CMS Payment Calculator
Your CMS Payment
Weekly Payment-
Monthly (approx.)-
Annual Payment-
Rate Band-
CMS Rates by Income Band 2025/26
| Weekly Income | Band | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under £7 | Nil | £0 | £0 | £0 |
| £7–£199 | Flat | £7 | £7 | £7 |
| £200–£800 | Reduced | 17%+£7 | 25%+£7 | 31%+£7 |
| £800–£3,000 | Basic | 12% | 16% | 19% |
| Over £3,000 | Basic Plus | 9% | 12% | 15% |
Percentages apply to gross weekly income after pension contributions. Reduced rate applies to income above £200 then adds £7 flat rate.
Key CMS Facts
Flat Rate
£7/week
Basic (1 child)
12%
Basic (2 children)
16%
Basic (3+)
19%
Max Income
£3,000/wk
Application Fee
£20
How to Use This Calculator
1
Enter gross weekly income
Input the paying parent’s gross weekly income before tax but after pension contributions.
2
Select qualifying children
Choose the number of children maintenance is being calculated for.
3
Set shared care nights
If the paying parent has overnight stays, select the appropriate band for reductions.
4
Add other children
If the paying parent has other children in their household, this reduces the calculation.
5
Review CMS payment
See weekly, monthly and annual amounts along with the applicable rate band.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the CMS calculate maintenance?
The CMS uses gross weekly income to determine a rate band. Basic rate takes 12% for 1 child, 16% for 2, and 19% for 3+. Deductions apply for shared care and other children.
What income is used?
Gross weekly income from HMRC data including employment and self-employment. It excludes Universal Credit, Child Benefit and Housing Benefit.
How does shared care affect payment?
52-103 nights = 1/7 reduction, 104-155 = 2/7, 156-174 = 3/7, and 175+ = 50% plus £7 reduction per child.
What is the CMS collection charge?
Collect & Pay charges 20% to the paying parent and 4% deduction from the receiving parent. Direct Pay has no ongoing charges.
Are CMS payments taxable?
No, child maintenance is not taxable for the receiving parent and not tax-deductible for the paying parent.
Official Sources & References
Data verified against official UK government sources. Last checked April 2026.