Question 1

How is child maintenance calculated in the UK?

Accepted Answer

UK child maintenance is calculated by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) using the paying parent's gross weekly income from HMRC. The rate depends on income level: Nil rate (under £7/week), Flat rate (£7/week for benefits or income £7-£100), Reduced rate (£100-£200), Basic rate (£200-£800), or Basic Plus rate (over £800). Percentages are 12% for 1 child, 16% for 2 children, and 19% for 3+ children at the basic rate.

Question 2

What is shared care and how does it reduce child maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Shared care is when the child stays overnight with the paying parent. If there are 52+ overnight stays per year, maintenance is reduced: 52-103 nights = 14.29% reduction, 104-155 nights = 28.57% reduction, 156-174 nights = 42.86% reduction, 175+ nights = 50% reduction plus £7/week extra reduction. Minimum payment is £7/week.

Question 3

What are the child maintenance rates for 2026?

Accepted Answer

For 2026, the CMS uses these basic rate percentages: 12% of gross weekly income for 1 child, 16% for 2 children, 19% for 3+ children. For income over £800/week, additional 'basic plus' rates apply: 9% for 1 child, 12% for 2 children, 15% for 3+ children. Income over £3,000/week requires court application for additional maintenance.

Gross Weekly Income	Rate Type	Calculation
Unknown / Not provided	Default	£38 (1 child), £51 (2), £64 (3+)
Below £7	Nil	£0
£7 - £100 (or on benefits)	Flat	£7/week
£100.01 - £199.99	Reduced	£7 + % of income over £100
£200 - £800	Basic	12% (1), 16% (2), 19% (3+)
Over £800 (up to £3,000)	Basic Plus	Basic rate on £800 + 9%/12%/15% on excess
Over £3,000	Court	Apply to courts for additional maintenance

UK Child Maintenance Calculator 2026

CMS 6-Step Calculation Process

Basic Rate Calculation (£200-£800/week)

Shared Care Reductions

Qualifying Benefits (Flat Rate)

How is child maintenance calculated in the UK?

What is shared care and how does it affect payments?

What income is used for the calculation?

What if income is over £3,000/week?

Can child maintenance be changed?