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Original poster

Universal Credit

14 replies

UserUser321 · 27/08/2019 13:21

Hi,

Was wondering if anyone knows anything about child maintenance payments affecting UC? I receive £280 a month CM for my 3rd child (who I get no UC for) and they have taken it into account as other income and deducted the full amount from my UC, leaving me with a NIL award. As far as I was aware CM shouldn’t be taken into account as other income. Can anyone confirm this?

Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
UserUser321 · 27/08/2019 13:21

P.s - I have contacted them but as usual, they are taking forever and a day to respond!!

OP posts:
kaytee87 · 27/08/2019 14:10

I thought CM only affected council tax benefit in certain areas.

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Ravingstarfish · 27/08/2019 14:12

Child maintenance doesn’t effect anything

Original poster
UserUser321 · 27/08/2019 14:26

@kaytee87 yes me too!

OP posts:
raspberryk · 27/08/2019 14:30

Child maintenance payments are not included in the UC calculation.

Original poster
UserUser321 · 27/08/2019 14:33

Thanks everyone - you have all confirmed what I thought. Going to call them back just now! x

OP posts:
HopefulFor2020 · 27/08/2019 14:37

Did you declare it as 'other income'? From memory the form does make it look like you should do as I don't think it's asked for anywhere else. That's what I did and then they asked for proof of my 'other income' but when I said it was CM (not through cms so just a random payment into my account every month which I was worried about) they said it was fine and updated the application.

I always struggle getting hold of anyone but luckily they're all quite pleasant at my local job centre (they weren't before UC came in!!) and so I've just popped in a couple of times and asked very nicely if someone could help me out. I've had to wait a little while as I didn't have an appointment but they were happy to help. Might be worth a try?

Original poster
UserUser321 · 27/08/2019 14:59

@HopefulFor2020

That’s exactly what happened. Then the work coach at the job centre put the amount in, instead of taking the other income out altogether. It’s a total shambles. Thanks x

OP posts:
HopefulFor2020 · 27/08/2019 15:04

Oh no! I think I was lucky in that they kept asking for info on what the other income was. I do seem to be one of the rare few who have had a really good experience with switching to UC though. I think because my area was a 'pilot area' and so it's working quite smoothly here now. Defo try popping into the job centre if you can but just make sure you're sickly sweet about it. Hope it works out soon!

stucknoue · 27/08/2019 15:27

There was a specific box for child maintenance , but my spousal maintenance counts as other income. Advisor suggested h pay the mortgage directly so it doesn't affect benefits

HopefulFor2020 · 27/08/2019 16:06

That could come with its own issues if receiving the housing element (unlikely for a mortgage but possible in some circs) as you wouldn't have any proof that you're paying it. Child maintenance absolutely shouldn't have an impact on UC or any legacy benefits (council tax reduction in some areas) so that seems like odd advice.

kaytee87 · 27/08/2019 16:20

@stucknoue your H could then have more of a claim on the house surely?

Original poster
UserUser321 · 27/08/2019 16:26

I don’t get housing element anyway as I have a mortgage. Got it sorted - it shouldn’t have been taken into account and I’m getting a payment. Thanks for your help everyone Grin

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