How Much Child Maintenance Will I Pay or Receive?
Use the quick reference tables below to see typical child maintenance amounts for your income, or use our free calculator for your exact figure.
Quick Answer
Child maintenance in the UK is calculated as a percentage of the paying parent's gross weekly income:
- 1 child: 12% of gross income
- 2 children: 16% of gross income
- 3+ children: 19% of gross income
For example, on a £30,000 salary you would pay approximately £69/week (£300/month) for one child. Shared care, pension contributions, and other factors can reduce this.
Child Maintenance Amounts by Salary (2026)
The table below shows standard child maintenance amounts for common UK salaries. These assume the Basic Rate band, no shared care, and no other children in the household.
| Annual Salary | 1 Child/month | 2 Children/month | 3 Children/month |
|---|---|---|---|
| £20,000 | £200 | £267 | £317 |
| £25,000 | £250 | £333 | £396 |
| £30,000 | £300 | £400 | £475 |
| £35,000 | £350 | £467 | £554 |
| £40,000 | £400 | £533 | £633 |
| £50,000 | £500 | £667 | £792 |
| £60,000 | £578 | £787 | £946 |
| £70,000 | £656 | £907 | £1,100 |
| £80,000 | £733 | £1,027 | £1,254 |
| £100,000 | £889 | £1,267 | £1,563 |
Figures are approximate monthly amounts based on the standard CMS Basic Rate formula. Your actual amount may be higher or lower depending on shared care arrangements, pension contributions, and other children in the household.
How Is the Amount Calculated?
The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) uses a simple formula based on the paying parent's gross income (before tax):
The CMS Rate Bands
| Rate Band | Weekly Income | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Nil Rate | Under £7 | Nothing |
| Flat Rate | £7 - £100 | £7 per week |
| Reduced Rate | £100 - £199 | Sliding scale |
| Basic Rate | £200 - £800 | 12% / 16% / 19% |
| Basic Plus | Over £800 | Extra 9% / 12% / 15% on amount over £800 |
Most working parents fall into the Basic Rate band (£10,400 - £41,600 annual income).
What Can Reduce the Amount?
Shared Care (Overnight Stays)
If your child stays overnight with you at least 52 nights per year (1 night/week), you get a reduction of 1/7 to 50% depending on how many nights. See shared care bands
Pension Contributions
Pension contributions are deducted from gross income before the maintenance percentage is applied. Learn about pension deductions
Other Children in Your Household
Supporting other children (including step-children) reduces your assessable income by 11-16% before the calculation. See multiple children rates
Get Your Exact Amount
Our calculator accounts for shared care, pensions, other children, and all CMS rate bands. Takes under 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is child maintenance for 1 child?
For 1 child, the standard rate is 12% of the paying parent's gross weekly income. On a £30,000 salary this is approximately £69/week or £300/month. On £40,000 it's approximately £92/week or £400/month.
How much is child maintenance for 2 children?
For 2 children, the rate increases to 16% of gross weekly income. On £30,000 this is approximately £92/week or £400/month. On £40,000 it's approximately £123/week or £533/month.
Is child maintenance based on gross or net income?
Gross income (before tax). The CMS uses your gross annual income from HMRC records, minus any pension contributions. Your take-home pay is not used. Learn more about gross income
Can child maintenance be reduced?
Yes. Shared care (52+ overnight stays), pension contributions, supporting other children, or a 25%+ income drop can all reduce your payments. See all ways to reduce payments
Does my new partner's income affect child maintenance?
No. Your new partner's income is completely excluded from the CMS calculation, whether you're the paying or receiving parent. Learn more