Child maintenance

Deductions for ongoing child maintenance are not part of the third-party deduction scheme, although arrears for child maintenance are, and can be deducted from UC payments if the client is a non-resident parent and has no earned income. It can only be taken if the CMS request the payment directly from the client’s benefit. Child maintenance cannot be deducted if the client already has 25 per cent of their standard allowance deducted. This can be a complex area and advisers should seek help from benefits specialists if unsure.