How is child maintenance calculated?

Child Maintenance in England and Wales is based on a formula with the following 3 elements:

The amount of the non-residential parent’s gross weekly income which includes salary or wages (before tax), bonuses and overtime, and some benefits.

If a person earns an income between £200 and £800 per week, a basic rate calculation will apply:

For one child – 12% of gross income. 

For two children – 16% of gross income.

For three or more children – 19% of gross income.

In cases where the non-residential parent earns a gross income of less than £200 per week, a flat rate of maintenance is payable.

Adjustments to the amount of child maintenance will be made where the non-residential parent has other children they are financially responsible for, and if the child that is subject to the maintenance payment stays overnight for a certain number of nights per year.