Child Maintenance on £40,000 Salary
See exactly how much child maintenance is calculated on a £40,000 annual income in 2026.
Quick Answer: £40,000 Salary
| Children | Weekly | Monthly | 50/50 Shared |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 child | £92/week | £400/month | £170/month |
| 2 children | £123/week | £533/month | £207/month |
| 3+ children | £146/week | £633/month | £257/month |
These are standard rates. Your actual amount may differ based on shared care, pension contributions, and other factors.
How We Calculated This
On a £40,000 annual salary, your gross weekly income is £769.23. This falls into the Basic Rate band.
Basic Rate Calculation
The Basic Rate applies to weekly incomes between £200 and £800. The percentage depends on how many children you pay for:
- 1 child: 12% of gross income
- 2 children: 16% of gross income
- 3+ children: 19% of gross income
What If I Have Shared Care?
If your child stays with you overnight regularly, you get a reduction. The "50/50 Shared" column above shows the amount if you have your child 175+ nights per year (roughly equal time).
Shared Care Reductions
| Nights Per Year | Reduction |
|---|---|
| 52-103 nights | 1/7 off (14%) |
| 104-155 nights | 2/7 off (29%) |
| 156-174 nights | 3/7 off (43%) |
| 175+ nights | 50% off, minus £7/child |
Can I Reduce This Amount?
There are legitimate ways your child maintenance might be lower than the figures above:
Pension Contributions
Pension contributions are deducted from your gross income before calculating maintenance. Higher pension contributions = lower maintenance.
Other Children in Your Household
If you have other children living with you (including step-children you support), your income is reduced by 11-16% before calculating.
Shared Care Arrangements
Having your child stay overnight at least 52 nights per year qualifies you for a reduction.
Calculate Your Exact Amount
Our calculator accounts for pension contributions, shared care, other children, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this based on gross or net income?
Gross income (before tax). The CMS uses your gross annual income from HMRC records, minus any pension contributions.
What if my income changes?
The CMS reviews cases annually. If your income changes by 25% or more, you can request an earlier review.
Are bonuses included?
Yes, bonuses and other taxable income are included in your gross income figure that HMRC provides to the CMS.
Can we agree a different amount privately?
Yes, parents can make a "family-based arrangement" for any amount they agree on. This avoids CMS fees. Our calculator can help you agree a fair starting point.