Pension is deducted from Gross Income before calculation.
Children & Care
How to Use the UK Child Maintenance Calculator
Enter Gross Income: Input the Paying Parent's income *before* Tax and National Insurance, but *after* pension contributions. You can enter this as a weekly, monthly, or annual figure.
Count Qualifying Children: Enter the number of children you are paying maintenance for.
Check "Other Children": If you have other children living in your own household (e.g., with a new partner), enter them here. This reduces your assessable income before the calculation starts.
Set Shared Care: Select the average number of nights per year the qualifying child stays with you. This directly reduces the final maintenance amount payable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Basic Rate?▼
The Basic Rate applies if your gross weekly income is between £200 and £800. You pay 12% of your gross income for one child, 16% for two children, and 19% for three or more children.
Does this calculator use the 2012 Scheme?▼
Yes. This calculator is based on the **2012 Gross Income Scheme**, which is the current standard used by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). It uses gross income data directly from HMRC.
What happens if I have "Shared Care"?▼
If the child stays with you for at least 52 nights a year, your maintenance liability is reduced. The reduction is 1/7th for 52-103 nights, 2/7ths for 104-155 nights, and so on. If care is equal (175+ nights), you pay a significantly reduced rate, often just £7 per child or nothing if income is low.
Is the £3,000 cap applied automatically?▼
Yes. The CMS only takes into account gross weekly income up to £3,000. Any income earned above this cap is ignored for the standard calculation, though the receiving parent can apply to the courts for a "Top-Up Order" for higher earners.