What is direct pay child maintenance?

Direct Pay When CMS works out the amount of child maintenance the paying parent has to pay, both parents can agree on how, and when, the maintenance should be paid. This is quicker and more flexible than paying through CMS and there is no charge for the service. You should keep a record of payments you make or receive.

How is income taken into account for Child Maintenance?

Any income over £100 a week is taken into account for child maintenance. A percentage is deducted based on how many children the receiving parent is claiming child maintenance for, and the number of other children living with the paying parent. £7 is then added to this amount.

What happens if you dont get a good child maintenance service?

This factsheet has information on how the amount of child maintenance is worked out and what happens if, for example, one of your children lives with their other parent, you share the care of your child, or your child’s other parent has a new partner. There are also details of how to complain if you’re not receiving a good service.

Who is eligible for Child Maintenance Service ( CMS )?

This parent is eligible to receive child maintenance. Paying parent: The term used by the CMS to refer to the parent who does not live with the child most of the time. This parent is liable to pay child maintenance.

Where can I find a child maintenance agreement?

You can record this in a private agreement form available from Child Maintenance Options (see Useful contacts ). The benefits of an agreement are that neither party will have to pay Child Maintenance Service fees and the parents can change the maintenance rates by agreement as their circumstances change.

How does the child maintenance service work out child?

You can ask the Child Maintenance Service to take other income and expenses into account when working out child maintenance payments. This is called ‘applying for a variation’. You can apply before or after child maintenance is worked out.

Do you have to pay child maintenance to both parents?

If your child spends exactly the same amount of time with both parents, neither parent has to pay child maintenance to the other. This is the case even if one parent is much better off financially. If the paying parent is liable to pay the flat rate of £7 a week the calculation is more complicated.