Child Maintenance Service (CMS)
Works out and collects child maintenance when parents who live apart cannot agree a private arrangement.
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Arrange child maintenance
Child maintenance is how a child's living costs are shared when one parent does not live with them. Parents can agree it privately or use the Child Maintenance Service. Northern Ireland has its own Child Maintenance Service.
Official links
Show links for:
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: Child Maintenance Service www.gov.uk/child-maintenance-service | England, Wales, Scotland |
| nidirect: child maintenance www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/child-maintenance-introduction | Northern Ireland |
| nidirect: apply for child maintenance www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/apply-child-maintenance | Northern Ireland |
Who handles it
Step by step
- Check eligibility: the child must be under 16, or under 20 in approved education or training, and you must live in the UK as your main home.
- Use the 'Get help arranging child maintenance' tool to see your options and make a private arrangement if you both agree.
- If you choose the Child Maintenance Service, apply with the reference number the tool gives you. It can work out the amount, arrange payments and act if a parent does not pay.
- Tell the service if it is not safe for the other parent to know your name or location.
What you need
- The reference number from the 'Get help arranging child maintenance' tool
- Your bank details and National Insurance number
- If you are the paying parent: employment details, income, benefits and private pension contributions
Common mistakes
- Applying when a court consent order less than a year old already exists. You cannot use the service in that case.
- Thinking child maintenance reduces your benefits. It does not affect benefits, including Universal Credit, and is not taxed.