Child maintenance & Universal credit

[TryingtryingTryingfivetimes]

Hi, my ex and I have been separated for three years. He has paid child maintenance for a total of 7 months. I work part-time and get universal credit. The first time, universal credit didn't ask me about it.

This time around, child maintenance found out he was working and he got put on a plan again. Which includes a lot of debt. Universal credit are now asking me how much is he paying? Trying to get me to add it to additional income declaration part. I said no to that part. Because it is not additional earned income. Am I doing things wrong? It is unpredictable and I'm not even sure if ex will pay it. It is technically not due till next month.

It's discounted for UC but if they're asking then you'll need to tell them OP.

Maintenance doesn't count as income. IIRC I had to tell UC but they disregard it.

Ask them to confirm which part it gets added to, they’re not wrong to want you to confirm it but it needs to be in the right section as child maintenance so that it’s not counted towards income

Child maintenance is disregarded as income but UC may need to see confirmation of amounts/source.

They can call on all your bank records/statements I believe. So if you have an undisclosed amount going in monthly that would be questioned.

So of course you need to let them know. It sounds like it would benefit you if there is a check on you at any point.

I know they can call my bank. Why didn't they just do that? What a waste of time. I will tell them. They have my bank details. I was the one that gave them my bank details.

I want to do it the right way, first time. I'm not hiding any money from them.

It’s not a waste of time, you agreed to the terms when you signed up, it’s your responsibility to tell them, not theirs.

I always assumed UC was checking my bank account. They wanted to know my details so it would be easier for them to keep looking than me having to remember to add it all up.

Or you could be honest and open about any income you have?

Your income is your responsibility.

They cannot just look at your bank. The new rules for banks mean that they have a duty to report interest to DWP but they cannot divulge any details from your account.

Anyway, maintenance makes no difference to anything.

It doesn't but you need to tell them you're getting it and how much so they know it's disregarded.

They were always aware that I had a child maintenance claim. They had just never asked about the amount. Which I found unsettling.

Thank you to those who explained and corrected my wrongful assumptions that they could see my bank account.

you need to tell them - doesn’t matter if get £27.50 like I do or £1500 a month. It’s not counted and you will still get uc

Yes, I told them the amount and asked where should I send the letter they request from me.

They finally got back to me (I did tell them the exact amount) and they said they are going to deduct £25 until I upload the child maintenance letter.

This is strange. Does anyone know who I can talk to, to get proper advice and understanding on why this is being done? This is a bit scary as ex is not reliable with money.

I think you need to ask them to escalate it. Do you have the letter to
upload?

Do you have the letter? The issue is that child maintenance is ignored but spousal maintenance is not. You need the letter sayings it’s backdated child maintenance

I have the letter at home, I will send it after work. It is 100% child maintenance, no spousal support. Ex sent the money due, right to the penny.

Then maybe you don’t need to speak to someone else, just upload the letter as planned

Child maintenance isn't counted but spousal maintenance is deducted pound for pound.