What Happens When Your Child Leaves Education:

When Does Child Maintenance Stop? What Happens When Your Child Leaves Education

Understanding Child Benefit, Education Status, and Child Maintenance Rules in the UK

Every summer, thousands of UK families face an important transition when a child finishes school, college, or training. Alongside lifestyle changes, there are major financial questions — particularly surrounding child maintenance payments and Child Benefit eligibility.

If you're wondering when child maintenance stops, how education affects payments, or what happens after GCSEs or A-levels, this guide explains everything clearly.

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How Child Benefit and Child Maintenance Are Connected

In most UK cases, child maintenance ends when Child Benefit stops. The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) uses Child Benefit eligibility rules to decide whether a child is still considered financially dependent.

If Child Benefit continues, child maintenance usually continues. When Child Benefit ends, maintenance payments normally stop as well.

Watch: How Child Maintenance and Child Benefit Are Linked

Eligibility typically depends on whether the young person remains in full-time approved education or training.

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When Does Child Benefit Automatically Stop?

Child Benefit claims automatically include a preset end date when a child turns 16. Payments normally continue until:

👉 31 August following the child’s 16th birthday

If Child Benefit is not extended before this date, payments stop automatically. Child maintenance payments usually end at the same time.

Importantly:

• Payments continue until 31 August even if the child stops attending school.

• Children under 16 are still classed as financially dependent regardless of attendance.

Related Video: When Child Maintenance Stops After Education Ends

If a young person continues in further education, Child Benefit can be extended. The new end date moves to the next official quarterly terminal date after their course finishes.

UK Child Benefit Terminal Dates

• 28/29 February

• 31 May

• 31 August

• 30 November

For example, if education finishes in June, Child Benefit usually continues until 31 August unless the young person starts full-time work earlier.

Young people are still classed as being in education until their final exams finish. For GCSEs and A-levels, this usually means mid-to-late June.

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When Must Parents Inform HMRC About Education Changes?

Many parents believe they must always report when education ends. This is not always required.

Parents only need to notify HMRC if the young person:

• Leaves education early

• Starts working more than 24 hours per week before the next terminal date

• Begins claiming benefits independently

If none of these apply, Child Benefit usually continues automatically until the next scheduled end date.

Failing to report early changes may result in overpayments or potential fraud investigations.

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The 20-Week Extension Rule for 16-17 Year Olds

Child Benefit may continue for up to 20 additional weeks for young people aged 16 or 17 who:

• Register with a careers service

• Are waiting to start military service

• Are between education or training placements

During this extension period, child maintenance usually continues.

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Myth: Working Over 24 Hours Stops Child Maintenance

A common misconception is that working over 24 hours per week automatically stops Child Benefit or child maintenance.

This is incorrect.

There is no limit on working hours while the young person remains in full-time approved education. The 24-hour threshold only applies once education has ended.

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What Happens After Child Benefit Stops?

Government systems regularly check Child Benefit status for young people aged over 16.

If Child Benefit stops:

• CMS automatically reviews child maintenance eligibility.

• Parents paying maintenance can also report changes themselves.

• If Child Benefit is still active, CMS usually rejects early change requests.

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Different Rules Depending on the Child’s Age

When the Young Person Is Over 18

If Child Benefit ends after age 18, the young person is normally removed automatically from child maintenance calculations unless:

• Other case changes are pending

• Income reassessments are still being processed

Delays are common if multiple case updates are underway.

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When the Young Person Is Under 18

For children under 18, CMS normally:

1. Contacts the parent receiving Child Benefit

2. Allows 7 days to confirm education status

3. Runs a final Child Benefit check before closing the case

If Child Benefit restarts, child maintenance normally continues.

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What Happens When a Child Is Removed From a CMS Case?

When a child is removed:

• Maintenance payments for that child stop

• Payments may be recalculated if other children remain eligible

• Arrears still need to be paid if outstanding

If no other children remain and no arrears exist, the case will eventually close. Full closure can take several weeks as it is often processed manually.

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Timing Matters When Reporting Changes

Many parents try to report education ending too early. This often leads to rejected change requests and delays.

If Child Benefit remains valid until a scheduled terminal date, CMS will normally reject any early case closure requests.

Waiting until Child Benefit officially ends helps avoid processing delays.

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Why CMS May Reject Requests to Stop Child Maintenance

Requests may be rejected if:

• Child Benefit remains active

• A 20-week extension has been granted

• Education ended but HMRC was not notified

• Course extensions remain on record

• System updates have not yet been processed

Government systems may take several weeks to update across departments.

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Final Thoughts: Understanding Child Maintenance Rules When Education Ends

Understanding how Child Benefit and education status affect child maintenance can help parents avoid confusion, disputes, and delays.

Key points to remember:

✔ Child maintenance usually follows Child Benefit rules
✔ Education status determines payment eligibility
✔ Terminal dates control when payments stop
✔ Timing is crucial when reporting changes

Staying informed helps ensure smoother case transitions for both paying and receiving parents.

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Learn when child maintenance stops in the UK and how Child Benefit, education status, and terminal dates affect payments. Complete guide with expert explanations and video support.

How to Report Child Benefit Fraud

How To Report Child Benefit Fraud: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Child Benefit fraud is a serious issue in the UK, with some parents manipulating the system to also receive more money from the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). This guide explains how to report Child Benefit fraud, provides key legal information, and includes real-life case examples to illustrate the impact of fraud.

Understanding Child Benefit and CMS

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) ensures that child support payments continue as long as the child is in education up to Level 3 (equivalent to A levels). The CMS heavily relies on Child Benefit records to determine whether a child is still in education.

To qualify, the education must be a recognized qualification—it cannot be work experience, a weekend course, or a paid apprenticeship.

However, some parents exploit this system by failing to cancel Child Benefit when their child leaves education early. This means they continue to receive both Child Benefit and child maintenance payments unfairly. Since the CMS does not verify educational status directly with colleges, incorrect Child Benefit records can lead to wrongful CMS charges.

This is not a victimless crime—it has a financial impact on the paying parent.

Key Dates for Child Benefit Termination

When a child leaves education, Child Benefit payments usually stop at the next terminal date:

• End of February
• End of May
• End of August
• End of November

For example:

• If a child leaves college in December, Child Benefit continues until the end of February.
• If a child finishes a two-year college course in June, Child Benefit stops on 31st August.
• If a child is on a paid apprenticeship, they do not qualify for CMS or Child Benefit.

How to Report Child Benefit Fraud

If you suspect Child Benefit fraud, you can report it in the following ways:

1. Online Reporting

Use the HMRC online fraud reporting tool:

Report Child Benefit fraud here

2. Telephone Reporting

Call the HMRC Fraud Hotline at 0800 788 887. This is a confidential service where you can report suspected fraud.

3. Report by Post

Send a written report to:

HM Revenue and Customs - Child Benefit Office

PO Box 1

Newcastle Upon Tyne

NE88 1AA

United Kingdom

Case Examples

Case 1: CMS Overpayment Due to Fraudulent Child Benefit Claim

John had been paying child maintenance for his 18-year-old son, whom he believed was still in college. However, through contacts at the school, he discovered that his son had dropped out six months earlier. The receiving parent failed to cancel Child Benefit, leading to continued CMS payments.

John reported the suspected fraud to HMRC and provided supporting evidence. HMRC investigated, found the claim fraudulent, and ordered repayment of wrongly claimed Child Benefit. CMS then closed his case and refunded overpaid maintenance.

Case 2: Child Left Education, but Child Benefit Continued

Sarah's daughter left education in December, but the receiving parent continued to claim Child Benefit until August. Sarah reported the fraud to HMRC, who confirmed the ineligibility of payments. The receiving parent was required to repay the overclaimed Child Benefit, and Sarah's CMS payments stopped sooner than initially expected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will the Child Maintenance Service tell me when my child leaves college?

A: No, CMS will only inform you that the case is closed when Child Benefit stops. CMS does not have direct access to college attendance records.

Q: My child finished school in June—why is my CMS still being deducted?

A: Child Benefit usually ends on August 31st. If your child left in June, the receiving parent is entitled to Child Benefit until August, which keeps CMS active until then.

Q: The CMS case has closed, but I still have payments on my schedule. Why?

A: This likely means you are paying in arrears. CMS calculates arrears separately and will continue to collect them even after the case is closed.

Additional Resources

• Report Benefit Fraud: HMRC Benefit Fraud Reporting
• Child Maintenance Information: CMS Website
• Appeal CMS Decisions: Challenge CMS Calculations

Conclusion

Child Benefit fraud is a serious issue that directly impacts paying parents by wrongfully extending CMS payments. Reporting fraudulent claims can prevent financial losses and hold the responsible party accountable. If you suspect fraud, report it immediately via phone, online form, or post.

Persistence and knowledge of the system can help stop fraudulent claims and ensure fair payments.

This video explains further:

Conclusion: Reporting Child Benefit fraud is essential to ensure fairness and integrity in the system. By understanding how the CMS and Child Benefit records work, and knowing the correct channels to report fraud, you can help prevent unjust payments and support the proper use of public funds.

Once the case is closed, even after a refund, you may still owe some arrears.

Keywords:

Further Reading

Child benefit entitlement can be clarified by checking the Child Benefit Technical Manual

Child Benefit Guide

Child Maintenance Guide

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Do You Have to Tell the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) About Changes in Your Job or Address?

 

🔍 Do You Have to Tell the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) About Changes in Your Job or Address?

When you're paying or receiving child maintenance through the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), you're not just dealing with informal arrangements—you’re dealing with a legal system backed by legislation. One of the key obligations placed on parents involved with CMS is to notify them about any changes in employment or address. But what law actually says you have to do that?

Let’s break it down.

⚖️ What Law Requires You to Notify the CMS?

This obligation is rooted in a combination of primary legislation (an Act of Parliament) and secondary legislation (Statutory Instruments, or SIs). Here's what applies:

📜 The Child Support Act 1991

This is the main piece of legislation that governs child maintenance in the UK.

• Section 14(1) states that any person involved in a child support case must provide information as required by the Secretary of State (i.e., the government via CMS).
• Section 14A gives legal power for regulations to be created which require parents to notify the CMS of changes in their circumstances.

So, this is the foundation of the obligation. But the specific rules are set out in the regulations below.

🧾 The Child Support (Information, Evidence and Disclosure) Regulations 2008 – SI 2008/2551

This Statutory Instrument provides the detailed legal framework. The most relevant part is:

👉 Regulation 15 – Duty to Notify Changes

This regulation makes it crystal clear:

A non-resident parent (i.e., the paying parent) must notify the CMS within 7 days of any change in:

• Address
• Employment (including employer’s name and address)
• Income, hours worked, or employment status

If you don’t tell them, you’re in breach of your legal duty.

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

There are consequences. The CMS can take enforcement action if you fail to notify them of a change that affects your child maintenance calculation.

This could include:

• Backdated maintenance recalculations
• Legal proceedings in cases of deliberate non-compliance

Under Section 14(1A) of the Child Support Act 1991, giving false information or failing to provide information when requested can also be treated as a criminal offence.

📝 Final Thoughts

If your circumstances change—whether you move house, start a new job, or lose a source of income—it’s not just a courtesy to tell CMS. It’s a legal requirement.

Ignoring this duty can result in serious consequences, including penalties and potential prosecution. So if you’re involved with CMS, make sure you keep them in the loop. It’s not just good practice—it’s the law.  We recommend that you notify all changes using the portal.

📚 Legal References

• Child Support Act 1991 – Sections 14 & 14A
• Child Support (Information, Evidence and Disclosure) Regulations 2008 – Regulation 15
  
  
  

Child Maintenance Service self-employed or limited company

How to Obtain Child Maintenance via the Child Maintenance Service for a Self-Employed or Limited Company Paying Parent

1. Understanding the Child Maintenance Service (CMS)

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is the UK government department responsible for ensuring that non-resident parents contribute financially to their children’s upbringing. However, when the paying parent is self-employed or owns a limited company, calculating and enforcing payments can be more complex.

2. Initiating a Child Maintenance Claim

• Contact CMS: Apply online, by phone, or request a paper application.

• Provide Necessary Details: You will need details of the paying parent's income, employment status, and company details (if applicable).

• CMS Fees: There is no longer an application fee to use the Child Maintenance Service

The CMS will then produce a calculation based on the last available tax year released to them by HMRC.  This wont be the current tax year, and most possibly not the last one.

3. Assessing Income When the Paying Parent is Self-Employed

Unlike salaried employees whose earnings are easy to verify via PAYE records, self-employed individuals have more control over how they report income.  Remember

• CMS primarily relies on HMRC tax records.

• They use the most recent available tax return (Self Assessment) to determine gross income.

• If income fluctuates, CMS can take an average over multiple years.
  
  Its important to realise hearsay is not evidence.  Driving flashy cars, big houses etc do not determine the CM payment.  Its the taxable income, taken from HMRC records that counts.

4. Challenges with Self-Employed Paying Parents

• Underreported Income: Some self-employed individuals minimize declared income through tax deductions.  And some dont declare the money as they receive it in cash, then it will never be recorded.
  
  Irregular Income: Seasonal fluctuations or business expenses can affect reported income.

• Delays in Tax Filings: If the latest tax return isn't available, CMS may use an older one.

5. Assessing Income When the Paying Parent Owns a Limited Company

If the paying parent is a director or shareholder in a limited company the CMS will initiallly produce a calculation based solely on their salary which is reported to HMRC.  CMS dont take their word for it, they get the information from HMRC

Dividends

CMS can also consider dividends drawn from the company.  The paying parent will need to be a shareholder of the company.  Being just a director, does not mean they have shares.  Only a shareholder can be paid dividends.

As CMS use HMRC data, after the initial calculation is produced, the receiving parent has to go to the CMS and ask for the dividends to be taken into account.  They wont be taken into account automatically, so its possible for a shareholder to receive dividends for years and not have to pay CM money on that income.

This is perfectly legal and normal.  Dividends are only included if asked for.  If you are a receiving parent and you want the dividends to be included you must ask for a variation due to dividends.  CMS can refuse if it is a speculative application.  It must be a credible ask.  So for example the receiving parent should state they know the paying parent receives dividends as they have told them, or they know the accounts because they used to do the accounts.

If you are a paying parent, and the dividend variation is made, they will just get the information from HMRC.  You dont need to submit evidence.  CMS will write to you.  Its important to point out, this is just a procedure.  If you are a paying parent you dont have to declare your dividends, and you wont get into trouble when this process is started.  The inclusion of dividends is only valid for the tax year used, and going forwards.  You will not have to pay for dividends from previous tax years.

If the paying parent is self employed, then asking for dividends is not credible, because the self employed work for themselves and they dont earn dividends.  Only a shareholder in a company can receive dividends.

So if the receiving parent asks for dividends due to the paying parent being self emplyed the application will be refused

Pension Contributions Paid By the Company Direct to The Pension Company

Companies can pay pension contributions direct to a pension scheme.  Again this is legal, but the CMS may consider it to be a Diversion of Income if the Contributions are excessive.

So if the paying parent is paid £12,000 per year, and then receives £12,000 in direct pension contributiosn that would be seen as excessive.

CMS would take a position on that, meaning that the CMS may be adjusted upwards.

Excessive Retained Profits

Whilst it is ok to retain profits, if it is being seen to be excessive, and the paying parent is a sole director it may be viewed as diversion.

Have a plan.  If you need to retain profit for a big investment, document the process.  There was a tribunal case where CMS lost because they said that a new vehicle fleet was only purchased to avoid CMS.   

Directors Loans

Directors may receive loans, and not repay them to the company.  That is legal, but if the loan is not paid off it becomes taxable.

As this point it then becomes subject to CMS.  CMS will value the entire loan as income and charge CMS on it.

Remember 

• CMS can request company accounts to identify additional income sources.

• If necessary, CMS can apply a "variation" to include additional income streams (e.g., retained profits, benefits in kind).

6. Requesting a Variation for Hidden or Misreported Income

If you suspect that the paying parent is underreporting their income, you can request a variation:

• Undeclared Dividends: If they pay themselves via dividends but report a low salary.  Remember, this is not illegal and is best practive to reduce tax.  But a low salary does not mean that someone is dodging CMS.  

• Retained Profits: If their company holds profits instead of distributing them.

• Lifestyle Inconsistencies: If they live beyond their reported means (e.g., luxury assets, holidays).

To request a variation:

• Provide CMS with evidence (e.g., company accounts, bank statements, property ownership records).  Some of this may be obtained from companies house.  
  
  Remember any document sent to CMS must be legally obtained.  If not it cannot be used by CMS to conduct assessments.
  
  A common mistake is to use Form E paperwork from a divorce settlement.  If permission has not been sought from the court, and an order granted, it is illegal to use the information for CMS purposes and the user can be found guilty of contempt of court.

• CMS may contact HMRC or investigate further.

7. Enforcement Actions if the Paying Parent Avoids Payment

If the paying parent fails to pay:

• Deduction from Earnings Order: For those who pay themselves via PAYE through their own company.

• Deduction from Bank Accounts: If money is held in personal or business accounts.

• Liability Order & Bailiffs: CMS can take court action to seize assets.

• Charging Order & Sale of Property: In extreme cases, CMS can force the sale of assets.

8. Seeking Additional Support

• Legal Advice: Consult a solicitor or family law specialist if you encounter resistance.

• Financial Investigation Unit (FIU): CMS has specialist teams to investigate complex financial arrangements.

• Parliamentary & Ombudsman Complaints: If CMS fails to act effectively, you can escalate your case.

Conclusion

While obtaining child maintenance from a self-employed or limited company paying parent can be more challenging, persistence and using all available CMS options can help ensure fair contributions. If necessary, seek professional advice to strengthen your case.

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How To Get Information like Education Records

Many people struggle to understand how to access information, whether it's their personal data, public authority policies, or school records. Misconceptions abound, with some attempting to use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for personal data requests and others misapplying the Data Protection Act (DPA) to obtain third-party information.

Three key pieces of legislation govern data access in the UK:

1. The Data Protection Act 2018 (often referred to as GDPR) – Used for obtaining personal data about yourself.

2. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Used for accessing information from public bodies.

3. The Education (Pupil Information) (England) Regulations 2005 – Used for accessing school records if you hold parental responsibility.

Understanding the correct application of these laws can empower you to obtain the information you are entitled to.

The Data Protection Act (DPA 2018)

The DPA 2018 allows individuals to request their personal data from organisations, companies, or government bodies. However, it does not grant access to information about the organisation itself or other people’s data.

For example, if you are dealing with the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), you must direct your Subject Access Request (SAR) to the DWP Data Protection Team, as CMS is part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). CMS will only provide information about you, not other parties in your case. Any third-party data will be redacted.

Similarly, if you have had dealings with social services, you can request your records, which can be crucial for obtaining meeting notes or defending yourself against accusations. However, accessing information about a child depends on their age. Some local authorities may refuse to disclose information about teenagers without the child’s consent, meaning you may need to obtain it directly from them.

Why This Matters

The DPA 2018 is not just about getting information—it’s also about ensuring accuracy. If incorrect data is held about you, it can lead to serious consequences.

For instance, I once obtained data from my local authority and found information that had been improperly shared by another body. While it was not negative, it should not have been in the council’s records. I requested its removal, but they refused. I then challenged the original body that had shared the data, which resulted in the council being ordered to delete it. Pursuing this further, I demonstrated a data breach, leading to an out-of-court settlement with the organisation responsible.

This highlights how requesting your data can expose errors, leading to correction and, in some cases, compensation.

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The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The FOIA applies to public bodies such as councils, government departments, and schools. It is used to request non-personal information, such as policies, procedures, and internal communications.

For example, I once wanted to know what was discussed between my county council and Ofsted after I filed a complaint. The council initially refused my request, claiming the emails contained personal data. However, when I submitted the same request to Ofsted, they provided the emails without issue.

I then challenged the council’s refusal by requesting an internal review, but they upheld their decision. I escalated the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which ruled in my favour and ordered the council to release the information within 30 days. When they failed to comply, I reported them again, prompting the ICO to issue a legal warning for contempt of court. Only then did the council provide the requested data.

This case demonstrates the power of persistence and knowing your rights under FOIA.

FOIA and Schools

In another case involving my child’s school, I initially requested data under the DPA 2018, but the school refused, stating it was not personal data. I then submitted a FOIA request for the same information, and the school reversed its position, now claiming it was personal data and therefore could not be disclosed under FOIA.

This contradiction forced them to admit their mistake. Schools and other public bodies often misuse data protection laws to withhold information, so understanding the correct legislation can be crucial in challenging their decisions.

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The Education (Pupil Information) (England) Regulations 2005

This law is often overlooked but is highly effective for parents seeking access to their child’s school records.

If you hold parental responsibility, you are entitled to receive information about your child’s education, including:

• School reports

• Detention records

• Exclusion notices

In my case, my child’s school failed to provide reports and other vital updates. Their justification? They were informing the mother, and they claimed my child did not consent to share information with me. However, upon further questioning, it became clear that a third party had influenced the school’s decision.

This is a common issue, particularly in cases of parental alienation, where one parent deliberately restricts the other’s access to school information.

The Legal Battle

I knew that unlike the DPA 2018, a child cannot refuse parental access to education records under this law. The government’s own guidance states that schools must provide this data to parents who hold parental responsibility.

The school sought legal advice, spending £4,800 to confirm whether they were obligated to provide the information. The legal verdict? They had no choice but to comply.

I only discovered the cost of their legal consultation due to an unrelated data breach, which a third party informed me about. To verify, I used the FOIA to request details of the school’s legal expenses. Sure enough, the figures matched exactly what I had been told.

Why This Law Matters

Unlike the DPA 2018 (which allows organisations one month to respond) or FOIA (which grants 20 working days), the Education (Pupil Information) Regulations require schools to provide records within 15 school days—a significantly faster timeframe.

If you’re struggling to get information from a school, citing this law can cut through delays and force compliance.

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Conclusion

Knowing how to correctly apply these three pieces of legislation can make all the difference when seeking information:

• DPA 2018 for personal data requests.

• FOIA for non-personal public authority information.

• Education Regulations 2005 for accessing school records.

Public bodies often resist disclosure, sometimes through ignorance and sometimes deliberately. Persistence, knowledge, and the right approach can help you obtain the information you need. If an organisation refuses your request, challenge them, escalate to the ICO, and use every legal tool available to enforce your rights.

How to Get Information from the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). The CMS can only give you your information, they cannot give you information about the other parties to your CMS case. Thats their personal data so CMS will redact it. The CMS are a part of the Department for work and Pensions, so you apply to the DWP, not the CMS. Get your data from the CMS

Keywords:

• Legislation: Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Education (Pupil Information) (England) Regulations 2005
• Information Access: Personal data, information access, obtaining information, data request, school records, emails, policies, procedures
• Organizations: Child Maintenance Service (CMS), DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), local authority, school, Ofsted, Information Commissioner
• Legal Concepts: Parental responsibility, consent, data breach, legal advice, contempt of court, redaction
• Situations: Child maintenance case, social services case, school information, parental alienation

#DataProtection #FOIA #FreedomOfInformation #GDPR #EducationLaw #ParentalRights #ChildMaintenance #SocialServices #DataBreach #LegalAdvice

Template Letter for Data Breaches

Here is a template letter you can use to complain about data breaches.  I have put this together for a complaint concerning a social worker, but you can adapt the template to suit your need.  If not using for a social worker complaint, you will need to remove the sections about social worker professional standards.

Your Address

The Date

Who the Letter is address to.

Dear XXX

Formal Complaint Unauthorised Disclosure of Sensitive Personal Data.

On the (Insert Date) , (Insert Social Worker Full Name) a professionally registered social worker employed as a social worker by (Insert Council Name) disclosed data that they were not authorised to do. 

In doing so they 

Breached Section 170 (1) (a) Data Protection Act 2018:  Which makes it an offence to knowingly or recklessly disclose personal data without consent.

Breached Social Worker Professional Standard 2.2  Respect and maintain people’s dignity and privacy.

Breached Social Worker Professional Standard 2.6  Treat information about people with sensitivity and handle confidential information in line with the law.

The breach occured because  (XXXX inseert what they did and state that you are harmed because of it.)

With regards to this incident, I wish to make a formal complaint and I also require require:

a)     A copy of your organisation’s data protection policy for the relevant period;

b)     A copy of any risk assessment in place prior to the data breach and any risk assessment in place after the data breach had occurred;

c)     Any relevant notes and documents pertaining to any internal investigation into this incident;

d)     Confirmation that your organisation reported the data breach to the Information Commissioner’s Office (“ICO”) within 72 hours of identifying the data breach; or the minutes of any meeting if you decided not to report the matter.

e)     A copy of any correspondence between your organisation and the ICO relating to this data breach;

I reserve the right to refer the matter to the Information Commissioners Office.


Yours Sincerly


XXXXX

Communication with the Child Maintenance Service: My Latest FOI Request

Improving Communication with the Child Maintenance Service: My Latest FOI Request

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The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) plays a crucial role in ensuring financial support for children, they will say, but navigating its processes can be frustrating, especially when it comes to contacting their call centres. My latest Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) seeks to address one significant issue: identifying the specific landline and geographical  Here's why this matters and how it could benefit individuals relying on their services.

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What I Aim to Achieve

1. Reducing Costs for Overseas Callers
   For people calling the CMS from abroad, the cost of international calls can quickly add up, sometimes reaching several pounds per minute. Long wait times — a common experience when contacting the CMS — exacerbate the financial burden. If geographical landline numbers can be provided, callers may have the option to use more affordable alternatives, such as Voice over IP (VoIP) services, significantly reducing their expenses.

2. Improved Caller Experience
   Knowing the geographical location of a call centre could help callers achieve better outcomes. For example:

   • Consistency: Calling the same location might increase the chances of speaking to the same person, fostering continuity in discussions.
   • Personal Preference: Some callers may prefer interactions with specific centres. Personally, I’ve had good experiences with the Plymouth call centre, which is located 40 miles from my home, compared to less satisfactory interactions with the Belfast centre. Familiar accents and local conversational cues (like discussing a football derby) can create a more empathetic and positive atmosphere.

3. Addressing Training and Service Quality
   A recurring complaint among CMS users is the quality of advice provided by triage operators. In some instances, callers have been misinformed — for example, being told not to make payments, only to face penalties later when placed on the Collect and Pay system.
   By identifying the call centre locations, it may be possible to pinpoint specific centres that could benefit from additional training or quality assurance measures. This data could help improve service delivery and prevent unnecessary stress for callers.

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Why Transparency Matters

This request is part of a broader effort to ensure the CMS operates as effectively and fairly as possible. Transparency about call centre operations can empower users to make informed decisions about how they contact the service and reduce the frustrations associated with navigating a complex system.

Timeline of Responses

You can request information by email.  As the CMS is a part of teh Department for Work and Pensions, they handle the Freedom of Information Requests.  So first step was an email to them, and then they replied as follows.

The DWP responded within 2 weeks and provided the following information.

Thank you for your Freedom of Information (FoI) request received on 10 January. You wrote:

“Freedom of Information Request Concerning Inbound Communication with the Child

Maintenance Service.

Like many organisations such as banks, the Child Maintenance Service utilise a single

Non Geographical Number 0800 171 2345 in order to manage inbound calls. Calls flow

to different operators and call centres using the number.

I would like to know

1 The address for each call centre location. I beleive they are in Falkirk, Belfast,

Hastings, Wolverhampton, Plymouth. But what street and postcodes.

2 I would also like to know the geographical phone number for each location. Banks

for example publish a geographical number as well as a non geographical number on

debit cards to make it easier for people to call them. What are the geographic numbers

for each call centre.

3, Finally when someone calls the 0800 171 2345 number they usually speak to a

triage operator. Please can you tell me if the triage operators are civil servants or

contracted out staff. If contracted out, which company has the single contract, or are the

arrangements made locally with agencies.”

DWP Response

We confirm that we hold the information you have requested and provide it below in the order

of the questions asked above.

1. The postal address of all Child Maintenance Service (CMS) office locations:

• Parklands, Callendar Boulevard, Falkirk, FK1 1XE

• Pedmore House, Waterfront East, Level Street, Dudley, DY5 1XA

• Crown Building, 60 Wellington Street, Leicester, LE1 6DS

• Tyneview Park, Whitley Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE98 1BA

• Havelock Place, Havelock Road, Hastings, TN34 1NB

• Great Western House, Woodside Ferry Approach, Birkenhead, CH41 6DA2

• Clearbrook House, Bickleigh Down Business Park, Plymouth, PL6 7TN

• Great Northern Tower, 17-19 Great Victoria St, Belfast BT2 7AD

2. There are no geographical telephony numbers for any of the individual CMS sites, only

one overarching Non-Geographical Number (NGN) 0800 171 2345 which is the CMS

Main Line.

3. The current telephony resource we have are DWP Civil Servants in GB as well as

Department for Communities NI Civil Servants and Recruitment Agency, The Recruitment

Co., based in Northern Ireland.

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact us quoting the reference number

above.

Yours sincerely,

DWP Central Freedom of Information Team

Department for Work and Pensions

Heres a video concerning the long CMS telephone call waiting times.

Using an umbrella company to avoid child support

Understanding Umbrella Companies and Child Maintenance Calculations

An umbrella company plays a pivotal role in managing payroll services for certain workers, often treating them as employees for administrative purposes. For child maintenance calculations, this classification has significant implications.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the nuances of umbrella companies, their role in child maintenance assessments, and the handling of non-taxable expenses.

What is an Umbrella Company?

Keyword: Umbrella Company Definition, Payroll Services, HMRC Managed Service Company

An umbrella company manages payroll and administers wages for contractors and temporary workers. Under HMRC legislation, they are often referred to as managed service companies.

For child maintenance purposes:

• All payments processed through an umbrella company are considered income from employment.
• Income typically includes salary and allowable expenses.

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How Umbrella Companies Work

Keywords: PAYE Tax, Umbrella Company Payslips, Employee Income

Employees working through umbrella companies pay income tax under the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) scheme. Their payslips typically reflect the following:

1. Invoice transactions managed by the company.
2. Deductions for taxes and National Insurance.
3. A fee or commission for the umbrella company’s services.

In some cases, expenses such as travel and subsistence may appear as a “first charge,” effectively lowering gross income and, subsequently, tax liability.

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Non-Resident Parents (NRP) and Umbrella Companies

Keywords: Non-Resident Parent Income, Child Maintenance, Umbrella Company Indicators

When assessing an NRP’s income, it's essential to consider expenses and identify if they’re employed through an umbrella company. Indicators include:

• Management fees deducted.
• PAYE taxes appearing unusually low relative to gross income.
• High levels of expense claims.

Actionable Tip: Child Maintenance Decision Makers (DMs) will request payslips and may need to contact employers for accurate income details.

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Understanding Expenses and Child Maintenance

Keywords: Non-Taxable Expenses, Umbrella Company Tax Rules, Maintenance Liability

If an NRP uses an umbrella company, only non-taxable expenses actually incurred can be deducted from their gross wage. These deductions affect the calculation of maintenance liability.

For example:

• Travel expenses for business purposes (excluding commuting).
• Professional fees to approved organizations.
• Specific expenses for ministers of religion or entertainers.

Refer to the Table of Non-Taxable Expenses below for detailed definitions and examples.

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Non-Taxable Expenses: Definitions and Examples

Keywords: Allowable Expenses, Tax Deductible Costs, Expense Categories

Expense Type	Examples
Travel Expenses	Public transport, hotel stays, business mileage, parking fees.
Professional Fees	Membership fees for organizations on HMRC’s approved list.
Employee Liabilities	Legal advice or indemnity insurance for work-related matters.
Ministers of Religion	Rent, travel, secretarial costs for clergy.
Foreign Employment Rules	Travel costs, accommodation, and subsistence for duties performed abroad.

For detailed HMRC guidelines, see EIM33000.

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Key Takeaways

1. Payments via umbrella companies impact child maintenance calculations, particularly due to expense deductions.
2. DMs must carefully evaluate payslips and supporting documents.
3. Non-taxable expenses are a critical factor in determining accurate maintenance liability.

Hashtags:
#ChildMaintenance #UmbrellaCompany #PAYETax #NonTaxableExpenses #HMRC #PayrollServices

Conclusion:
Understanding the intricacies of umbrella companies and their role in child maintenance ensures transparency and compliance with HMRC guidelines. Workers and decision-makers alike must navigate these systems with care to ensure accurate financial assessments.

Child maintenance arrears - What you need to know!

How Child Maintenance Arrears Work in the UK (With Examples)

Child Maintenance Service (CMS) arrears in the UK can seem complicated, but understanding the basics can help you navigate the system. Here's a breakdown of how arrears can arise, how they’re managed, and what to expect:

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1. Arrears Due to Paying in Arrears

• CMS payments are calculated daily but collected monthly. This means payments are effectively in arrears because the amount for the month has already accrued by the time it’s paid.
• Example: If your monthly payment is £300, the balance on your account will show £300 due on the day it’s calculated, even before you’ve had a chance to pay.

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2. Daily Calculation and Monthly Addition

• CMS calculates what you owe daily and adds it to your account monthly. This can make it seem like arrears are increasing on the day of calculation.
• Example: Suppose your daily rate is £10. After 30 days, £300 is added to your account.

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3. Impact of Payments on Arrears

• When you make a payment, the arrears balance decreases. However, if a payment is late or incomplete, arrears remain on your account.
• Example: If your due amount is £500 and you pay £499, the system assumes you’ve missed the full payment and reflects the entire £500 as unpaid. To fix this:
  • (a) Prove you paid £499 (e.g., via bank statements).
  • (b) Contact CMS to credit your account.

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4. Changes Are Backdated

• Adjustments to shared care or other factors are backdated to the date of the reported change, not when they’re processed.
• Example: If a paying parent gains more shared care in January but CMS processes the change in June, a credit or debit will apply from January.  If there is a credit, payments will be lowered going forward.  You wont receive money back.

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5. Impact of Pension Contributions

• Proving pension contributions can reduce your CMS liability, and this reduction is backdated to the start of the payment year.
• Example: If your CMS payment is £400 per month and pension contributions reduce it to £350, you’ll receive a credit for the £50 difference for each month of the year.

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6. The Arrears Balance Isn't Always Paid

• Arrears are factored into your payment plan, so you don’t pay them as a lump sum. The plan ensures ongoing payments include a portion to address arrears.
• Example: If your regular payment is £400 and you have arrears of £1,200, your plan might set payments at £450 to cover both.

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7. Annual Adjustments Can Create Arrears

• Payment plans sometimes set amounts slightly below the weekly rate, causing minor arrears. These are resolved during the annual review.
• Example: A stable-income payer might see their annual review adjust payments up or down slightly, clearing small arrears or overpayments.

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8. System-Generated vs. Enforced Arrears

• Some arrears result from system delays or errors, such as processing a change late. These arrears are usually not enforced.
• Example: A delay in processing a shared-care adjustment might temporarily show arrears that CMS later removes.
• However, arrears due to missed payments may be enforced, often through a Deduction from Earnings Order (DEO).

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How to Deal With Arrears.

Very simple.  Just stick to the payment plan.

Common Questions

Question:  I am on direct pay, and I keep paying the arrears but the figure does not go down.  Why?

Answer:  On direct pay, the CMS assume you are paying the schedule, so they wont be aware of the seperate arrears payments.  So stop paying them.  Your arrears balance wont go down, as no one knows you are paying.

Question 2:  Can I spread the arrears over a longer time period?

Answer:  Yes you can.  I know of cases where the arrears are being paid at as little as £5 per week, and other cases where the payments are being made over 8 years.

#ChildMaintenance

#ChildSupport

#SupportForChildren

#ChildSupportArrears

#childmaintenanceservice

#cmsarrears

#FinanceHelp

#MoneyManagement

#DebtSolutions

#CMSExplained

#ArrearsHelp

Illness or Disability Claims for a Relevant Other Child

Understanding Illness or Disability Claims for a Relevant Other Child (ROC): A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to child maintenance calculations, the care of a Relevant Other Child (ROC) with an illness or disability can lead to adjustments known as ROC variations. These variations consider the additional expenses associated with long-term illness or disability. Here’s a detailed guide to help parents navigate this process, ensuring they claim the support they’re entitled to.

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What Is a Relevant Other Child (ROC) Variation?

A ROC variation allows parents to factor in specific costs related to the care of a child with an illness or disability. These claims can only be made if the illness or disability is considered long-term, which we’ll define next.

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Key Definitions: Illness and Disability

Long-Term Illness

A child’s illness qualifies as long-term if:

1. It is expected to last at least 12 months, or
2. It is likely to persist for the rest of the child’s life (if shorter than 12 months).

Disability

A child is considered disabled if any of the following apply:

• They receive the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Armed Forces Independence Payments (AFIP), or similar benefits.
• They are eligible for such benefits but payments are paused due to hospitalization.
• They are registered blind, or recently recovered from blindness (within the last 28 days).

Important note: The mobility component of PIP or DLA does not count for variation purposes.

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Permitted Expenses

Certain costs incurred due to the child’s condition are classified as permitted expenses. These include:

• Personal care and communication needs.
• Mobility aids and domestic help.
• Specialized medical equipment not provided by the NHS.
• Home adaptations.
• Heating, clothing, or laundry expenses related to the child’s care.
• Special diets recommended by a medical professional.
• Daycare, rehabilitation, and respite care.

Note: If a service or equipment can be provided by the NHS, the claim may not be approved unless delays in provision risk harming the child’s health.

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Financial Assistance: What You Need to Know

If the Non-Resident Parent (NRP) or their household receives financial assistance for the child’s condition, this may reduce the amount of the claim. Sources of financial assistance include:

• Grants or charitable funding.
• Benefits such as DLA, PIP, or AFIP.

However, there are important caveats:

• Only assistance related to the specific claim expense (e.g., personal care) will be deducted.
• Payments received by someone outside the NRP’s household will not affect the claim.

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Confidentiality and Exclusions

When processing a claim, certain information will remain confidential:

1. Medical evidence that could harm a party’s health if disclosed.
2. Personal information, such as addresses, that could reveal the location of a child or party.
3. Details of the child’s illness or disability, if confidentiality has been requested and it does not impact the claim's outcome.

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Financial Thresholds

The good news is that there are no financial thresholds for ROC variations related to illness or disability. This means each case is assessed on its own merits, focusing on the expenses and needs of the child.

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Final Thoughts

Navigating the process of claiming for a Relevant Other Child with an illness or disability can be complex, but understanding the rules and criteria can make it much easier. Ensure you keep detailed records of expenses and seek advice if needed to maximize your claim.

If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with others who might benefit.

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Keywords:

• Child maintenance
• ROC variation
• Disability claims
• Long-term illness
• Relevant Other Child expenses

Hashtags:

#ChildMaintenance #DisabilitySupport #ParentingGuide #ROCVariation #FamilyFinance

Suggested Search Terms:

• How to claim child maintenance for a disabled child
• ROC variation illness expenses
• Disability benefits for Relevant Other Child
• Financial support for long-term child illness