If you’re a paying parent in the UK, you’ve likely wondered: “When do I stop paying child maintenance?” It’s one of the most common questions asked by separated or divorced parents navigating the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) system.
Understanding when your legal obligation to pay child maintenance ends isn’t always straightforward. Rules vary depending on your child’s age, education status, and living arrangements, and failing to follow the right process could lead to arrears or legal penalties.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly when child maintenance stops, how education and custody changes affect it, and what to do when it’s time to end payments — in a clear, simple way.
What Is Child Maintenance and Why Is It Important for Paying Parents in the UK?
How does the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) calculate payments?
The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) uses your gross annual income, provided by HMRC, to calculate how much you must pay. Deductions may be made for pension contributions, and allowances are considered if you have other children living with you.
The CMS uses a percentage-based formula:
| Number of Children | Percentage of Gross Income (Before Adjustments) |
|---|---|
| 1 child | 12% |
| 2 children | 16% |
| 3 or more children | 19% |
Payments can be made directly to the other parent (Direct Pay) or through the CMS (Collect and Pay).
What are the types of child maintenance arrangements available?
There are three main types of arrangements:
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Family-based arrangement – an informal agreement between parents.
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Statutory CMS arrangement – managed and enforced by the CMS.
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Court-ordered arrangement – used when complex financial issues exist.
Why is child maintenance a legal obligation in the UK?
In the UK, child maintenance is a legal requirement because both parents have a duty to support their child financially, even after separation or divorce. The law ensures that the cost of raising a child is shared fairly, so one parent doesn’t carry the full financial burden.
This obligation covers essential expenses such as:
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Food and clothing
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School and childcare costs
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Housing and household needs
The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) enforces this duty by calculating and collecting payments from the paying parent. These payments help ensure that the child continues to have a stable and secure upbringing, regardless of their parents’ relationship status.
When Do You Stop Paying Child Maintenance in the UK?
At what age does child maintenance stop in the UK?
Child maintenance in the UK generally stops when your child reaches 16 years old. However, it can continue up to age 20 if your child stays in full-time, non-advanced education (for example, A-levels, BTECs, or NVQs up to level 3).
If your child is still eligible for Child Benefit, you’ll likely need to keep paying maintenance until that benefit stops.
Does child maintenance stop automatically when a child turns 16?
No, it doesn’t stop automatically. The CMS will only close your case when Child Benefit ends — typically at the end of the school year after your child’s 16th birthday. Always confirm with the CMS before you stop paying.
When does child maintenance continue beyond age 16 or 18?
If your child stays in approved education, such as:
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A-levels
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Scottish Highers
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BTEC National Diploma
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NVQ level 3
…then child maintenance continues until they finish that course or turn 20, whichever comes first.
How do A-levels, college, or university affect child maintenance payments?
Payments continue while your child is studying A-levels, Scottish Highers, or other non-advanced qualifications such as BTECs or NVQs (up to Level 3). These studies usually fall under the Child Benefit rules, meaning CMS considers your child dependent and still eligible for maintenance.
However, when your child progresses to university, higher education, or an apprenticeship that pays a wage, the situation changes. CMS no longer requires payments because the child is now classed as financially independent.
To keep things clear:
| Education Level | Is Child Maintenance Payable? |
|---|---|
| GCSEs, A-Levels, or BTECs (up to Level 3) | ✅ Yes |
| Full-time university or higher education | ❌ No |
| Apprenticeship (paid employment) | ❌ No |
If you’re unsure whether your child’s course qualifies as “non-advanced”, you can check with the Child Benefit Office or the CMS helpline. It’s always best to confirm before stopping payments, to avoid potential arrears or disputes.
Does Child Maintenance Stop When a Child Goes to University?
What happens if your child continues into higher education?
Once your child begins university or higher education, your legal obligation to pay child maintenance through CMS ends. The government treats university students as adults responsible for managing their own finances, even though they may still rely on family support.
However, many parents choose to continue helping voluntarily, especially with living expenses, rent, or travel. Although not enforced by CMS, this kind of support can make a significant difference to your child’s independence and wellbeing.
Are parents legally required to support a child in university?
No — the CMS does not enforce maintenance for university students. However, if a court order or private agreement includes provisions for university support, that agreement can continue independently of CMS rules.
Can parents agree on voluntary support after university starts?
Yes. Many parents agree on:
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Monthly allowances
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Rent or tuition contributions
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Covering living costs
Family lawyer Rachel Adams notes,
“Even though you’re no longer legally required to pay, continuing support can maintain goodwill and stability between separated parents and their adult children.”
The key is clear communication and a written agreement to avoid confusion about how much and for how long support will continue.
How Does a Change in Circumstances Affect When You Stop Paying Child Maintenance?
What changes can impact your maintenance obligations?
You must report to CMS if:
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The child leaves full-time education
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The child starts working full-time
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The child marries or enters a civil partnership
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Custody arrangements change
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Your income changes significantly
How should you notify the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) about changes?
Contact CMS directly via:
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The online portal
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The CMS helpline
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Written notification
They’ll verify the change with HMRC or the Child Benefit Office before adjusting or closing your case.
What happens if you stop paying without notifying CMS?
If you stop paying prematurely, CMS may record arrears, which could lead to:
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Collection fees
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Deductions from earnings
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Court enforcement orders
Always confirm your case is closed officially before stopping payments.
Do You Stop Paying Child Maintenance if Your Child Lives With You?
What happens to payments if custody arrangements change?
If your child moves in with you permanently, you may not have to pay maintenance anymore. In fact, if you become the main carer, the other parent may be required to pay you. You’ll need to inform CMS, who will check the new living arrangements and adjust or close your case accordingly.
How does shared care impact the amount of child maintenance?
If your child spends time with both parents, CMS reduces your payments based on the number of nights they stay with you:
| Nights per week | Reduction in maintenance |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1/7 reduction |
| 2 | 2/7 reduction |
| 3 | 3/7 reduction |
| 4+ | 50% reduction |
Can Child Maintenance Continue After 20 Years Old?
Under what exceptional circumstances might payments continue beyond age 20?
Normally, child maintenance ends no later than your child’s 20th birthday. However, in rare cases, payments may continue slightly beyond this if:
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The child’s education was delayed due to illness or disability
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A court order specifies longer support
These are exceptions, not standard practice under CMS rules.
What legal precedents or court cases influence this rule?
Occasionally, private family court orders extend support for university or special circumstances, particularly in higher-income families. But under CMS-managed arrangements, payments always end when the child turns 20 or finishes non-advanced education.
How Can You Legally Stop Paying Child Maintenance in the UK?
What steps must you take to close your CMS case properly?
When it’s time to end your child maintenance payments, it’s essential to follow the correct legal process. Simply stopping payments without notice can lead to arrears, fines, and even legal enforcement.
Here’s the step-by-step process to close your CMS case safely:
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Contact the Child Maintenance Service (CMS):
Inform CMS that you believe your child no longer qualifies for maintenance. You can do this online, by phone, or in writing. -
Provide evidence:
CMS will ask for proof, such as:-
A Child Benefit letter showing that payments have stopped.
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A school or college confirmation that your child has left education.
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Proof of your child’s employment or apprenticeship.
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Wait for written confirmation:
CMS will verify your evidence and send you a case closure letter confirming the exact end date of your payments. -
Keep records:
Always save copies of your letters, statements, and CMS confirmations for your personal records.
What evidence or documentation is required?
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Child Benefit statement
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School or college completion letter
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Employment proof (if child starts working)
How can you avoid legal penalties when ending child maintenance?
To stay compliant and avoid any penalties:
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Don’t stop paying until CMS confirms your case is closed.
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Continue payments up to the official end date given by CMS.
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Respond quickly to any CMS requests for information or documents.
If you stop early without approval, CMS can backdate payments, add collection fees, or take enforcement action through your employer or bank account.
Conclusion
In the UK, child maintenance usually stops at 16, but it can continue until 20 if your child remains in full-time, non-advanced education. Once your child enters university or full-time employment, your legal obligation ends.
Always inform CMS of any changes, wait for confirmation, and close your case properly to avoid issues.
Remember — while the law defines when you must stop paying, maintaining a positive financial relationship with your child can make a big difference in their transition to adulthood.
FAQs
At what age does child maintenance stop in the UK?
Usually at 16, but it can continue until 20 if your child remains in non-advanced full-time education.
Does child maintenance stop automatically at 16?
No. It continues if Child Benefit is still being paid, typically until the end of the school year.
What happens to child maintenance when a child goes to university?
It stops, since university counts as advanced education.
Can I stop paying child maintenance if my child gets a job?
Yes, if your child starts full-time work (over 24 hours a week), maintenance ends.
Do I still pay child maintenance if my child lives with me?
No, if your child lives with you full-time, CMS will end or adjust your payments.
How do I contact CMS to end my payments?
You can contact them through the CMS helpline, online portal, or by post, providing evidence of your child’s status.
