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Apply to the Child Maintenance Service

Estimate the amount first, then use the official arranging-maintenance tool to compare a private agreement with a statutory CMS case.

Official DWP route

Apply through GOV.UK

Read the current instructions and continue to the Get help arranging child maintenance service.

Open the official application route →

Private arrangement or CMS?

Private arrangement

Parents agree the amount and payment method themselves. CMS does not calculate, collect or enforce the payments.

CMS with Direct Pay

CMS calculates the liability, while parents transfer payments directly. Current collection fees do not apply.

CMS Collect and Pay

CMS collects and transfers payments. Current collection fees apply to both parents.

Prepare the CMS application

  1. 1

    Estimate the statutory amount

    Use the Child Maintenance Calculator to understand the CMS formula before choosing an arrangement.

  2. 2

    Use the official options tool

    Review private and statutory arrangements, then continue to CMS if that is the right route.

  3. 3

    Save the reference number

    Keep the reference generated by the Get help arranging child maintenance tool for the CMS contact.

  4. 4

    Provide the case details

    Have bank and NI details ready, plus employment, income, benefits and pension information where relevant.

Safety and privacy

Tell CMS if contact or disclosure creates a domestic-abuse or location risk. UKTax.tools does not collect case references, National Insurance numbers, bank details or information about either parent.

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply to the Child Maintenance Service?
Start with the official Get help arranging child maintenance tool. It explains private arrangements and CMS, then gives you a reference number if you choose to apply to CMS. If you cannot use the tool, call the Child Maintenance Service.
What do I need for a CMS application?
GOV.UK says you will need the reference number from the arranging-maintenance tool, your bank details and National Insurance number. A paying parent will also be asked about employment, income, benefits and private pension contributions.
Can parents arrange child maintenance privately?
Yes. Parents can make a private arrangement if both agree. CMS is the statutory route when parents want an official calculation and payment arrangement or cannot agree privately.
Can CMS consider other income or expenses?
Either parent can ask CMS to consider specified additional income or expenses. This is called applying for a variation. Report it during the application or through the CMS account after a case is open.
Will CMS share my address with the other parent?
GOV.UK says CMS shares the parents' and child's names as needed for the case but does not share your address with the other parent. Tell CMS if it is unsafe for the other parent to know your changed name or location.

Official sources

Related Calculators

Child Maintenance Calculator

CMS 2012 scheme rates — nil, flat, reduced, basic and basic plus, with other-children and shared-care adjustments.

Child Benefit Calculator

Child Benefit entitlement and HICBC clawback.

Universal Credit Calculator

Estimate your monthly UC award with child, LCWRA, carer, childcare and housing elements, 55% taper, and benefit cap.
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