Those who receive Universal Credit could be wondering if claiming child maintenance payments could affect their benefits.
Child maintenance is a payment that covers how a child's living costs will be paid when one of the parents does not live with them, reports Chronicle Live. This payment is made when parents have separated, or if they have never been in a relationship.
This is an arrangement made between the individual and the other parent, but making arrangements to see the child happens separately. Those on Universal Credit with a low income may be unsure what impact child maintenance payments make.
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The good news is - child maintenance payments will not affect your benefits. Read on below to find out more about the service and how it works, as detailed by the UK Government.
What is child maintenance?
A child maintenance arrangement must be made if your child is under 16 (or under 20 if they are still in full-time education). Both parents are responsible for the costs of raising their child, even if they do not see them, or live with them.
Options for arranging child maintenance
Child maintenance can be arranged:
- Privately between parents, if both parents agree
- Through the Child Maintenance Service
The Child Maintenance Service can work out an amount to pay, arrange payments and take action if a parent does not pay, and sort out disagreements about parentage. They can also try to find the other parent if you do not know where they are.
How it affects benefits
These payments will not have any affect on benefits that an individual and their child may get, including Universal Credit.
Tax will also not need to be paid.
How to apply
Before applying for Child Maintenance payments, you must use the Get help arranging child maintenance service. Information about your options or getting support for your child will be found here, including making private arrangements.
If you cannot use the online Get help arranging child maintenance service, call the Child Maintenance Service.
If you decide to use the Child Maintenance Service, you'll need:
- The reference number you got from the Get help arranging child maintenance service
- Your bank details
- Your National Insurance number
If you do not have day-to-day care of the child, you’ll also be asked about:
- Your employment details
- Your income and any benefits you get
- Private pension contributions
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