Petition · Department for Work and Pensions
Include benefit income in Child Maintenance calculations
Open for signatures
47 signatures
What the petition asks
We call on the Government to reform Child Maintenance Service (CMS) rules so payments are based on a parent’s total income, including benefits, not just earnings.
Currently, a working parent earning around £2,000 per month may pay about £240 per child, per month while a parent receiving a similar amount through benefits pays only a flat rate of around £7 per week. This creates unfairness and reduces the financial support children receive.
The cost of raising a child does not change based on where a parent’s income comes from. CMS calculations should reflect the full financial position of both parents to ensure fairness and better support for children.
The cost of raising a child does not change based on where a parent’s income comes from. CMS calculations should reflect the full financial position of both parents to ensure fairness and better support for children.
Timeline
| 16 Mar 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
47
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
Opened
16 Mar 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.