Child maintenance is money towards your child’s living costs. In England, parents can agree payments themselves or use the Child Maintenance Service. Here is how to choose a starting point, understand the calculation and keep payments on track.
England · Checked 17 September 2026
It contributes to everyday costs such as food, clothing and a home. Both parents have a financial responsibility, including a parent who does not see the child. Maintenance and arrangements for spending time together are dealt with separately.
The Child Maintenance Service, usually called CMS, generally covers children under 16, or under 20 in approved education or training. That does not mean every university student under 20 qualifies. The education rules matter.
A private arrangement lets parents agree an amount, payment dates and how to handle extras. Write down what is included: paying for a school trip as well as regular maintenance should not depend on two different understandings of the same conversation.
CMS can calculate payments, help establish parentage and take action when payments are missed. It can also help if you do not know where the other parent lives. You can use the service without sharing your address with the other parent.
CMS usually starts with the paying parent’s gross income: income before tax and National Insurance. It obtains information from HM Revenue and Customs, the tax authority. Pension contributions, other children the parent supports and overnight care can affect the calculation.
Use the official calculator for an estimate. It is not a decision on your case. Equal nights do not automatically cancel maintenance, because CMS also considers who provides the child’s day-to-day care.
Keep the payment plan and a record of transfers. If the service manages your case, tell it about extra payments rather than assuming they count towards the amount due. Child maintenance received does not reduce Universal Credit.
CMS normally reviews the amount every 12 months. Changes still need reporting when they happen. If you think a decision is wrong, asking CMS to look again is called mandatory reconsideration. The normal deadline is one month from the decision; follow the instructions in your letter promptly.
This guide explains general rules and services. It does not assess your individual case.
Information checked on 17 September 2026.
Based on the original article by Elisabeth Scholander.
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