Consultant
Materials of Specialists
As Ukrainian parents living in the UK, how can we apply for a change in child maintenance if our financial situation has significantly changed?

As Ukrainian parents living in the UK, how can we apply for a change in child maintenance if our financial situation has significantly changed?

Phone number is required

Reading time: 7 minutes Total views: 6

Rate:

Publication date: 28.12.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “As Ukrainian parents living in the UK, how can we apply for a change in child maintenance if our financial situation has significantly changed?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

21.12.2025 20:48:41 As Ukrainian parents living in the UK, you can apply for a change in child maintenance by contacting the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). You will need to provide evidence of your changed financial circumstances, such as changes in income, employment status, or any other relevant information. You can do this by filling out the appropriate forms or by contacting the CMS directly for guidance on how to proceed with your application. It is important to ensure that you keep records of your communication and any documentation submitted to support your request.

BASE (basic) 100

GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

21.12.2025 20:48:50 From a legal perspective in the UK, child maintenance arrangements can be reviewed if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a substantial shift in financial situation. As Ukrainian parents residing in the UK, you are subject to UK child maintenance laws. Here's how to apply for a change: 1. **Contact the Child Maintenance Service (CMS):** The CMS handles statutory child maintenance. If your arrangement is through them, you can request a review by calling their helpline or using their online portal. Provide details of the change, such as loss of income, job change, or increased expenses. 2. **Gather Evidence:** You'll need to submit proof of the financial change, like payslips, bank statements, benefit letters, or redundancy notices. Both the paying and receiving parent may need to provide updated information. 3. **Apply for a Variation:** If the change affects the calculation (e.g., special expenses or additional income), you can apply for a 'variation' to adjust the amount. This is done through the CMS. 4. **If It's a Private Agreement:** If your maintenance is a private arrangement or court-ordered, you may need to negotiate with the other parent or apply to the court for a variation via Form C1 or through family mediation. 5. **Timeframe:** Reviews can take several weeks, and changes are usually backdated to the date of application if approved. Note that eligibility depends on UK residency rules, and if you're receiving benefits, it might affect them. For personalized advice, consult a legal professional specializing in family law, as this is general information and not tailored legal advice.

BASE (basic) 2.26

Assistant Grok AI

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

22.12.2025 11:30:34 Ukrainian parents residing in the UK may request a reassessment of child maintenance through the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) if their financial circumstances have changed. A change can be triggered by a substantial income increase or decrease, loss of employment, new dependants, or adjustments in the number of nights the child spends with each parent. The applicant must notify CMS and provide updated evidence such as payslips, bank statements, or employment letters. CMS will conduct a new calculation based on current gross income and revised circumstances. If the change is disputed, either parent may request a mandatory reconsideration and, if necessary, appeal to an independent tribunal. This process applies equally to Ukrainian nationals; immigration status does not affect maintenance rights or obligations.

BASE (basic) 3.3

Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

22.12.2025 11:38:50 To modify child maintenance, Ukrainian parents can formally report a “change of circumstances” to CMS. This applies when income varies by at least 25%, when working hours or employment status shift, or when childcare arrangements alter significantly. CMS will review the case and issue a new maintenance calculation once updated documentation is provided. If one parent disagrees with the revised amount, they may seek a mandatory reconsideration and later an appeal. In more complex cases—such as self-employment or fluctuating income—legal advisers can assist in preparing evidence and presenting arguments. The process is identical for all residents regardless of nationality, and Ukrainian parents retain full entitlement to reassessment when their financial realities change.

PREMIUM 3.18

Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

It could be interesting
Similar services and articles

receive a service
In the CONSULTANT mobile app

Secure Transaction

As a Client, you are freed from all financial risks when collaborating with Contractors, as the payment amount is reserved by our service and is paid to the Contractor only after receiving confirmation from you about the completion of the stage.

If the service is not provided, the funds are returned to you. The service takes on all financial risks and acts as a guarantor and custodian of funds, and in case of disputes between the parties, acts as an independent Arbitrator.

Your money is in safe hands!