How to Apply for Child Maintenance Through the CMS

Before you apply

Before applying to the CMS, you should try to reach a family-based arrangement with the other parent first. This is free, flexible, and avoids the fees that come with the CMS's Collect & Pay service. If a private arrangement isn't possible or has broken down, that's when the CMS becomes the right choice.

Who can apply?

You can apply to the CMS if:

You are the parent or person with main day-to-day care of the child
The child lives in England, Scotland, or Wales
The paying parent also lives in the UK
The child is under 16 (or under 20 and in qualifying education)

How to apply

You can apply in two ways:

Online: Through the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk/apply-child-maintenance
By phone: Call the CMS on 0800 171 2345 (free, Monday–Friday 8am–6pm)

💡 Tip: CMS agents vary widely in quality. If you receive incorrect or unhelpful advice — hang up and call back. A different agent can make all the difference. Always note the date, time, and name of the person you spoke to.

There is a £20 application fee payable by the applying parent. If you are on certain benefits or your income is below a certain level, this fee may be waived.

What information do you need?

When applying, have ready:

Your National Insurance number
The other parent's full name, address (if known), and National Insurance number (if known)
Your child's full name and date of birth
Your bank details (for payments to be sent to you)

You don't need to know the paying parent's income - the CMS gets this directly from HMRC.

What happens after you apply?

Once you've applied, the CMS will contact the paying parent. They have a set period to respond and provide their details. The CMS will then calculate the maintenance amount using the paying parent's HMRC income data.

You'll both be told the amount, and payments will either be made privately (Direct Pay) or through the CMS (Collect & Pay).

Can child maintenance be backdated?

Generally, CMS maintenance starts from the date the CMS opens the case - not from when the parents separated. It is not usually backdated. However, if there are significant delays in processing your application, you may be able to request backdating from the application date. See our full guide: Can child maintenance be backdated?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the CMS to set up payments?

It typically takes 6–12 weeks from application to the first payment, though it can be longer if the paying parent is unresponsive or if there are complications.

Do I need a solicitor to apply to the CMS?

No. You can apply directly to the CMS online or by phone. You don't need a solicitor. However, if you want a private arrangement to be legally binding, a solicitor can draft a consent order.