Calculator

CMS Fee Calculator

See exactly what both parents pay and receive under Direct Pay (no fees) compared to Collect & Pay (paying parent pays 20% extra, receiving parent loses 4%).

Enter your maintenance amount

Enter the weekly maintenance amount as set by the CMS in your calculation notice.

Weekly maintenance amount

Direct Pay vs Collect & Pay

Direct Pay

The CMS sets the maintenance amount but does not collect or transfer money. Parents arrange payment between themselves. No fees apply.

Collect & Pay

The CMS collects from the paying parent and transfers to the receiving parent. The paying parent is charged 20% on top. The receiving parent has 4% deducted.

Who can switch arrangements?

Either parent can request a change. However:

–The CMS can move a case to Collect & Pay if payments are not being made
–A receiving parent can request Collect & Pay at any time if they feel unsafe or payments are unreliable
–Moving back to Direct Pay usually requires a period of consistent payment
–There is no right to Direct Pay — the CMS can keep a case on Collect & Pay