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Report a change to Child Maintenance Service

Do not wait for the annual review when a reportable change happens. Use the CMS account and keep evidence of the date and new circumstances.

Official DWP route

Report a CMS change on GOV.UK

Check the complete list of reportable changes and continue to the secure CMS account.

Open the official change guide →

Which route applies?

Report a change

Use for income, care, contact, bank, household or child circumstances listed by GOV.UK.

Report missed payment

Direct Pay users can report a payment that was late, short or missing and request a collection-method change.

Ask for a variation

Use when specified other income or expenses should be considered in the CMS calculation.

Create a clear change record

  1. 1

    Record when the change happened

    Keep the effective date and evidence, such as payslips, bank records, care calendars or updated contact details.

  2. 2

    Sign in to your CMS account

    You will need the 12-digit case reference, your National Insurance number and the 7-digit PIN you created.

  3. 3

    Choose the matching report

    Select change of circumstances, missed payment, extra payment, variation information or suspected incorrect information.

  4. 4

    Keep the confirmation

    Save the submission record and check the revised payment plan or CMS decision when it arrives.

Annual review does not replace prompt reporting

CMS reviews cases every 12 months, but GOV.UK says not to wait for that review when a relevant circumstance changes. Incorrect or withheld information can lead to a wrong calculation and may have legal consequences.

Frequently asked questions

How do I report a change to CMS?
Sign in to your Child Maintenance Service online account. GOV.UK says this is the quickest way. Contact CMS if you cannot report the change online.
What income change must be reported?
Either parent can tell CMS if the paying parent's income has changed by 25% or more or the paying parent no longer has an income. CMS also reviews the calculation every 12 months, but report qualifying changes when they happen rather than waiting.
Do I need to report a shared-care change?
Yes, if the overnight-care agreement changes in a way that affects the child maintenance amount. Report the new pattern and keep evidence of the actual overnight stays.
How do I report a missed Direct Pay payment?
Use the CMS online account to report that the paying parent did not pay in full or on time. Keep bank statements or payment records because CMS may ask for evidence.
Can I ask CMS to consider extra income or expenses?
Yes. Either parent can request a variation for specified other income or expenses. The CMS online account includes a route to report information you want considered.

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.

Take-Home Pay Calculator

Net pay after all deductions with period breakdowns.

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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