Can child maintenance be paid directly to me if I claim benefits?

[StarsAreShining]

My ex is finally going to be making payments for our son. I claim benefits and have recently read that you can now keep all of the money, rather than being able to claim twenty pounds a week before your benefits are affected. Is this true?

Also, am I able to have him set up a direct debit to my bank account? When I originally looked into this, I was not allowed to do it this way because I claim benefits. I can no longer find any information on this. Has this changed?

Thanks :)

My ex pays my maintainance by standing order and it has not been deducted from my benefits.

Always worth documenting this with the Lone Parent Advisor at the Job Centre so everything is above board.

it changed not that long ago.
Anyway, maint payments are no longer considered as income for benefits - tax credits, IS, JSA, housing benefit etc.
So yes - you keep it all in addition to your benefits.

See here

Thanks :) I'll give the lone parent advisor a call to let them know.