What Happens to Child Maintenance If I'm Unemployed?
Quick Answer
If you're unemployed and receiving benefits, you'll typically pay the Flat Rate of £7 per week. If you have no income at all, you may qualify for Nil Rate and pay nothing. You must report your job loss to the CMS - don't just stop paying.
Child Maintenance When Unemployed
Losing your job doesn't mean you can simply stop paying child maintenance. However, your payments will be significantly reduced based on your new circumstances.
The Rate Bands for Low/No Income
| Situation | Weekly Income | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Nil Rate | Under £7/week | Nothing |
| Flat Rate | £7-£100/week or on certain benefits | £7/week |
If You're Receiving Benefits
Most people receiving the following benefits pay the Flat Rate of £7 per week:
- Universal Credit (without earnings)
- Jobseeker's Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
What You Must Do
- Report the change immediately - Contact the CMS as soon as you lose your job
- Provide evidence - P45, redundancy letter, or benefit award letter
- Keep paying if you can - Until your case is reassessed
Warning: Simply stopping payments without telling the CMS will cause arrears to build up. Even if you can't afford to pay, report your situation.
When You Find New Work
You must report when you start earning again. Your maintenance will be recalculated based on your new income, usually within a few weeks of the CMS receiving updated HMRC data.
Related Questions
Can I stop paying child maintenance if I lose my job?
You can't just stop. You must report the change to the CMS. They'll reassess you and likely move you to Nil or Flat Rate until you're working again.
What if I'm unemployed but have savings?
Savings don't automatically count as income for CMS purposes. However, if savings generate interest over £2,500/year, the other parent could request a variation.
Do I pay child maintenance while on statutory sick pay?
Yes, statutory sick pay counts as income. Your maintenance would be calculated on this lower amount.