how much child maintinence should i ask for

[candyfluff]

we have 3 dc aged 11,9 and 3 - i really wouldnt have a clue on what to ask for and is it true that the csa would prefer if the parents can sort it out between themselves?
also do i have to inform the income support people of that amount
tia

It depends entirely on how much he earns

Google CSA calculator to see how much they would think is fair.

Yes, you do have to inform income support.

so would they take away some of it ? the income support people ?

From 12th April it is no longer taken into account for I.S butu you do have to inform them.

Have a look at the child maintenance options website. Lots of information there and a calculator.

Not wanting to hijack but what exactly does that mean? Do they pass on you all of the maintenance to the mum even if on benefit? Does it affect other benefits like housing etc?

how much do you need to live on - how much you bring in + £200 per month

Its 25% of the non resident parent's NET weekly income for 3 children. If they have any children living with them they get a discount first and if they have your children overnight then he may get a discount for that too. I would suggest you point him in the direction of the CSA calculator and ask him to work out how much they would ask him to pay, perhaps ask him how much he earns so you can judge whether the amount is correct ... then if you're happy with the amount, yes they are encouraging parents to have private agreements. Obviously not if the person paying isn't being reliable though. If you're not happy, contact the CSA.

You don't have any benefits affected by the maintenance you receive anymore ... but you still must let IS know what you are receiving.

And £200 may be measly to some people but if the NRP is a low earner, that might be a lot of money to them and they may be expected to pay less.

If the NRP is on income support/Job seekers themselves, they have to pay £5 a week.

had a look at that link and it says i should ask for £62 a week , so i have to inform income support how much but they dont take it off the benefits ? is that right ? - how would that affect my council tax and rent benefits,i think i have to tell them dont i ?

Just write them a letter, they will let you know if it affects anything, but I don't think that it does affect anything any more. Just safer to let them know so they can't throw it back at you later!

And I assume you are going with a private agreement for the moment - don't hesitate to switch to the CSA if he's messing you around. My ex owes me £180 at the moment and he is stalling, in the meantime he's been busy swanning off around the country with his new girlfriend.

Hi ya sorry to post and run.

From 12th April no child maintenance is taken into account who you would recieve full I.S until you had other income.

Housing benefit and council tax also disreagrd it,

However you do still need to notify them that you receive it

i see thats really helpful thankyou dietcoke xx