Child maintenance amount

[Mummalish]

Just been on the CSA website to see how much maintenance I can expect per month. It seems quite low.

Is there an average way that other people work out how much to ask for?

Can anyone give me some examples of salary brackets, and how much to ask for?

Thanks

The csa amount is what it would be surely? It's based on earnings, time spent with the non resident parent and whether they have any other children to support.

I dont think it necessarily has to be the amount the CSA suggest. You may want to discuss what you think is reasonable with your ex or if you're not in a position to do so and you want to go through the CSA then unforunately you will have to accept their calculation. I agree it does feel a very small amount given the cost of keeping children.

If you have additional expenses you can apply for a variation via the CSA. Private school fees for example.

But basically the CSA calculation is based on your ex's income and designed to keep the children in the lifestyle they could of expected has you stayed together. The more he earn the more you get. If he doesn't earn much then you don't get much.

You can negotiate and don't have to involve the CSA. So maybe ask him what he's thinking of and negotiate. If he pays regularly without fuss and it's equal or more than CSA calculation you should take it IMO. CSA are a lot of hassle and faff and pretty useless tbh.

Remember you have the options of applying for CTC and for working and then getting WTC and help with childcare costs. This will be in addition to the child support he pays so you can make yourself better off. You should also claim single person council tax rate if you are the only adult in your property, and you may also get Housing Benefit and lower CT too depending on your circumstances.

IIRC it's approx 20% of the Dads' salary for 2 children.