If you’re a separated parent in the UK, child maintenance can feel like a long-term financial commitment—but at some point, it legally ends.
I’ve gone through this process myself, and I know how confusing it can be to figure out when do you stop paying child maintenance.
In this guide, I’ll share what I learned, how the law defines the end of payments, and what you should watch out for to avoid overpaying—or worse, underpaying.
What Is Child Maintenance and Why Did I Have to Pay It?
As the non-resident parent, I was legally responsible for making regular child maintenance payments.
In the UK, this money is meant to help cover everyday living costs for the child when they live primarily with the other parent.
You can pay maintenance in two ways:
- Through the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) – a government-run calculation and collection system
- Through a family-based (private) agreement – where both parents agree on terms without CMS involvement
In my case, I started with a private agreement but switched to CMS when communication broke down. Either way, the rules on when payments stop are generally the same.
When Do You Stop Paying Child Maintenance in the UK?
This was the biggest question I had—and here’s what I found.
You typically stop paying child maintenance when your child turns 16, unless they stay in approved full-time education or training. In that case, payments can continue up to their 20th birthday.
The key factor is whether Child Benefit is still being paid to the receiving parent.
You’ll usually keep paying if your child is:
- In full-time non-advanced education (A-levels, Highers, NVQs up to Level 3)
- Enrolled in approved training (like apprenticeships paid under certain rules)
- Not yet working more than 24 hours per week
- Living with the other parent and dependent
Key Triggers That End Child Maintenance Payments
Here’s what triggered the end of my own maintenance obligation:
- My child turned 18 and left college
- They started a full-time job (over 24 hours/week)
- Child Benefit is no longer being paid to the other parent
The CMS automatically ended my payments once they were informed by HMRC that Child Benefit had ended. I didn’t even have to notify them separately.
How Child Benefit Affects Maintenance Obligations?
This link surprised me: the end of Child Benefit is usually what determines when child maintenance stops. CMS uses that as a signal that your child is no longer considered dependent.
Here’s a helpful breakdown:
| Child’s Age | Child Benefit Paid? | Child Maintenance Still Required? |
| 16 | Yes (in education) | Yes |
| 17 | Yes (in education) | Yes |
| 18 | Yes (in education) | Yes |
| 19+ | No (left education) | No (usually ends) |
⚠️ Always check with CMS if you’re unsure—especially around your child’s 16th, 18th, or 20th birthdays.
What If You Have a Family-Based Agreement?
When I used a private agreement, there was no automatic stop date. I had to communicate clearly with the other parent about when maintenance would end.
If you’re in a similar setup, make sure your agreement includes:
- A clear end condition (e.g. when the child finishes college)
- A way to confirm if the child is still in full-time education
- A backup plan if there’s a disagreement
If disputes arise, either parent can contact CMS to take over the arrangement.
What Happens If You Overpay or Underpay?
Overpayment:
I made a couple of payments even after my child had finished their course. Since it was via CMS, they refunded the extra after verifying the dates.
Underpayment:
If you stop paying too early and you’re still liable, CMS can:
- Add the amount to your arrears
- Charge collection fees
- Take enforcement action if ignored
It’s better to double-check than assume.
Conclusion
Knowing when you stop paying child maintenance in the UK is crucial to avoid both overpayment and legal trouble. For me, it ended oncemy child left college at 18 and Child Benefit stopped.
️ My Key Takeaways:
- Child maintenance usually stops at 16, but can continue up to 20
- It ends when Child Benefit payments stop, not simply when the child turns 18
- Keep CMS informed and ask for confirmation if in doubt
- Private agreements require clear communication and written terms
If you’re unsure, check your CMS account or call them directly. It’s wiser to seek clarity than to rely on assumptions.
Frequently Asked Questions On When Do You Stop Paying Child Maintenance
1. Do I still pay if my child goes to university?
No. Child maintenance usually ends once your child enters higher education, like university—even if they still live at home.
2. What if I lose contact with my child?
You’re still legally responsible to pay if the child is eligible and Child Benefit is being paid. Contact CMS if you’re unsure.
3. Can I stop payments early if my child works?
Yes, if your child works more than 24 hours per week and is no longer in approved education, maintenance can stop. Inform CMS with evidence.
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