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Original poster

CMS - HELP!!!

4 replies

Ajb85 · 04/06/2025 17:53

I've looked everywhere but can find the answer so hopefully someone can help...

I've been paying CMS for over 4 years, £100 a week without fail. A few weeks ago my father passed away, my head was, and still is a mess and I missed that weeks payment. I received an email from CMS on Sunday night who I rang the next morning, explained the situation and sent proof I'd paid that week and the previous weeks payment. Thought it was all over...

Now I've been told it's going to 'collect and pay' because I missed ONE payment.

My question...
Is this normal for one missed payment?
Can I appeal this decision?
Is there anyway I can avoid the extra 20%?
Is there any where I can get help/advice?

Myself and my ex dont speak, it was an abusive relationship (her towards me) and she had a hidden past I wasn't aware of.

This isn't about NOT paying/avoiding paying! I've never missed a payment before but it seems harsh to charge £1000 a year which doesnt even go to the child because of a simple mistake 😕

Thanks in advance

OP posts:
Olderbeforemytime · 04/06/2025 17:58

I imagine most people have it set up as a standing order. Your ex will still have had to pay the bills even if you didn’t send the money.

Original poster
Ajb85 · 04/06/2025 18:13

Olderbeforemytime · 04/06/2025 17:58

I imagine most people have it set up as a standing order. Your ex will still have had to pay the bills even if you didn’t send the money.

I understand she also has bills however she made the report then emailed me 24 hours later. If she had send me a message first I would of paid straight away.

I don't had a problem paying, always have, always will. It's just the extra 20% for themselves seams unfair for a simple mistake

OP posts:
theclampits · 04/06/2025 18:34

It is unfair considering the circumstances, can you not appeal it due to some kind of compassionate grounds ?
sorry about your dad btw.
You won’t get much advice on here though, it’s Mumsnet. But I’ve seen first hand what an ex using a child as a weapon can do and the cms ALWAYS take the woman’s word as gospel.

Original poster
Ajb85 · 04/06/2025 19:45

theclampits · 04/06/2025 18:34

It is unfair considering the circumstances, can you not appeal it due to some kind of compassionate grounds ?
sorry about your dad btw.
You won’t get much advice on here though, it’s Mumsnet. But I’ve seen first hand what an ex using a child as a weapon can do and the cms ALWAYS take the woman’s word as gospel.

I rang CMS who's only response was "well its your fault, you missed a payment!"

I was ment to get a call today but they haven't rang, also been told the standing order form is in the post and if it isn't taken to the bank by Monday I'll be further penalised. I work 5/6 days a week, 5am-7pm and now have the extra stress of this...

Tbh I was just wondering if this is normal or are they just being awkward, thought people on here might have experience with CMS as Google isn't any help

They do seam to treat any male as 'the bad guy' because the mothers said so. There are PLENTY of decent fathers out there but all get tarnished with the same brush

Thank you, it's just one thing after another ATM. Im literally at the point of having a break down! 😭

OP posts:
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