Child maintenance if a parent lives abroad
If the other parent works abroad for a British organisation
You might be able to make a new child maintenance claim instead of enforcing an existing one if the other parent is working abroad for certain British organisations, for example:
- as a civil servant
- for His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service
- as a member of the armed forces
- for a company based and registered in the UK
- for the NHS
- for a local authority
How to claim
You cannot apply directly to the Child Maintenance Service. You must use the Get help arranging child maintenance service to get a reference number first.
You can also use the Get help arranging child maintenance service to find out your options for paying or getting support for your child, including making a private arrangement.
If you need help using the Get help arranging child maintenance service, contact the Child Maintenance Service.
Child Maintenance Service
Telephone: 0800 171 2345
Welsh language: 0800 232 1979
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 171 2345
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges
Video relay service for British Sign Language (BSL) users - check you can use the service
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
There’s a different phone number if you live in Northern Ireland.
If you’ve already made a claim, contact the Child Maintenance Service for advice.
Helpline opening times over Christmas and New Year
| Date | Opening times |
|---|---|
| Monday 23 December 2024 | Open 8am to 6pm |
| Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Open 8am to 5pm |
| Wednesday 25 December 2024 | Closed |
| Thursday 26 December 2024 | Closed |
| Friday 27 December 2024 | Closed |
| Monday 30 December 2024 | Open 8am to 6pm |
| Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Open 8am to 5pm |
| Wednesday 1 January 2025 | Closed |
| Thursday 2 January 2025 | Open 8am to 6pm |