The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) could get money from your universal credit (UC) if you stop paying child maintenance.

The CMS then pays this to your child's other parent.

How much can be taken?

The deduction is £36.40 a month.

When can money be taken?

Child maintenance deductions are only made if you have no earned income that month.

If you are in paid work, the CMS might ask your employer to make a deduction from your wages.

The CMS do not always take money from your UC if you fall behind with payments.

They cannot take money from your benefit if you pay your normal maintenance payments through the CMS.

Check what you owe

The CMS write to if you stop paying. They should:

• tell you what you owe

• send you a list of payments you've made

Check what they say you owe. Tell them if you think they are wrong.

Send proof of payments you've made. For example, bank statements or emails.

The CMS should only ask for deductions from your UC if either:

• you do not pay what you owe

• you do not reply when they contact you about missed payments

Set up payments with the other parent

You could agree a payment plan or lump sum payment with your child's other parent.

If your child's other parent agrees to a new payment plan, ask them to tell the CMS. Deductions from your benefit should stop.

More advice if you're struggling to pay

Citizens Advice has more on what to do if you owe child maintenance payments.