Child Maintenance Service (CMS)

Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is a service for separated parents to make financial arrangements for their children. Both parents are responsible for paying for your child’s living costs, even if you don’t live with or see your child. The website explains your options and includes information about family-based arrangements. The CMS can:

• work out how much each parent pays
• arrange payments and take action if a parent does not pay
• sort out disagreements about parentage
• try to find the other parent if you do not know where they are
• keep your location and personal information private, for example, if you’ve experienced domestic abuse or controlling behaviour.

There is a telephone line for people unable to use the website. You can request video relay and other languages if needed.

This is part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).