Child maintenance calculation research
A report considering the perceptions of both the current and hypothetical changes to statutory child maintenance payments.
Documents
Details
This report contains findings from the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) calculation research, conducted by Verian Group on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The research was commissioned to understand parents’ views on and perceptions of the current calculation and reactions to various hypothetical changes. This was to update the department’s evidence base regarding the CMS.
The findings cover:
- how parents perceived the existing child maintenance calculation (circa 2025)
- parents’ views on hypothetical changes to the child maintenance calculation
- the impacts of various hypothetical changes in maintenance liabilities on payment compliance, living standards and interparental behaviour
- an exploration of the issues for parents in the CMS who share the care of their children
Contribution to evidence base
This research informed a review of the calculation underlying child maintenance payments, and the findings are published to contribute to the department’s evidence base on parents’ experiences of the statutory child maintenance system.
The findings expand upon previous DWP research exploring use of the CMS and the arrangements between separated parents:
Research value
This report supported a review of the statutory child maintenance calculation and contributes to the wider evidence base on parents’ experiences of the CMS. These research findings provide insight into whether the CMS is supporting parents effectively and add to our understanding of the issues for separated parents and how those using the CMS view the support they receive.
We are sharing our findings for the benefit of central and local government stakeholders. It will also be valuable to organisations working with, or on behalf of, families and academics who work in this field of study.