These are the statutory rates. Parents can also agree an amount between themselves without the Service.
Quick facts
- Nil rate
- Gross weekly income under £7, and some other cases
- Flat rate
- £7 a week, on benefits or under £100
- Reduced rate
- £100 to £200 a week
- Basic rate
- £200 to £800: 12%, 16% or 19%
- Basic plus
- Extra on income from £800 to £3,000
The five rates
- Nil rate: no payment, for example on gross weekly income under £7, under 16, or in prison
- Flat rate: £7 a week, if income is under £100 a week or you or your partner get certain benefits
- Reduced rate: income from £100 to £200 a week, £7 plus a percentage of the rest
- Basic rate: income from £200 to £800 a week, 12% for one child, 16% for two, 19% for three or more
- Basic plus rate: more on top, for income over £800 a week up to £3,000
If the paying parent is on benefits
The flat £7 applies if you or the partner you live with get benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, State Pension, Carer's Allowance or Maternity Allowance. It is normally taken from the benefit, with a £1.40 a week collection charge when the Department collects it.
Working out your amount
Use the child maintenance calculator on nidirect for your own figure. Other children you support lower the percentage the paying parent pays.
Common questions
How much child maintenance is paid on benefits in Northern Ireland?
Usually a flat £7 a week.
What percentage is child maintenance for one child?
12% of gross weekly income from £200 to £800 a week, at the basic rate.
Is there a minimum income before child maintenance is paid?
On gross weekly income under £7, the nil rate applies and nothing is paid.
Is there a collection charge?
When the Department collects it from benefits, there is an extra £1.40 a week.