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Written question asked by Rebecca Smith (Conservative) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 September 2026 (named day). It was answered by Lilian Greenwood (Labour) on Monday, 7 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Children: Maintenance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many parents in receipt of Universal Credit received child maintenance at the latest date for which figures are available; how many such parents were (a) in employment and (b) not in employment; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

The information requested is not readily available.

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) does not routinely collect or record information on whether a receiving parent is in receipt of Universal Credit or their employment status. While the Department holds information relating to Universal Credit and child maintenance separately, identifying the number of parents in receipt of Universal Credit who received child maintenance, and then further breaking this down by employment status, would require the matching and interrogation of records across different departmental systems.

The information could therefore only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

The Government recognises the important role that child maintenance plays in supporting children and families. Child maintenance payments are fully disregarded in Universal Credit calculations, ensuring that children benefit from the maintenance intended for them.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
24901
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Children Employment Maintenance Universal credit Unemployment
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk