Child maintenance Direct Pay – when to apply to the CMS

[Zaley]

Hi

I have a 3 year old daughter and separated from her father 18 months ago. He hasn’t been giving me any maintenance for over a year as he’s been unemployed for over a year. He’s just started a new job at the beginning of May so will get his first paycheck at the end of May. We can’t agree what Maintenance he should pay now he has a job and has told me his income is none of my business. His income will likely be made up of a salary and bonus. The latter is probably equal to half of his salary and probably be paid quarterly or the end of the financial year.

I have decided that Direct Pay is the best way forward but am confused as how they will work out his income. Would any one be able to advise am I best to wait and apply after he’s received his first pay check so they can get an idea of his income? Also how will they take into account his bonus, will this come out in the annual review? How does the annual review work, if it showed the original calculation was too low, would be asked to back date extra?

Thanks

KP

I use direct pay so get less child maintenance as they take their fees out of it.
I didn't get a penny for first 2 years of DD life as they couldn't trace him but then they did catch up with him. I was awarded £40 a month initially but most months I received £0 and some months £40, this went on for a whole year.
I asked them to look into his income as he has a good job, they re adjusted to £250 month however most I've ever received is £90 as they said most months he isn't earning what he's meant to.
I had my annual review and told them I wasn't happy as I've never ever received the money I've meant to.
My payment this month was £162 so I'm not sure what's happening.

Forgot to say my DD is 4 now

And yes we have a lot of back money owed but will I ever see it I don't know