Why is CMS child maintenance starting months after my application?

[Sparklesea]

My ex moved out last year and I applied to CMS mid February. They have replied to say the first payment will start mid May. I don’t disagree with the amount they suggest per month but why aren’t I receiving anything until two months after I applied? I thought his liability for payments would start from the date I applied to them. Could my ex have said he’s already paid something to me and the CMS service have taken this into account and delayed the start date?

Only CMS will be able to say why payments are starting on that date. Call them to find out why

Thanks, but I’m new to this and was wondering if anyone had any knowledge or similar experience that could help me understand this decision. The CMS line is closed until Monday morning. Is it better to write rather than phone?

Liability generally starts from when they inform him of the application not when you actually make it.

I believe his liability starts from when you applied, but for Admin reasons they don't start actual payments immediately, to give him time to make arrangements to pay. It should be pro-ratered so you get the full amount you are owed, spread out over the remaining period of the year, if that makes sense. So say he owes you £100 for the year, over four months it'd be £25 but over 5 months it would be £20 a month. You'll still end up with £100.

Call them to double check though

They backdate it from the date of application not from when he is notified. So any arrears are added on to the first payment schedule

The amount is 250pm, yearly total 3000. The first payment is due on 1st May and will be 250. It doesn’t seem like they’ve added the missing two months on anywhere, or spread them across the year. They are saying his liability only starts mid March, a whole month after I first applied to them.

It shows arrears of £80. But there no indication of when this will be paid.

It’s usually added on to your monthly balance

Just seen your update about the 250. Could it be the actual amount is under £250 but with arrears it makes it £250? I would just phone them to explain it