Universal Credit Review - Child Maintenance

[ByTealAnt]

Hi all,

I've been summoned for the dreaded UC review.

I have sent my four months of bank statements off however I'm suddenly a bit worried that my daughter's dad sends me more in child maintenance than he's required to, and on some months on top of CM he's given me money towards things (for example for new car seats rather than going halves as he knows I struggle more financially than he does and we agreed on ERF seats), or he will quite often send me money for half of school clubs etc which are just done as and when I've booked them.

He lives with his dad now as his dad needed someone to help assist him at home, so has no other big expenses and we split up on good terms so has always been happy to help me out with bits for the kids.

I'm worried they are going to think he's giving me money towards bills etc which obviously would not be allowed, or that they see it as income. I can prove where this money has gone as I have receipts for car seats etc.

I am likely just overthinking but I am autistic and have really bad anxiety which does tend to make me spiral.

Has anyone been in this situation?

Thank you.

does it take you over the threshold for savings?

hiw much are we talking and how regular?

Is CM through CMS or privately arranged?

Child maintenance doesn’t count as income either through CMS or private arrangement. Just be clear about the amounts and sums if it’s questioned further.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-your-family-quick-guide/universal-credit-further-information-for-families#child-maintenance-payments

No definitely not that much that's it is taking me over.

How much he is supposed to pay varies because he's paid on commission, I'd say it's usually £100-£200 extra on top of what he legally has to pay me and he pays it monthly just inline with my child maintenance. The small top ups for half of clubs etc would be like once every two months maybe?

Privately arranged, because he's paid on commission he called CMS when we first split up and they said if they chose to work it out yearly he'd basically end up paying me a lot of money, and that some months that may be more than he can afford (if he's not getting commission that month), some months he can earn £3000+ in commission, but some months he doesn't earn commission at all so his pay drastically differs from month to month, so we agreed to do it privately as everything was amicable between us anyway.

If it's not taking you over the limit for declaration then I don't think it matters what he's given you the money for. You can just say 'for the children's expenses'. They can't demand receipts for every penny you spend. Surely?

They'd only be worried if you were working too many hours or had massive amounts going in and out very quickly that breached the threshold.

This is what I'm trying to tell myself, thank you! It's hard when you have anxiety and it kinda makes you spiral. I've heard some people have really tough reviews so it just gets you worked up!

I'm not actually working at the minute as my anxiety has made me pretty much housebound so I know I've definitely not gone over the threshold.

You've not done anything wrong. Your ex is allowed to give you a hundred quid-odd towards the kids every few weeks.
I know it's horrid feeling like you're being interrogated but please don't worry x

Yes, we've not lived together for a couple of years now so all that has been long sorted!

No I always get something because he still has a basic salary. It's just that some months on top of his basic salary he will earn a lot of commission which obviously changes what the calculator says he should be sending me.

@ByTealAnt I don't think you've anything to worry about.

After government got it's arse tanned over the CSA farrago where a scheme to make Dads pay was subverted to reduce Welfare expenditure they've swung the other way.

Child Maintenance is disregardful in UC. I guess if an ex was paying enough for you to be in furs and pearls territory UC might ask questions. If he's just being a good Dad and helping you support the kids, even if it's more than he strictly has to pay, it won't be an issue.

Thank you! Since posting this he sent me over his P60 and actually he’s been underpaying me according to that (because his pay can fluctuate so much) so if they question it I’ll just tell them that and hopefully they will leave me alone anyway.

it’s just horrible knowing they’re scrutinising all your payments, obviously it’s their job but makes you feel guilty for just existing!