FA.

11. I am living overseas, and I

need to perform urgent e-

transactions via SingPass.

Can I delegate authority to

No. An individual’s SingPass should only be accessed by

him/herself as these transactions often involve sensitive user

my family members living in

Singapore?

data, such as financials and health information, or require a high

level of identity assurance.

12. I received a claim notice

against me. What should I

do?

If a claim has been filed against you as an individual, you are

required to login to Community Justice and Tribunals System

(CJTS) using your SingPass to access the e-services available

and to respond to the claim made against you. Key in your one-

time reference number as found at the bottom of your claim

notice. You will be able to see the case details online, view

submitted documents, participate in e-negotiation, monitor the

progress of the case and check for dates of the proceedings to

attend at the Tribunals.

13. What if I do not have my

SingPass account ready

before the consultation

date?

You shall approach the SingPass counter at CPF office,

Community Development Council (CDC) or selected Community

Clubs and Community Centres for immediate assistance to

obtain a SingPass.

In the event, that you are unable to obtain the SingPass in time,

you may attend at the Tribunals on the day of the consultation

and inform the Registrar/Assistant Registrar hearing the

matter. You may then subsequently apply for your SingPass

account at www.singpass.gov.sg in order to access further dates

as may be directed by the Tribunals and to retrieve your Order of

Tribunal via the Community Justice and Tribunals System

(CJTS).

Part B: CORPPASS

S/No. Question Answer

1. What is CorpPass? Singapore Corporate Access (or CorpPass) is a one-stop

authentication and authorisation service, for corporate users to

transact with Government agencies online on behalf of their

organisations.

CorpPass will be required for all local entities with a Unique Entity

Number (UEN) and for foreign entities who wish to access

Government-to-Business (G2B) e-Services in Singapore.

2. Can I access e-Services

via the CorpPass

website?

To access e-Services, you will need to visit the e-Service portal

directly. You will not be able to access an e-Service via the

CorpPass website.

3. Am I eligible for

CorpPass?

Authorised individuals from the following types of entities are

eligible for CorpPass:

a. Entities registered with a Unique Entity Number (UEN)

b. Foreign entities who transact with the Government

For more information, please refer to www.corppass.gov.sg

4. If my entity requires

CorpPass, how do I

register?

You can register for CorpPass by accessing the CorpPass website at

www.corppass.gov.sg > 'Services' tab > 'Register for CorpPass'

function.

5. Do I have to register for

CorpPass now?

You will need to have a valid corppass account if you wish to file a

claim or response to a claim on behalf of an entity.

6. Can you help me check

my registration status?

We are unable to check your registration status due to corporate

information security.

You can check your registration status by accessing the

CorpPass www.corppass.gov.sg > 'Services' tab > 'Check

Registration Status' function.

You are required to provide your Reference ID that was sent to

your email during the registration process, OR you may instead

provide your Entity Registration No., Country of Incorporation and

NRIC / FIN / Foreign ID No.

7. Can you help me reset

my password?

We are unable to reset your password for you. You can reset your

password by accessing the CorpPass www.corppass.gov.sg >

'Services' tab > ‘Reset Password’ function

8. How can I update my

CorpPass profile and/or

contact details?

You can update your CorpPass profile (i.e. email address or mobile

number) by accessing the CorpPass website at

www.corppass.gov.sg > Log in to your CorpPass account > under

'My Account' tab> click the 'View My Profile' Function > then select

your 'Profile' tab.

If you require further assistance, please contact the CorpPass

Public Helpdesk at +65 6643 0577 or email

support@corppass.gov.sg.

9. I have forgotten my

Entity ID (i.e. UEN). Can

you help me retrieve it?

We are not able to retrieve your Entity ID for you.

To retrieve your CorpPass ID or Entity ID:

a. Access the ‘Retrieve CorpPass ID / Entity ID’ function on the

CorpPass website at www.corppass.gov.sg .

b. Enter the required information.

c. An email notification stating your Entity ID and CorpPass ID will

be sent to the email registered to your CorpPass account.

If you require further assistance, please contact the CorpPass

Public Helpdesk at +65 6643 0577 or email

support@corppass.gov.sg.

10. I do not have CorpPass,

and would like to

transact with your e-

Service using SingPass.

Is this possible?

For Corporate Entities, you need a CorpPass Account to access

CJTS.

If your business doesn’t have a CorpPass Administrator, find out

how to appoint one.

If you have a CorpPass Administrator, get them to create an

account for you and assign an appropriate CJTS e-Service role

11. Will CorpPass require 2FA login?

Yes, the CorpPass website will require 2FA when logging in: a. If you are a SingPass holder and have already set up 2FA for your SingPass account: When you log in to CorpPass or activate your CorpPass account, you will need to key in the One Time Password (OTP) using your OneKey token or via SMS sent to the mobile number registered to your SingPass account. b. If you are a SingPass holder but have yet to set up 2FA for your SingPass account:

Please set up 2FA for your SingPass account by accessing the SingPass website www.singpass.gov.sg > Log in to your SingPass account > ‘Set Up 2-Step Verification (2FA)' button.

After you have set up 2FA for your SingPass account, when you log in to CorpPass or activate your CorpPass account, you will need to key in the OTP using your OneKey token or via SMS sent to the mobile number registered to your SingPass account.

c. If you are not a SingPass holder: Please contact the CorpPass Public Helpdesk at +65 6643 0577 or email support@corppass.gov.sg. Further details to be provided.

12. Which roles are available on your e-Services? How do I assign these roles on CorpPass?

There are 2 roles available for State Courts Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) e-Service, STATECOURTS-CJTS-CP

Case Manager (default) - The case manager is the person authorised to act on behalf of the entity for all cases.

Case Agent - The case agent is the person authorised to act on behalf of the entity for a specific case.

For these roles to be assigned to your account, please contact your entity’s CorpPass Administrator.

13.

I’ve already logged into <e-Service A> using CorpPass, why do I have to login again for <e-Service B>?

Each e-Service will require their own authentication; hence you are required to login for each different e-Service.

14.

I received a claim notice against my Entity. What should I do?

If a claim has been filed against your entity, you are required to login to Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) using your CorpPass to access the e-services available and to respond to the claim made against your entity. Key in your one-time reference number as found at the bottom of your claim notice. You will be able to see the case details online, view submitted documents, participate in e-negotiation, monitor the progress of the case and check for dates of the proceedings to attend at the Tribunals.

15. What happen if I still do not have my CorpPass account for my Entity before the consultation date?

You shall apply for your CorpPass account at www.corppass.gov.sg. In the event, that you are unable to obtain the CorpPass in time,

you may attend at the Tribunals on the day of the consultation and inform the Registrar/Assistant Registrar hearing the matter. You may then subsequently apply for your CorpPass account at www.corppass.gov.sg in order to access further dates as may be directed by the Tribunals and to retrieve your Order of Tribunal via the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS).

16.

What is an UEN Entity? A UEN Entity is a locally registered organisation issued a "Unique Entity Number" either by Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) or one of the other UEN-Issuance agencies. Please refer to CorpPass website for more information.

17. How do I register for a Registered Officer (RO) account?

Registered Officer(s) do not have a CorpPass account by default, but may choose to register for a CorpPass Admin account. It is not mandatory for the RO to have a CorpPass account.

18. Isn't my Registered Officer the CorpPass Administrator?

Registered Officers may not be the CorpPass Administrator. The Registered Officer may nominate any person(s) to act as the entity's CorpPass Administrator or assume the role of a CorpPass Administrator.

19. I have created CorpPass User accounts for my staff, why can't they log in?

The CorpPass User accounts you have created must be activated before use. When logging in, ensure that the Entity ID, CorpPass ID, and password is entered correctly.

20. My account has been activated, why can't I log in to State Courts CJTS digital service?

Please ensure that your CorpPass Administrator has assigned your account with "Community Justice and Tribunals System" digital service with either "Case Manager" or "Case Agent" role.

21. What is CorpPass helpdesk contact?

For more CorpPass or SingPass support information, please access CorpPass website www.corppass.gov.sg

Part C: General Questions

1. What are the types of claims that can be heard at the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT)?

Claims that can be filed at the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) are generally limited to disputes arising from: - Contract for the Sale of Goods (agreement to transfer ownership of movable property in return for money) - Contract for Provision of Services (agreement to provide a service which includes labour and skill in return for money) - Tort for damage caused to property (except for those arising from the use of a motor vehicle) - Contract for lease of residential premise not exceeding two years - Refund of motor vehicle deposits under the Consumer Fair Trading Regulations 2009 Claims filed at the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) cannot exceed one year from when the cause of action accrued and cannot exceed $10,000, except where a memorandum of consent is submitted, up to a maximum of $20,000. Both parties to the claim have to acknowledge the Memorandum of Consent. You may obtain the Memorandum of Consent form from here and complete it accordingly. If you are lodging your claim before 10 July 2017, you will submit the Memorandum of Consent form together with your claim forms and supporting documents. If you are lodging your claim on or after 10 July 2017, you may wish to first try the online pre-filing assessment at the Community Justice Tribunals System (CJTS) accessible from www.statecourts.gov.sg to have a better indication as to the viability of your intended claim and then lodge your claim with the relevant forms and documents via the Community Justice Tribunals System. You will not be allowed to submit your claim for more than $10,000 (up to a maximum of $20,000) without the completed memorandum of consent form.

2. What is a Memorandum of Consent?

If the Claimant intends to file a claim which exceeds the prescribed limit of the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) but does not exceed $20,000, a Memorandum of Consent form has to be completed by both parties before the SCT’s jurisdiction can be raised to $20,000. You may obtain this form from here. If you are lodging your claim before 10 July 2017, the Memorandum of Consent form has to be submitted together with the claim forms and supporting documents when you lodge your claim at the SCT. If you are lodging your claim on or after 10 July 2017, the Memorandum of Consent form has to be uploaded to the

Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) accessible from www.statecourts.gov.sg as one of the supporting documents when e-filing your claim. You will not be allowed to submit your claim for more than $10,000 (up to a maximum of $20,000) without the completed memorandum of consent form.

3. How can I be sure if my claim is within the Small Claims Tribunals’ (SCT) jurisdiction?

The Small Claims Tribunals Act (SCTA) only allows the Tribunals to hear certain cases. You may try the pre-filing questions to give you a preliminary guide and assessment of your intended claim. Alternatively, you may seek your own legal advice at the free legal clinics available at certain community clubs. Please visit www.pa.gov.sg for more information. You may also approach the Community Justice Centre located in the State Courts for general information/assistance and to arrange for a free legal consultation with a volunteer lawyer

4. What happens if I file a claim that the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) cannot hear?

The Registrar/Assistant Registrar/Referee may discontinue the claim that it has no power to hear (claims that do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Tribunals). As there was no decision made on the merits of the claim, the Claimant may commence proceedings at another forum, based on the requirements of that forum. If your claim is discontinued at the Consultation stage, the Claimant may file an appeal against the discontinuance order issued by the Registrar pursuant to Section 17(4) of the Small Claims Tribunals Act (SCTA). A non-refundable filing fee of $20.00 is payable for the application to be filed. There can be no appeal made by the Claimant if the discontinuance was made at the Hearing stage. For claims filed after 10 July 2017, please use the e-service available in the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) accessible from the State Courts website at www.statecourts.gov.sg

5. What happens if I do not know the full name and address of the person I am filing a small claim against?

Pursuant to Section 16 of the Small Claims Tribunals Act (SCTA), a claim shall contain the name and address of each Claimant and Respondent and any other such particulars as are reasonably sufficient. You will not be able to submit a claim at the Small Claims Tribunals if you do not provide the particulars of the person you are intending to file your claim against.

6. How do I apply for a representative to attend the case on my behalf if I am an individual and unable to present the case at the Small Claims Tribunals myself?

An individual who has been named in the claim and who, in the opinion of the Registrar or Tribunal, is unable to present his own case by reasons such as: -

Not being a resident in Singapore and unable to remain in Singapore

Old Age

Illiteracy

Infirmity of mind or body

may apply for an authorised representative to represent him/her at the proceedings. For claims filed after 10 July 2017, the representative is required to submit an e-service available in the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) accessible from the State Courts website at www.statecourts.gov.sg. Please note that the tendering of an application is not an automatic confirmation that the representative can proceed to represent the respective party. Do note that a lawyer or an agent whether paid or otherwise is not allowed to represent the proceedings at the Small Claims Tribunals.

7. Why can't the Small Claims Tribunals give legal advice?

It is not appropriate for the Courts to give legal advice on matters that are, or may potentially be, brought before them for adjudication. The Courts must remain neutral and impartial to parties. However, there are free legal clinics available at certain community clubs. Please visit www.pa.gov.sg for more information. You may also approach the Community Justice Centre located in the State Courts Building for general information/assistance and to arrange for a free legal consultation with a volunteer lawyer.

8. What happens if the Respondent has still not paid after the due date stated in the Order of the Small Claims Tribunals?

To enforce a Money Order issued by the Small Claims Tribunals, you may consider one or more of the following methods:

Writ of Execution (Writ of Seizure and Sale)

Garnishee Proceedings

Examination of Judgment Debtor If your Order made was a Money Order, you may refer to our brochure on "Orders of the Small Claims Tribunals" for more information on enforcement proceedings. If your Order made was a Work Order, you may proceed to file a "Request to Enforce Work Order". For claims filed after 10 July 2017, the Request to Enforce Work Order is to be submitted via e-service available in the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) accessible from the State Courts website at www.statecourts.gov.sg.

9. What happens if I missed my small claims consultation/hearing date and there is an order made in my absence?

Any party who is aggrieved by the decision made by the Registrar/Referee and has good reasons as to why he/she was absent at the proceedings, has to file an application to Set-Aside the Order within one month from the date of the Order. For claims filed after 10 July 2017, the Set-Aside application has to be submitted via e-service available in the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) accessible from the State Courts website at www.statecourts.gov.sg. Please note that if you are absent for the said hearing of the application, your application may be dismissed and you may be precluded from filing any further application to set-aside.

10. How do I lodge a claim at Small Claims Tribunals (SCT)?

If you are lodging your claim on or after 10 July 2017, you are required to login to the Community Justice Tribunals System (CJTS) accessible from www.statecourts.gov.sg using your SingPass (for an

individual) / CorpPass (for a business entity) to submit an e-service for lodging a claim. If you are not eligible for a SingPass or a CorpPass (example if you are a tourist), you may request for a CJTS pass by clicking “Register here” on the CJTS portal. Once logged onto the CJTS, you will first be required to complete the pre-filing assessment questions and obtain the pre-filing ID before you can proceed to lodge your intended claim. Do remember the pre-filing ID or you will be required to do the pre-filing assessment again before you are allowed to proceed. Once you have filed your claim and paid the required fees, you will be able to choose the consultation date and time for your case. The Notice of Consultation will then be made available to you. You are to save and print the copy of the Notice of Consultation and serve a copy on the Respondent.

11. How do I appeal against a discontinuance order by the Small Claims Registrar/ Referee?

An appeal against a discontinuance order can only be made if the order was made by the Registrar/ Assistant Registrar. For claims filed after 10 July 2017, the Appeal against the Registrar's discontinuance is to be submitted via e-service available in the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) accessible from the State Courts website at www.statecourts.gov.sg. The application must be submitted within one month from the date of the discontinuance order. A non-refundable filing fee of $20 is payable for the Appeal application. A hearing date and time will be fixed before the Referee of the SCT. If the appeal is dismissed, the order made by the Registrar/Assistant Registrar will stand. If the appeal is allowed, the Referee will proceed to hear the merits of the claim thereafter or at a later date. There will be no refund of filing fees paid. No appeal can be lodged where the discontinuance order was made by the Referee.

12. What do I need to know before commencing an action at Small Claims Tribunals?

You will have to check if your claims filed with the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) is within the jurisdiction of the Tribunals. You would also need to ascertain whether the other party whom you are claiming against is a bankrupt (for an individual) or insolvent (for a corporate). You may wish to make the relevant searches at Crimson Logic Pte Ltd or at the website at www.ipto.gov.sg. Further you may wish to refer to our website at www.statecourts.gov.sg and read the information “Commencing Proceedings at the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT)” or watch the video on “Introduction to the Small Claims Tribunals” to know more about the processes at Small Claims Tribunals (SCT).

13. I am told to attend a Consultation/Mediation at the Small Claims Tribunals. What can I expect at the sessions?

After a claim has been filed at the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT), the parties concerned will have to attend a consultation before the Registrar/Assistant Registrar. The Registrar/Assistant Registrar will attempt to mediate the dispute for the parties to arrive at a settlement. If the matter can be resolved, the Registrar/Assistant

Registrar will issue a consent order to reflect the terms of settlement which will then become binding on all the concerned parties. If the dispute cannot be resolved amicably through mediation, the matter will then be fixed for hearing before a Referee of the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) on the same day or a date to be decided otherwise.

14. Who can represent my company to attend the Small Claims Tribunals proceedings

If you are a company attending the Small Claims Tribunals proceedings, one of the directors or a full time employee with a letter of authorisation from the company may represent the company. If you are a partnership attending the Small Claims Tribunals proceedings, one of the partners or a full time employee with a letter of authorisation from the company may represent the partnership. If you are an individual/sole proprietor attending the Small Claims Tribunals proceedings, you must attend the proceedings in person.

15. What should I prepare for attending the Hearing at the Small Claims Tribunals?

For claims filed after 10 July 2017, you may prepare the Summary for Hearing document which will assist you to list the events leading to the dispute in a chronological manner and to present the case in a coherent manner. You are also required to bring along all your original evidence (which may take the form of documents, photographs, exhibits or testimony of witnesses) that you wish to rely on in support of the case for verification. Original documents should be produced at the Small Claims Tribunals for verification. It would be useful for parties to prepare a chronology of relevant events, as this would assist in presenting the case in a coherent manner.

16. What happens at a Hearing at the Small Claims Tribunals?

Should both parties be present, the Referee may initially try and mediate the claim. However, if there is no settlement reached, the Referee will proceed to hear the claim according to the evidence submitted by the parties. After hearing both parties, the Referee will decide the case and make the appropriate order which will be binding on all the parties concerned.

17. How do I appeal against the Order of a Referee of the Small Claims Tribunals?

You may appeal against the Referee’s decision pursuant to Section 39 of the Small Claims Tribunals ACT (SCTA). However, an appeal against the Referee’s decision can only be made where the Referee has erred on a question of law, or where the claim falls outside the Small Claims Tribunal’s (SCT) jurisdiction. A party cannot appeal against the Referee’s findings of the facts and no new evidence can be admitted in an appeal. You will be required to first obtain leave (permission) of the District Judge by filing at the SCT an e-service for “Application for Leave to the District Judge” within 14 days from the date of the Referee’s Order. A non-refundable filing fee of $100 is payable for the application to be filed. For claims filed after 10 July 2017, the Appeal against the Registrar's discontinuance is to be submitted via e-service available in the Community Justice and Tribunals System

(CJTS) accessible from the State Courts website at www.statecourts.gov.sg. A hearing date and time will be fixed before the District Judge for all parties to attend. You may appoint a solicitor at this stage to prepare and represent you at the said application. If you are unsure as to your grounds for appeal to support the application, please obtain legal advice at the free legal clinics available at certain community clubs. Please visit www.pa.gov.sg for more information. You may also approach the Community Justice Centre located in the State Courts Building for general information/assistance and to arrange for a free legal consultation with a volunteer lawyer.

18. What happens at the hearing of the Application for Leave to the District Judge, for my appeal against the Order of a Referee of the Small Claims Tribunals?

The District Judge will not hear arguments on facts or conduct a re-hearing. If your application for Leave to Appeal is granted, you may proceed to file the Notice of Appeal to the High Court together with other documents through the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) within one (1) month from the date when leave was granted by the District Judge and pay the required prescribed fees. If the Leave to Appeal is dismissed by the District Judge, the order made by the Referee of the SCT stands and is binding on all parties concerned.

19. What happens to the Order of the Small Claims Tribunals if I have already filed my Application for Leave to the District Judge?

The Order of the Referee is final and binding on all parties to the claim. The filing of an Application for Leave or Notice of Appeal and other related documents shall not be interpreted as an automatic stay of the Referee’s Order. Unless an appellant applies and is granted a Stay of Execution, the other party may enforce the Order of the Referee. For claims filed after 10 July 2017, the application for "Stay of Execution" is to be submitted via e-service available in the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) accessible from the State Courts website at www.statecourts.gov.sg. A hearing date and time will be given for parties to attend at the Tribunals before a Referee.

20. What is a "Cause of Action" in a Small Claims Tribunals case?

A Cause of Action in a Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) case refers to the event which gives a party the right to claim against the other. For example, if a shopkeeper does not get paid after delivering goods to his customer, he/she has a Cause of Action to claim the price or balance amount for the unpaid goods. The SCT will only determine if the claim is within the jurisdiction at the said Consultation/Hearing. If you are unsure as to when the cause of action accrued is, please seek legal advice at the free legal clinics available at certain community clubs. Please visit www.pa.gov.sg for more information. You may also approach the Community Justice Centre located in the State Courts Building for general

information/assistance and to arrange for a free legal consultation with a volunteer lawyer.

21. What is a "Claim" and who is a "Claimant" or “Respondent” in a Small Claims Tribunals case?

In a Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) case, a Claim is an assertion that some legal right has been infringed upon by the other party. A party who is asserting that legal right (filing the claim) is known as the Claimant. A party whom the Claimant is asserting his right against (the other party) is known as the Respondent. In the event that the Respondent files a counterclaim at the SCT, he/she will be known as the “counterclaimant” and the Claimant to the main claim will be known as the Respondent.

22. In a small claims matter, are parties called Claimant and Respondent in an appeal to the High Court?

In an Appeal to the High Court against a Small Claims Tribunals Referee's Decision, the party who is appealing is called the Appellant, and the other party is known as the Respondent.

23. What does it mean to "Set-Off" an amount of money in a Small Claims Tribunals case?

In a Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) case, a Set-off is a defence which a Respondent may use to reduce the amount of money the Claimant is suing him for. For example, a renovation contractor (Claimant) is claiming $1,000 against his supplier of steel grilles (Respondent). The supplier has filed a counterclaim and can prove that the renovation contractor owes him $200 from a transaction which is a part of the Claimant's Cause of Action. The SCT may order that the $200 be set-off against the $1,000. Thus, should both the Claimant's Cause of Action, and the Respondent's Set-Off Defence be successful, the Claimant will only be entitled to receive $800 from the Respondent.

24. What are "Disbursements" in a Small Claims Tribunals case?

In a Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) case, disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Claimant in the process of pursuing his Claim at the SCT. An example would be the filing fees paid to the SCT for the purposes of initiating the claim against the Respondent. The Claimant may present this as part of his Claim and submit to the SCT on why disbursements should be awarded.

25. What are "Costs"? Costs are usually awarded in a court action, other than at the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT), to a party who has successfully argued or defended his case and they include the time spent on preparing the case. Costs are only awarded at the SCT if, in the Referee’s opinion, the claim is either vexatious or frivolous.

26. What does "Security For Costs" mean in a Small Claims Tribunals case?

In a Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) case, Security for Costs refers to the amount of money which must be paid into Court as deposit for the Respondent’s costs of Appeal. This deposit is required to be paid by the Appellant, if the Appellant wishes to proceed with his Appeal to the High Court, after obtaining the Leave of the District

Judge to Appeal. The deposit is required to be paid when the Appellant lodges his Notice of Appeal to the High Court. Please refer to the appeal process here. . Please note that the unsuccessful party in an Appeal heard by the High Court can be ordered to pay a higher sum of money as costs than the amount of the security of costs. If the Appeal to the High Court is withdrawn by the Appellant or it is deemed withdrawn by the omission to file certain required document(s), the Appellant can make an application for the payment out of this security of costs.

27. What does "service of a Document" mean in a Small Claims Tribunals case?

In a Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) case, service of a document refers to court documents that are required by the SCT to be delivered to the parties of a claim in a manner allowed under the law. Some examples of court documents are the Notice of Consultation/ Notice of Hearing and the Order of Tribunal. Court documents shall be served by personal delivery on the other party or by registered post at the person’s last known address. For claims filed after 10 July 2017 , the proof of service of documents are to be submitted when via the e-service "Submit Supporting Documents" available in the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) accessible from the State Courts website at www.statecourts.gov.sg.

28. Who is a "party to the proceedings" in a Small Claims Tribunals case?

In a Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) case, the Claimant and the Respondent named on the claim form are parties to the proceedings.

29. What is a "counterclaim" in a Small Claims Tribunals case?

If a Respondent in a Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) case, wants to make a claim against the Claimant in respect of the claim made against him, he may file a counterclaim against the Claimant. The Counterclaim should be lodged before any Order is made in the Claim or before the matter is heard by a Referee, whichever is earlier. The Counterclaim may also amount to a defence to the Claimant's claim. For claims filed after 10 July 2017 , any lodgement of a counterclaim is to be submitted via e-service "Counterclaim " available in the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) accessible from the State Courts website at www.statecourts.gov.sg

30. What does it mean to arrive at a "Settlement" with the other Party in a Small Claims Tribunals case?

In a Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) case, a Settlement refers to an agreement concluded by the parties on terms which are acceptable to all of them at a Consultation or Hearing. For example, the Claimant's Cause of Action against the Respondent is for a sum amounting to $300, being the price of goods sold. The Respondent agrees to only pay $200 in view of some defects in the goods. The Claimant is willing to arrive at an amicable settlement and agrees to the sum of $200 to be paid to him. This would then mean that the parties have arrived at a settlement. The Claimant may then choose to withdraw the claim instead to avoid the need for attendance at the SCT.

Where such a Settlement is facilitated by a Registrar or a Referee of the SCT, a consent Order of Tribunal will be made, giving effect to the terms of that agreement. The copy of the Order of Tribunal will be served on both parties. No Appeal to the High Court may be made against such consent Orders. Once an Order of Tribunal is granted by the Registrar or Referee, the parties are to comply with terms therein.

31. What documents are needed to be submitted to the Small Claims Tribunals during the Filing stage

The documents to be submitted to the Small Claims Tribunals during the Filing stage are:

Invoices/Contract/Tenancy agreements/Stamp duty or any other supporting documents

Identification documents/ Letter of Authorisation of the person/entity filing the claim

ACRA Business profile where the Claimant or the Respondent (or both) is a business entity. (obtained within 1 month from the date of filing)

Translated documents (In English) supporting the claim

Memorandum of Consent (if claim is more than $10,000 up to $20,000)

For For claims filed after 10 July 2017, the documents are to be

submitted when lodging your claims via the e-service "File a claim" available in the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) accessible from the State Courts website at www.statecourts.gov.sg.

32. Documents to be submitted to the Small Claims Tribunals After the Filing stage

The documents to be submitted to the Small Claims Tribunals After the Filing stage are:

(a) Declaration Report stating that service was effected (Example, singpost registered receipt, courier slip or signed statement in writing by the claimant stating the date , time and how the document was served on the Respondent)

(b) Letter of Authorisation of the representative who will be attending the Consultation (with company letterhead) (c) All original documents in reference to your claim

For For claims filed after 10 July 2017, the documents are to be

submitted when via the e-service "Submit Supporting Documents" available in the Community Justice and Tribunals

System (CJTS) accessible from the State Courts website at www.statecourts.gov.sg.