Annual reviews

The CMS automatically reviews child maintenance payments every year, using the paying parent's latest income as reported by HMRC. If your income has stayed roughly the same, your payments will stay the same.

Requesting an early review

Either parent can ask the CMS for an early review if the paying parent's gross income has changed by more than 25%. This could mean: job loss, significant pay rise, becoming self-employed, or retirement.

Changes in your family situation

  • The number of children covered changes (e.g., a child turns 16 or leaves approved education)
  • The amount of shared care changes significantly
  • The paying parent has a new child they are financially responsible for
  • The paying parent moves abroad

Applying for a variation

A variation is a formal request to use a different income figure. Common reasons:

  • Special expenses - high travel costs for contact, caring for a disabled child
  • Additional income - rental income or investments not in HMRC data
  • Lifestyle inconsistency - paying parent's lifestyle suggests higher income than declared

Challenging a CMS decision

  1. Mandatory Reconsideration - ask the CMS to look again (within one month)
  2. Appeal to the Tribunal - independent review if still unhappy