A single parents' guide to child maintenance payments and benefits
Here's everything you need to know about child maintenance payments and the benefits you can claim if you're a single parent, plus how to easily apply for them.
One of the main worries that newly single parents have when they separate or divorce the partner of their child/ children is "how on earth will I afford to look after these kids?" As every parent knows, kids aren't exactly cheap.
In fact, the average cost of raising a child from birth to 18 now stands at over £200,0001, according to recent research. So you're going to need some financial support, and that's why child maintenance payments were introduced in the UK back in the 90s.
In a nutshell, this means that whether or not you were married, one parent may be entitled to receive child maintenance payments from the other to help cover the costs of raising the child or children. This money is meant to go towards food, clothing, housing, education, medical expenses and activities.
Child maintenance is typically calculated based on the number of children you have together, the amount of time each parent spends caring for them and individual income.
Single parents may also be eligible for a number of financial benefits, depending on their unique situation. In our simple guide below, you'll find information on both child maintenance payments – including how to calculate how much you're owed and how to set up payments – plus any government benefits you may be entitled to and how to claim them to help make life that little bit easier.
How to work out your child maintenance payments
You can use this CMS calculator to work out how much your ex-partner should be paying. However, there are two different options when it comes to child maintenance payments:
- Private Arrangement
A private arrangement, or family-based arrangement, does not involve the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). In this case, you and the other parent agree on the amount of money to be paid, how it will be used and how additional costs (such as school uniforms and trips) will be shared. You can also apply to court for a consent order to make your agreement legally binding.
- Child Maintenance Service (CMS)
If communication breaks down between you and the other parent, or if payments are not being made, you can contact the Child Maintenance Service. The CMS will calculate the amount you are owed, take action if payments are delayed and can even help locate the other parent if you're unable to reach them.
When using the CMS, payments will be made in one of two ways:
- Direct Pay: The other parent pays the money directly into your bank account.
- Collect and Pay: The CMS collects the payment from the other parent and transfers it directly to your bank account.
Note that it can take up to six weeks to process an application through the CMS, with more complex cases taking even longer.
What financial benefits are available for single parents?
As a single parent, your financial situation is unique, so it's impossible to cover every possible benefit you might be eligible for; however, below you'll find an overview of the most common benefits and who can apply for them.
Our social security system can be confusing, especially when accessing childcare costs via Universal Credit
"You have to register your childcare provider and submit detailed receipts on time." Talbot also adds, "At Single Parent Rights, we campaign for fairer policies for single parents, as UC work requirements are lower for couples, despite single parents juggling sole caregiving and work demands."
Below are some key benefits you may be able to claim:
Child Benefit
If you're a single parent earning under £60,000, you’re eligible for Child Benefit. You’ll receive £25.60 per week for your first child and £16.95 per week for any additional children. Ruth notes: "Child Benefit is a vital support for single parents, especially on lower incomes."
Childcare Costs
All 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week during term time. If you earn more than £152 per week, you can claim 30 hours of free childcare per week during term time. The government has also introduced a scheme offering 15 hours of free childcare per week for children aged 9 months to 2 years, subject to income and eligibility criteria. You may also qualify for tax-free childcare, which helps with childcare costs by providing up to £500 every three months (£1,000 for children with disabilities) for each child under 12.
To check if you’re eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, set up an account here: Tax-Free Childcare.
Single Person's Council Tax Reduction
If you’re the only person over 18 living in your property, you will be eligible for a reduction in council tax. Depending on your income and other circumstances, you could also be eligible for other council tax reductions. Contact your local council for more information.
Other Benefits
Depending on your situation, you might also qualify for housing benefits or Universal Credit. To find out more, use a benefits calculator like EntitledTo, or contact Citizens Advice for guidance. Ruth suggests: "Speaking with a welfare advisor from a charity like Citizens Advice can help you navigate available support and ensure you're applying for what you're entitled to."
Visit the government website to see how to make a claim.
Write down any questions you may have before the call and don’t forget to have a pen and paper to hand.
Citizens Advice is a free, confidential service, which can help you understand your rights when it comes to child contact arrangements, CMS payments and benefits you are eligible to receive. They can also help with more general advice on your rights during a divorce or separation.
Gingerbread is a charity that supports single parents. Its website offers advice on all sorts of issues affecting single parents, including break-ups, benefits, CMS payments and child contact arrangements. Please note the charity's helpline closed on 1 April 2025.
Women’s Aid is a charity committed to end domestic abuse against women and children. They offer a free and confidential helpline and web chat service for any woman who is in or has been in an abusive relationship. They can offer advice about your current situation and signpost you towards other organisations that may be able to help you.
Rights for Women provides legal advice to women experiencing violence They run a confidential helpline, which offers free legal advice to women on a variety of different legal matters, including family law. Please note the calls are charged at local rates.
Man Kind is a charity that helps men experiencing domestic violence. They offer a confidential helpline and can also signpost you towards other organisations that will be able to help you further.
Men’s advice line offers support to men experiencing domestic abuse, their website also offers legal advice and support on different legal matters including child arrangement orders.
Many family law firms offer a free half an hour phone call where you can discuss your own individual case. In this time they will aim to answer any questions you have and will be able to suggest best ways forward and costs. This can be useful when mediation has failed and you want to enquire about next steps. Always check costs with a solicitor first, before making an initial appointment, as some may charge for the first call.
To see if you’re eligible for legal aid you can visit the government website
About the author: Lucy Dowling
Lucy has been a sleep-deprived single mum to her four-year-old daughter for over three years. With 25 years of experience in writing and editing, she’s worked on everything from books and magazines to audiobooks, including for The Week Junior, Go Girl Magazine, CBeebies Magazine and Yoto. Living in Hertford, she enjoys writing about the ups and downs of single parent life. When she’s not juggling all the plates (and occasionally dropping a few), she’s a big fan of cucumber as the ultimate toddler side dish and can proudly claim to know every lyric to the Super Kitties soundtrack.
Pics: Getty Images
References:
1. The real cost of raising a child in 2023, Moneyfarm.com