When Does Child Maintenance Stop?
Quick Answer
Child maintenance usually stops when your child turns 16. However, it continues until they're 20 if they're in full-time education (A-levels or equivalent). It stops immediately if they leave education, start working full-time, get married, or enter a civil partnership.
When Child Maintenance Ends
The rules on when child maintenance stops depend on your child's age and circumstances.
Standard Age Rules
Age 16 - If Not in Education
Maintenance stops on the child's 16th birthday if they're not in approved full-time education.
Age 20 - If in Approved Education
Maintenance continues until the end of A-levels, Scottish Highers, or equivalent qualifications (up to age 20).
What Counts as "Approved Education"?
- A-levels or AS-levels
- Scottish Highers
- NVQ/SVQ Level 3 or below
- BTEC National Diploma
- Similar full-time courses (12+ hours per week)
University does NOT count. Once your child starts university or higher education, child maintenance through the CMS ends.
Immediate End - Regardless of Age
Maintenance stops immediately if your child:
- Gets married or enters a civil partnership
- Starts living with a partner
- Joins the armed forces
- Starts working 24+ hours per week
- Claims certain benefits in their own right
What About University Students?
The CMS doesn't require maintenance for university students. However, parents can voluntarily agree to continue support. The Student Loans Company may assess parental contributions separately.
Tip: If your child is approaching the end of maintenance, report their education status to the CMS. Don't assume they'll stop payments automatically on the right date.
Related Questions
Does child maintenance stop automatically at 18?
Not necessarily. If your child is in approved full-time education (like A-levels), maintenance continues until they finish or turn 20, whichever comes first.
Do I pay child maintenance while my child is at university?
No, the CMS doesn't cover university students. Any support for university is voluntary or covered by student finance assessments.
What if my child gets a part-time job while studying?
Part-time work (under 24 hours/week) doesn't affect maintenance. They're still considered in education. Full-time work (24+ hours) would end the arrangement.