More child maintenance money is reaching children

Child maintenance is a lifeline for many families, allowing parents who look after their child the bulk of the time after a separation to cover day-to-day costs.

But sometimes, the support they’re entitled to doesn’t reach them.

So the government has been making improvements to the child maintenance service (CMS) to ensure children of separated parents don’t miss out.

Thousands more parents paying the money they owe

According to the Department for Work and Pensions, nearly 130,000 parents are now paying more than 90% of the child maintenance that’s due.

That’s the highest figure on record and 27% up on last year.

Data also shows that the number of parents paying nothing has fallen by almost a fifth (19%) since March 2025. 

Children should get the support they’re entitled to

“Our priority is simple - ensuring children get the support they are entitled to from both parents,” said government minister Baroness Sherlock.

“As we continue to modernise the child maintenance service, record numbers of parents are now paying their child maintenance arrangements, helping more money reach children and supporting families right across the country.”

Baroness Sherlock added that while most parents who use the CMS support their children without it having to be enforced, the CMS will “take action” in cases where parents “don’t meet their responsibilities”.