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Child maintenance calculator UK 2026

Enter the paying parent's gross weekly income, how many children maintenance is for, other children living with them and the nights the children stay with them. The result follows the Child Maintenance Service formula.

Paying parent's gross income per week (£)

Children maintenance is paid for

Other children living with the paying parent

Nights per year the children stay with the paying parent

An estimate based on the official rules for 2026 – not legal advice. Official calculator / table

How it is calculated

The Child Maintenance Service uses the paying parent's gross weekly income. Below £100 a week a flat £7 applies; from £200 a week the basic rate is 12, 16 or 19% for 1, 2 or 3+ children (9, 12 or 15% on income over £800, up to £3,000). Income is first reduced by 11, 14 or 16% for other children living with the paying parent. Shared care of 52 nights or more a year reduces the amount by sevenths, and by half plus £7 a child from 175 nights.

Shared costs, settled fairly
Duohem keeps the children's expenses, the balance and the history in one place for both parents.
Get Duohem

Questions and answers

Is this the same as the government calculator?

It uses the same published rates, simplified. Use the official calculator on gov.uk for an exact figure.

Do parents have to use the Child Maintenance Service?

No – a family-based arrangement agreed between parents is common and free.

Does shared care reduce maintenance?

Yes, from 52 nights a year, in bands, as the calculator shows.

Sources: www.gov.uk · www.gov.uk