Child Maintenance Calculator
Updated on 7 Nov 2026 · Checked by Aotob
On £35,000 a year with 1 child, the paying parent would pay about £350 a month.
That’s £80.77 a week at the basic rate.
Child maintenance a month
£350
This is what the Child Maintenance Service would work out. Parents can agree a different amount between themselves (a family-based arrangement). Using the CMS Collect and Pay service adds fees of 2% for the receiving parent and 9% for the paying parent.
Show the working
35,000 ÷ 52 = £673 gross a week → Basic rate
No shared care = £80.77 a week × 52 ÷ 12 = £350 a month
Basic rate percentages
| Children | Up to £800 a week | £800 to £3,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12% | 9% |
| 2 | 16% | 12% |
| 3 or more | 19% | 15% |
Questions people ask
How is child maintenance worked out?
From the paying parent’s gross weekly income. Between £200 and £800 a week it’s 12% for one child, 16% for two and 19% for three or more; above £800, 9%, 12% or 15% on the extra up to £3,000. Below £200 there are reduced and flat rates.
Does shared care reduce it?
Yes. 52 to 103 nights a year cuts it by a seventh, 104 to 155 by two sevenths, 156 to 174 by three sevenths, and 175 or more by half plus £7 a week for each child.
Do I have to use the CMS?
No. Most parents agree an amount themselves. If you can’t, the CMS works it out and can collect it, with fees.
Updated 7 Nov 2026Source: GOV.UK: how child maintenance is worked outChecked by AotobEstimate under the 2012 scheme; reduced-rate figures assume no other children at home.Report an issue