Why Some Costs Are Not Included in Your Calculation
Many parents are surprised that some real-life expenses are not included in Child Maintenance calculations.
This page explains why that happens and provides guidance on what you can do next.
Why Certain Costs Are Not Included
The calculation you received is based on standard Child Maintenance rules. These rules do not automatically take into account certain expenses such as:
- Travel costs to see your child
- School fees or educational costs
- Additional financial support you choose to provide
- Other day-to-day contributions outside of the standard calculation
This can sometimes result in a figure that does not fully reflect your real financial situation.
What You Should Do First
- Understand how your calculation has been worked out
- Check whether any information held is incorrect or incomplete
- Gather any evidence that supports your situation
Want to know the next steps?
Click a package below for clear guidance.
Package Tier 2 – £24.99
Step-by-step support to organise your case and evidence for tribunal readiness.
Get Tier 2 – £24.99Package Tier 3 – £44.99
Full solution with templates and everything prepared for tribunal submission.
Most Complete Option
Get Full Package – £44.99Common Questions About Your Child Maintenance Calculation
Why is my child maintenance payment so high?
Child maintenance is based mainly on gross income, number of children, and shared care. Many everyday expenses are not included, which can make the final amount feel higher than expected.
Why are my travel or childcare costs not included?
Standard CMS calculations do not automatically include costs such as travel, school fees, or voluntary financial support. These are only considered in specific circumstances and usually require further review or evidence.
Can I challenge my child maintenance calculation?
Yes. You can click a package above for guidance on how to review or challenge the calculation.
What evidence do I need to challenge a calculation?
You should gather documents that support your situation, such as proof of income, travel costs, childcare expenses, or communication records. Strong evidence can improve the chances of a successful review.
Will CMS ever take my extra costs into account?
In some cases, certain expenses may be considered, but this is not automatic. Each case depends on the evidence provided and whether the situation meets specific criteria.
What should I do if I disagree with the result?
Start by reviewing your calculation carefully, then consider using the guidance in the packages above to take further steps.
How does shared care affect my payments?
Shared care reduces your CMS payments depending on the number of nights the child stays with you. The calculation uses standard rules for daytime and overnight care.
Can I include overpayments I make voluntarily?
Yes, overpayments can be noted in your records and submitted if you use tier packages. They can help the tribunal see the full financial picture alongside standard CMS payments.
Why are some payment fields daily, weekly, fortnightly, or monthly?
This flexibility ensures the calculator works for all parents’ payment schedules, making it easier to track contributions and compare with expected CMS amounts.
What is the comments box for?
The comments box allows you to add extra details or explanations. These can be sent to yourself via the form below the calculator, or included in tier packages for tribunal documentation.
Is the CMS calculator free for all parents?
Yes. The calculator is completely free and accessible to any parent who visits the website, providing a clear breakdown of expected CMS payments and overpayments.
How can I use the calculator with tier packages?
You can use the calculator to generate payment breakdowns and combine them with tier package guidance. This shows the tribunal both standard CMS payments and any additional contributions you make.