Parents have reported significant difficulties with the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), which is designed to ensure financial support for children after separation. Many have faced administrative errors and delays, leading to severe financial strain, with some turning to food banks due to unpaid maintenance. The CMS oversees over 800,000 cases, but complaints have surged, highlighting systemic issues affecting both receiving and paying parents.
The Department for Work and Pensions acknowledges challenges within the CMS but claims that most cases are resolved successfully. However, the increasing number of complaints and the emotional toll on parents raise concerns about the service's effectiveness and reliability.