XH hasn't paid towards DD since we left - worth pursuing?

[Knotswapper]

We were living overseas and I moved back to the UK with DD a year ago. XH hasn't paid a penny towards DD since we left (well tbh he didn't when we were there .)

He also had to return to the UK after us, as I held the visa, not him. He's moved in with his parents & hasn't looked for a job and I assumed he had cashed in his overseas pension but had no income so just sucked it up.

I found out recently that he has a pension that is paying him GBP1500 per month, is it worth trying to get him to pay? DD was 17 when we left but is now 18 and will be going into her final year of A levels in September. Is it going to be worth the hassle? I understand that any payments stop after their final year of A levels?

Final piece of info, DD has EUPD and needs a reasonable amount of support. She's not able to manage her illness so I deal with the psychiatrist, psychologist, chemists, insurers, college and various other medical professionals along with keeping her stable. As we've only been back in the UK a year I'm not really across any additional support she could get aside from free prescriptions (which is awesome).

Any advice welcome, I'm not used to navigating the UK system. I care more really about being able to say to DD that XH is paying something towards her each month so she doesn't feel so abandoned more than the money itself, if that makes sense.

Can you claim DLA (or might be PIP if she's classed as an adult?) if you need help with finances? Can't advise about XH I'm afraid. Although if she's classed as disabled, child maintenance continues past 18.

Thanks @fizzwhizz1, that's a good point, I think she might get PIP, in which case it's probably worth making the effort. Thanks, I didn't know that.

Sounds like a PIP application would be straightforward for you as she's under specialist care. Its also not means tested. If she's thinking of going to university it also means she'll be able to apply for extra money and may be entitled to Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). Sorry you've got a dick of an XH but I'd try applying for maintenance it costs £20 to open the application. Good luck!

She would need to have been back in the Uk for two out of the past 3 years to claim PIP if the rules are the same as for adults.

@Babyroobs

She would need to have been back in the Uk for two out of the past 3 years to claim PIP if the rules are the same as for adults.

I think it may also depend what country you have come form, whether in the Eu etc.

Thanks all for your advice, I think I'll give it a go with CMS. He shouldn't be allowed to get away with it although it hasn't surprised me in the slightest that he's not paid anything.

I've been thinking about whether to go for PIP for her. I hear it's a bit of a slog, particularly with EUPD. I'd better check about the 2 out of 3 years thing, we weren't in the EU.

There's a Fb group that can help with PIP - A1 ESA/UC/DLA/PIP Benefit Help and Support UK ONLY

They have a members-only website with helpful information too.

I claimed child maintenance for my dd when she was 18 - it was helpful and allowed me to let go of a lot of resentment.

Brilliant, thank you! I know what you mean about resentment. I'm going to give CMS a call now.

Just following up on this, although it says you have to have lived in the UK for 2 out of the last 3 years, if You have a ‘genuine and sufficient link’ which includes if you have close family in the UK who you rely on for care and support then you might still be eligible.

I've requested to join the facebook group @SuperLoudPoppingAction, thanks for the advice.