When does CMS stop? Child Support Answers.

 

Understanding when child maintenance payments via the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) in the UK should stop can be a complex process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you work out when child support stops. Child maintenance typically ends when a child reaches 16 or up to 20 if they are in approved education or training. This includes full-time non-advanced education (such as A levels, Highers, NVQs up to level three) and certain approved training courses. However, if a child is in a paid apprenticeship and only attends college one day a week, maintenance payments should stop. If a child leaves school in the summer, they still qualify for child benefit until the 31st of August following their 16th birthday, meaning child maintenance continues until the end of August. Most CMS cases pay at least a month in arrears, so payments often extend into September and October. Payments can continue up to age 20 if the child is in approved education or training. If the child starts working more than 24 hours a week, payments may stop, but if they are in education while working, payments generally won't stop. Maintenance will cease if the child marries, enters a civil partnership, or receives certain benefits in their own right. Other scenarios where child maintenance stops include:

1. The child dies.
2. The paying parent dies (liability ends, but arrears may be claimed from the estate).
3. The parent with care dies (maintenance may be payable to the new caregiver).
4. The child goes to prison or a young offender's institution, or is sectioned for mental health reasons for 12 weeks or more.
5. Both parents agree, and the case is closed by the receiving parent.
6. The child or parent with care moves overseas (exceptions apply for armed forces, diplomatic service, or certain education).
7. The child has their own child and claims child maintenance.
8. If the child over 16 refuses a DNA test
9. Or if the child leaves education and then returns after their 19th birthday, child benefit cases cannot be reopened.

One thing that does not stop child benfit is bankruptcy. Bankruptcy does not stop child maintenance arrears or liability, though some parents have attempted to pay arrears with a credit card and then declared bankruptcy.

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Urgent Consultation: You Need to Do This!

The is the link to the consultation:   Answer the Questions Here

This is the link explaining the consultation process:   Child Maintenance Consultation 

Hey everyone, this is your chance to make a massive difference in the child maintenance system, whether you're a paying parent or receiving parent. The government is currently running a consultation about child maintenance, specifically how payments are collected. One proposal suggests that everyone be put on collect and pay—yes, everyone.  This could mean every parent paying 2%.  As the Child Maintenance Service is a government department, that 2% will eventually go back to the government to pay for other things, not child related.  

Key Points:

• Collect and Pay for All: Even if you’re paying on time or have no issues receiving payments, you might still be put on collect and pay.
• Charges Involved: Both paying and receiving parents will be charged 2% of their income, impacting nearly 1 million child maintenance cases.
• Child Maintenance Focus: This change aims to recoup some costs and modify how the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) operates, which may or may not be beneficial.
• Your Opinion Matters: Whether you agree or disagree with these changes, it’s crucial to participate in the consultation. Your input can shape the future of child maintenance.

How to Participate:

1. Fill Out the Survey: The link to the questionnaire is in the description. Provide your feedback to influence the outcome.
2. Stay Updated: If the survey has closed, check the same link for other petitions and future consultations on child maintenance and benefits.

Why It Matters:

• Impact on Finances: The 2% charge could significantly affect both paying and receiving parents.
• Voice Your Opinion: If you don’t participate, you can’t influence the decision.
• Future Changes: Your feedback today will shape child maintenance for the future.

Call to Action:

• Click the link in the description to access the questionnaire.
• Fill out your answers and share your thoughts.
• Stay informed about future consultations and petitions.

Additional Content:

If you found the video above helpful, check out my other videos on child maintenance and related topics.  

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Keywords and Hashtags:

Keywords: Child Maintenance, CMS Consultation, Government Policy, Collect and Pay, Child Support, Parental Support, Financial Impact, Government Consultation

Hashtags: #ChildMaintenance #CMS #GovernmentConsultation #ParentalSupport #ChildSupport #CollectAndPay #FinancialImpact #HaveYourSay

Other Petitions

Hello, hope you're well. Today, I’m addressing a common question: What happens to your Child Maintenance Service (CMS) payments when your child comes to live with you?

Key Points Discussed:

• Becoming the Main Carer: If a child comes to live with you for four nights a week or more, you become the main carer. However, CMS won't automatically update your case—you need to take action.

• Applying for Child Benefit: Apply to HMRC for child benefit. Once approved, you can apply to CMS to start receiving maintenance from the other parent.

• CMS Payment Adjustments:

  • Example: Earning £50,000/year with two children typically means you pay 16% (~£8,000) in child maintenance. If one child moves in with you and you don't update CMS, your payment might drop to 12%.
  • By claiming child benefit and applying for CMS, you could receive 12% from the other parent, balancing the financial responsibility more fairly.

• Shared Care:

  • If a child stays with you two nights a week, you get a reduction of about 1/7th in your maintenance payments.
  • For four nights a week, you should file a claim with CMS to start receiving payments from the other parent.

• Navigating Court Orders: CMS should follow court orders. However, if the actual living situation differs from the order, you might need to address this with CMS or through legal channels.

• Alternative Options:

  • If you face challenges with child benefit claims, a DNA test might help, especially if the child is over 16 and doesn't comply. However, this is risky and could cost you £250.

Recap:

• Apply for child benefit if the child lives with you permanently.
• File a new CMS claim once you become the primary carer.
• Understand shared care reductions and how they affect payments.
• Be aware of court orders and alternative options like DNA tests.

I hope this information is helpful! Please like and subscribe to stay updated on more topics related to CMS. If you have questions or specific topics you want me to cover, comment below—I’ll respond as soon as I can.

Have a great day and see you soon!

Keywords and Hashtags:

Keywords:

• Child Maintenance Service
• CMS
• Child Benefit
• Main Carer
• Shared Care
• CMS Payments
• Child Support
• Parental Responsibility
• HMRC
• Court Orders

Hashtags:

• #ChildMaintenance
• #CMS
• #ChildSupport
• #SharedCare
• #ParentalResponsibility
• #ChildBenefit
• #FamilyLaw
• #CMSPayments
• #ChildCustody
• #ParentingTips

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