Official GOV.UK guide to child maintenance, applications, payments, enforcement, parentage disputes, complaints and contact information.
1. Child Maintenance Service
Official guide to how CMS works and how child maintenance is arranged.
2. Calculator and Payments
Calculate child maintenance and understand payment options.
3. CMS Statistics
Official quarterly statistics on CMS cases, children covered, payments, arrears and compliance.
4. Department for Work and Pensions
CMS is managed by the Department for Work and Pensions.
5. CMS Contracts and Procurement
Search for DWP and CMS contracts, suppliers and procurement notices.
6. Hansard Debates
Parliamentary debates and written references to the Child Maintenance Service.
7. Committee Inquiries and Evidence
Parliamentary committee reports, evidence, correspondence and inquiry material.
8. National Audit Office Reports
Value-for-money reports and audit work on child maintenance.
9. Laws and Regulations
Main legislation and regulations behind child maintenance and child support.
10. Complaints and Case Examiner
How to complain about CMS and escalate complaints.
11. Freedom of Information
Request CMS or DWP information not already published.
12. Enforcement and Arrears
Information about missed payments, arrears and enforcement action.
13. Parliamentary Questions
Search MP and Minister questions about CMS standards, arrears and reform.
14. Reform Reports and Responses
Reports and government responses about reforming CMS.
15. Client Funds and Accounts
Accounts relating to child maintenance funds collected and paid.
16. Contact CMS
Official CMS contact details and support routes.
CMS Public Accountability Checklist
- Start with the official GOV.UK CMS guide.
- Check the latest CMS statistics and Stat-Xplore data.
- Search DWP annual reports and client funds accounts.
- Search Contracts Finder and Find a Tender for CMS/DWP contracts.
- Search Hansard for debates and ministerial statements.
- Check Parliament committee reports, written evidence and correspondence.
- Read NAO reports on value for money and service performance.
- Check legislation and regulations behind CMS decisions.
- Use FOI for missing documents or unpublished data.
CMS GOV.UK CMS statistics CMS contracts Hansard Committee papers NAO report Child Support Act FOI