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Child maintenance collection fees

The calculator gives the maintenance liability. Payment method can change what the paying parent sends and what the receiving parent actually gets.

Official DWP rules

Direct Pay and Collect and Pay on GOV.UK

Check the current payment methods, collection fees, annual review and missed-payment process.

Read the current payment rules →

Compare the current payment methods

Direct Pay

CMS sets the amount, but parents make the transfer. No collection fee applies; keep bank records of every payment.

Collect and Pay

CMS collects and passes on the money. It currently adds 20% and deducts 4% from regular payments.

Private arrangement

Parents agree the amount and payment method without a CMS calculation or CMS collection fees.

Work out the real cash flow

  1. 1

    Start with the CMS liability

    Use the Child Maintenance Calculator or the amount in your CMS payment plan.

  2. 2

    Identify the payment method

    Your CMS letter and online payment plan state whether the case uses Direct Pay or Collect and Pay.

  3. 3

    Apply the current fees

    For Collect and Pay, multiply the liability by 1.20 for the paying parent and 0.96 for the receiving parent.

  4. 4

    Report any missed payment

    Direct Pay users should keep bank evidence and report a missed or short payment promptly through the CMS account.

Future reform is not the current rule

The government has announced plans to replace Direct Pay and change fee rates, but says legislation is required and introduction is expected in 2027/28 subject to parliamentary time. Use the current GOV.UK payment page for live case decisions.

Frequently asked questions

Does Direct Pay have CMS collection fees?
No. Under the current service, CMS calculates the amount but parents transfer it directly, and GOV.UK says there are no collection fees. Keep payment records in case a payment is disputed or missed.
What are the current Collect and Pay fees?
The paying parent is charged 20% on top of the regular child maintenance amount, and 4% is deducted from the amount passed to the receiving parent. The fees apply each time CMS collects or passes on a regular payment.
What happens on a £100 Collect and Pay liability?
Under the current rates, the paying parent pays £120 and the receiving parent gets £96. The £24 difference is the paying parent's £20 fee plus the receiving parent's £4 deduction.
Can a case move from Direct Pay to Collect and Pay?
Yes. GOV.UK says CMS can move a case if the paying parent does not pay in full and on time. A Direct Pay user can report a missed or short payment through the online account and request Collect and Pay.
Have the proposed CMS fee reforms started?
No. The government has announced future changes that require legislation and are expected in 2027/28 subject to parliamentary time. This guide uses the current GOV.UK service rules: Direct Pay has no collection fee and Collect and Pay uses 20% and 4% fees.

Official sources

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