Share of child care costs

[Dee1401]

I need some advise. I have recently separated from my 2 year olds dad (his choice). The only support I have asked him for is to pay half of her nursery fees.
He is now refusing to pay this and has said he will only pay what the CSA calculator says which doesn't even cover one day a week of the fees.
Is there anything I can do? Need help, I have to work full time to keep a roof over our heads and no family to help with child care. Any advice would be gratefully received.

Unless he is a very high earner you can't force him to pay more than the CSA figure. You should check that he has calculated it correctly but, if he has, I'm afraid there is nothing you can do. Sorry.

He only needs to pay the Csa amount. Have you claimed Universal credit, that will cover most of the childcare bill

I'm not entitled to universal credit. I work full time and that pays for my rent/food bills etc and half the nursery fees which are £1298 a month. How is it fair that he can just walk away and not help with them. He gets to buy a 3 bed house and I can only afford to rent (which is extortionate)

Even if you work full time you may well be entitled to the childcare element of UC - try the Entitled To calculator.

It might not be fair but you can’t force him to pay anything more than minimum child maintenance. Could you consider other childcare options which might cost less? A child minder?

I am in the exact same situation. I work full time, I am not what I would consider to be a low earner but I have just submitted a claim for UC and have an appointment next week to confirm my identity and give proof of my rent and childcare costs. Take a look at a calculator like turn 2 us or entitled to and you may be surprised. My ex is telling me he can’t even afford to pay the very minimum amount of child support and I have a 2 year old in nursery 4 days a week.

Unfortunately other than CMS they aren't obliged to pay you anything more.

I was in the exact same situation where my ex refused point blank to contribute, My earning were JUST over the maximum allowed for TC or UC so had to find the money for myself.

Can't you look at 50/50 access with your ex? That way you are only responsible for Childcare on the days you have your child?

You would lose the CMS payment, but I'm guessing you would be better off with only 50% of the nursery bill?

You may be entitled to some housing benefit as you are a single parent and privately renting. My friend has been able to claim help with this despite earning a fair amount.