Child Maintenance Service: Standards

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) works to ensure that liability adjustments following changes in care arrangements are processed as quickly and accurately as possible. These changes can vary in complexity, and the time taken depends on factors such as the availability of corroborating information from both parents and whether there is agreement on the new arrangements. Where there is disagreement or insufficient evidence, additional checks are required, which can extend the timescale. The CMS is expanding digital channels and online messaging to allow parents to submit information more quickly, helping to reduce delays.

The Department for Work and Pensions does not currently publish an official average timescale for adjustments to child maintenance liability following notification of a change in care arrangements (for example, shared care or main carer modifications). Therefore, the information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. However, CMS remains committed to improving timeliness and accuracy in processing changes by investing in service modernisation, enhancing digital tools, and streamlining processes to deliver a faster and fairer service for all customers.