1. Report the change
If either of you gets Universal Credit, the claim changes when you stop living together, so report it straight away.4 The same applies to the Child Maintenance Service if you already have a case.5
2. Child Benefit
Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child. If you share care, agree who claims; if you cannot agree, HMRC decides.1 For 2026/27 it is £27.05 a week for the eldest child and £17.90 for each other child, so £44.95 a week for two.6
3. Child maintenance
The paying parent usually pays a share of gross income: on £600 a week, £72 for one child or £96 for two, less shared care.7 Maintenance you receive does not reduce Universal Credit.8 You can arrange it between you or use the CMS; do whatever is safe for you.
4. Universal Credit and other help
As a single parent your Universal Credit is worked out on your own income and savings, which can mean more help, including up to 85% of childcare costs.8
5. Council Tax
GOV.UK says: “You’ll get 25% off your bill if you pay Council Tax and either: you live on your own, or no one else in your home counts as an adult” (people who are disregarded do not count).2 You may also qualify for Council Tax Reduction, which each council runs differently.
Before you go
Child Maintenance Pack
- The 2026/27 rates and your figure, step by step
- A shared-care diary and an arrangement template
£4.99 one-off · full refund if you ask within 14 days