How much child maintenance should I pay for one child?

For one child, the basic rate is 12% of your gross weekly income (for income between £200-£800 per week). For example, if you earn £500 per week gross, you would pay approximately £60 per week. This reduces if you have the child overnight for 52 or more nights per year.

What is the minimum child maintenance in the UK?

The minimum child maintenance payment is £7 per week (flat rate), which applies when the paying parent's gross income is between £100 and £199 per week, or they receive certain benefits. If income is below £7 per week, the nil rate applies and no payment is required.

Does shared care reduce child maintenance?

Yes, if the paying parent has the children overnight for 52 or more nights per year, maintenance is reduced. 52-103 nights gives a 1/7 reduction, 104-155 nights gives a 2/7 reduction, 156-174 nights gives a 3/7 reduction, and 175+ nights gives a 50% reduction plus £7 per child.

BETA: This calculator provides estimates only. For official calculations, use Gov.uk or NI Direct

Child Maintenance Calculator UK

Use our free calculator to estimate how much child maintenance to pay or receive. Based on the official Child Maintenance Service (CMS) formula for 2024/25.

12%

1 child rate

16%

2 children rate

19%

3+ children rate

£7

minimum/week

BETA: This calculator provides estimates only. Use the official Gov.uk calculator for accurate figures.

Child Maintenance Calculator

Estimate payments based on CMS formula (2024/25) - FOR GUIDANCE ONLY

Paying parent's gross income (before tax)

Number of children maintenance is for

Shared care nights per year (paying parent has children overnight)

0 nights0 nights182+ nights

No reduction (under 52 nights)

Other children living with paying parent

Children from other relationships living in the same household

Need an official calculation or want to apply?

Use the official Gov.uk calculator

How It Works

1.Enter the paying parent's gross income
2.Select number of children
3.Adjust for shared care nights
4.Get your instant estimate

Related Guides

Use Official Calculators

For accurate, legally-valid calculations:

How Child Maintenance is Calculated in the UK

Child maintenance in the UK is calculated using a formula set by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). The amount depends on the paying parent's gross income, the number of children, and how many nights the children stay with the paying parent.

Calculator and financial documents for child maintenance calculation

Child Maintenance Rates (Basic Rate)

For paying parents with a gross weekly income between £200 and £800, the child maintenance rates are:

Number of Children	Percentage of Gross Income
1 child	12%
2 children	16%
3 or more children	19%

Shared Care Reductions

If the paying parent has the children overnight regularly, child maintenance payments are reduced:

Nights Per Year	Reduction
52-103 nights	1/7 (14%)
104-155 nights	2/7 (29%)
156-174 nights	3/7 (43%)
175+ nights	50% + £7/child

Parent and child spending quality time together

Different Rate Types

Nil Rate: Income below £7/week - no payment required
Flat Rate: Income £7-£199/week or certain benefits - £7/week
Reduced Rate: Income £100-£199/week - sliding scale
Basic Rate: Income £200-£800/week - 12%/16%/19%
Basic Plus Rate: Income £800-£3000/week - lower rates on income above £800

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Maintenance

How is child maintenance calculated in the UK?

Child maintenance is calculated based on the paying parent's gross weekly income. The basic rates are 12% for one child, 16% for two children, and 19% for three or more children. Adjustments are made for shared care and other children in the household.

What is the minimum child maintenance payment?

The minimum child maintenance payment is the flat rate of £7 per week, which applies when the paying parent has a gross income between £100 and £199 per week, or receives certain benefits. Below £7/week income, the nil rate applies.

Does shared care affect child maintenance?

Yes, if the paying parent has the children overnight for 52 or more nights per year, the maintenance amount is reduced. The more nights of shared care, the greater the reduction, up to 50% plus £7 per child for 175+ nights.

Is child maintenance based on gross or net income?

The CMS calculates child maintenance based on gross income (before tax and National Insurance), not net income. This includes salary, wages, bonuses, self-employment income, and other taxable income sources.

Can I arrange child maintenance privately?

Yes, parents can make a "family-based arrangement" without involving the CMS. This is free and flexible, but not legally enforceable. Many parents use family mediation to help negotiate these arrangements.

Need Help Agreeing Child Maintenance?

Family mediation can help you reach an agreement about child maintenance without going through the CMS.

Prepare with Miam (Free)Learn About Family Mediation

Official Resources

AI Preparation Tool: Miam helps you prepare for your MIAM but cannot provide legal advice or issue certificates. Only FMC-accredited mediators can do that.

Child Maintenance Calculator UK

Child Maintenance Calculator

How It Works

Related Guides

Use Official Calculators

How Child Maintenance is Calculated in the UK

Child Maintenance Rates (Basic Rate)

Shared Care Reductions

Different Rate Types

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Maintenance

Need Help Agreeing Child Maintenance?

Official Resources

Related Guides

Separation Agreement

Consent Order

Financial Disclosure