Child maintenance, does anyone know?

[soo.perb]

If you have been assessed in the last couple of years and are also on benefits, do you now get to keep all the maintenance your ex-partner pays without it affecting any benefits you get?

Thanks in advance 🙂

[tintinthegingertomcat]

I get maintenance from my son's dad and no it does not affect any benefits I get in any way. I have to declare it on my forms but it is not taken into consideration and I have never lost out in any way. My son's dad pays me direct (it does not go through CSA) but I don't think that it matters which way you are paid.

Hope this helps.

as with anything, provided it is declared you cannot be punished for "withholding information".

[soo.perb]

Thanks for your response, have you claimed in the last couple of years? My daughter gets only £10 a week each for her two girls and the rest is taken by the system but she has been getting it for years. She isn't able to work and was told that even if she did, nothing would change because she won't be on the new system.

So presumably even if you don't work and get JSA etc., under the new system you get to keep all of it without affecting benefit? Whilst that seems like a good idea for most parents, it seems jolly unfair for my daughter, she could easily use the other £200 a month he pays that they keep.

[tintinthegingertomcat]

I take it that the ex is paying through the CSA (who I believe DO take a cut of what is taken, then the rest is given to the recipient)?

Not 100% certain as when I split with the ex the CSA were never involved and I just get a set amount per month which goes direct from him to me. He pays me the same amount as the CSA would make him pay.

When ever I have had to fill out forms for JSA and Housing Benefit I just tell them what is paid to me (including child benefit and maintenance) and they work it out from there. I was told a while back that although they have to know what the ex pays for the maintenance of my son....it does not affect the benefits at all as the maintenance for the child is exactly what it says on the tin. Provided you give the correct information then your daughter should not be affected....however if in ANY doubt take legal advice or go to the CAB.

My friend has been paying money to the CSA and when speaking to his ex it appears that she does not get the same amount as what he pays so it is obvious that the CSA are taking "their cut".

[hightara]

cant help........... but i never got a penny from my eldest's dad

and he was a contractor.......lives in a huge house drives the biggest car.

how do people like him get away with itX-(

good luck soo-perb :-x

ps. have you tried the martin lewis site, moneysaving expert...... there are alot of good people on there that can give you some great advice.

[soo.perb]

Yes, I think it's exactly that Tintin, she gets paid via the CSA. I just don't see how they can have such a disadvantageous system, one lot of families getting what can be a lot more than others just because they only started claiming a few years ago.

She had no choice but to use the CSA as back then it was that or a solicitor. I've told her to ring up and see whether they have changed their stance, the CSA is supposedly being dismantled as too costly and ineffective.

Thanks for your input, it was very helpful 🙂

[soo.perb]

Sorry Tara didn't see you there. Yes, I'm a big fan of MSE, they are always very helpful, just hadn't thought to look there.

I never got a penny from my daughter's Dad either but back 40 years ago everything was different. He had no money anyway. I just hope she can get the money paid direct, she has to find a lot towards her rent which is squeezed from her existing benefit so another £200 would be very useful.

[tintinthegingertomcat]

soo.perb....whilst we can give you information from experience (and I have plenty) your daughter really needs to get some professional advice....start with the CAB who are free and they may well point your daughter in the direction of a solicitor who will be able to help. Not sure if you can still get Legal Aid for this though.

My situation regarding maintenance was easy....the ex worked at the County Court doing Child Care Law and I was working as a family secretary so we worked it all out amicably. I am sure that I am not getting the full amount I should be getting but cannot be bothered to involve the CSA as once they get their hands on a matter they mess it up and make things a million times worse which in turn makes a perfectly amicable friendship turn sour.

I hope things turn out OK....if you lived near me I would be able to recommend good solicitors to use but please get your daughter an appointment with the CAB as soon as possible. No child should have to suffer....and things are bad enough these days.

[**streety**]

It's all changed from This April i'm afraid and maintenance is no longer disregarded.

[tintinthegingertomcat]

My maintenance payments have not affected my benefits in any way either pre or post April 2013. Still recommend a visit to the CAB though to be totally sure.

Welcome back Streety....hope you moved OK and that your family are now settled?