What to do if…
your child support or maintenance payment is suddenly missed and enforcement is threatened

What to do now

1. Identify which system applies (this decides who can enforce).

   • CMS Direct Pay: CMS sets the amount, but you pay the other parent directly.
   • CMS Collect and Pay: CMS collects and passes it on.
   • Private arrangement (family-based) or a court/consent order.
   • If your case is administered in Northern Ireland, the child maintenance system and contacts may differ—follow the route you’re told on your paperwork/account. Find your case/reference number, the due date, and the missed amount.

2. Confirm it’s truly missed (not delayed or mis-sent).

   • Check your bank/app for: failed transfer, insufficient funds, wrong payee, wrong reference, bank delay, standing order not sent.
   • If you’re the receiving parent, check whether it arrived late or into a different account, or was returned.

3. Before you pay: verify the correct payment route for your case.

   • CMS Collect and Pay: payments are made via the CMS collection route.
   • CMS Direct Pay: the payment is made to the receiving parent (but still keep proof).
   • Court/private: follow what the order/agreement specifies. This prevents “I paid but it doesn’t show” disputes.

4. If you are the paying parent and you’ve missed (or will miss) a payment: act today.

   • Make the missed payment as soon as you can via the correct channel and keep proof (bank screenshot/statement).
   • If it’s a CMS case: contact the CMS and say you’ve missed a payment and want to agree how to clear it (and avoid escalation). If you cannot pay in full, ask about an affordable way to catch up.
   • If your income/circumstances changed, report the change to the CMS promptly (don’t wait).

5. If you are the receiving parent and a CMS payment is missed: choose the route that triggers action.

   • If you’re on Collect and Pay: you generally do not need to chase; the CMS can take action when payments are not made in full/on time (though they may not be able to tell you exactly what they’re doing). Make sure your bank and contact details are correct.
   • If you’re on Direct Pay: the CMS generally cannot take enforcement action while you remain on Direct Pay. Use your CMS account to report the missed payment and request moving to Collect and Pay if you want the CMS to collect and enforce (fees usually apply).

6. If enforcement is being threatened by the other parent (or someone claiming to act for them): slow it down with written facts.

   • Ask (briefly, in writing) for: what arrangement/order they rely on, what date/amount they say is missed, and where they say payment should be sent.
   • Reply with a concrete plan: “I can pay £X today and £Y on (date). I’ll confirm with a bank receipt.”

7. Make a one-page “proof pack” now (10 minutes).

   • Save: the assessment/order, the payment schedule, your last 2–3 payment confirmations, and any error messages.
   • Write a simple timeline: due date → what happened → what you’ve done today. This protects you if someone claims non-payment or the amount is disputed.

8. If the miss is caused by a money shock, stabilise essentials while you fix the payment problem.

   • Ring-fence what you need for rent/mortgage and essential bills so the situation doesn’t cascade.
   • Get rapid money advice the same day if you can (for example, through a free debt advice service) and tell the CMS you’re seeking advice while you make a realistic catch-up plan.