CMS tribunal appeal: what happens after mandatory reconsideration?

Before you appeal

You will normally need a mandatory reconsideration notice. GOV.UK says a child maintenance appeal is generally made within one month of receiving the mandatory reconsideration decision. If you are outside the normal time limit, check the current rules and explain the delay where required.

What the tribunal does

The tribunal is independent of CMS and DWP. It considers the disputed decision, the relevant law and the evidence. Depending on the case, a judge may sit with another specialist member.

An appeal is not simply a complaint about how CMS treated you. Focus on why the decision itself should be changed.

Preparing your case

Define the disputed issue

Write down the precise decision and the finding you say is wrong.

Organise the evidence

Use a clear chronology and group documents by issue. Avoid burying the strongest evidence inside a large unstructured bundle.

Identify the legal point

If an Upper Tribunal decision appears relevant, read the original judgment and explain the principle you say applies. A similar factual outcome in another case does not automatically determine yours.

Upper Tribunal decisions

Upper Tribunal cases can explain how child support legislation should be interpreted. CMS Support UK's case library keeps those authorities separate from self-reported community outcomes and links back to official decisions.

Official information: GOV.UK appeal a benefit or child maintenance decision.