Child maintenance.

[laidbackmummy13]

Without fail my oh pays child support every month. That's not an issue.
The issue currently though is the amount.

So does anyone know if we could have the maintenance reduced due to the children we have together having additional medical needs?

We often have unexpected hospital trips and both require extra things to help their medical conditions.
Is there a way to get those expenses taken into consideration?

*please note that we are aware that a reduction would not impact on ex and child's lifestyle at all.

No it doesn't no take into account hospital trips for your DC. Maintenance is a payment made by the non resident parent towards the up keep of their child the only way it is affected is when you have DC therefore a slight reduction has already been made for those children.Your step children still requires financial help from their father regardless if you think the ex's lifestyle is ok and wouldn't be affected your dp has a duty to care for his child which includes financially supporting them. Could you claim for disability living allowance or pip to help with the costs.

I didn't say not pay. Just reduce so we don't end up in the red every month.

Doesn't matter if you say to reduce it , it has already been reduced due to you having DC together an reducation was already made therefore you are not entitled to make further reductions. Treat it the same as bill like your council tax or rent it is a bill that is priority. Its so unfair when people think they can cut maintenance payments down rather than considering other bills e.g sky or switching energy supplier.

Anyways just wondered as they have reduced the percentage disregarded for resident children.
But if they don't that's fine.

Can you claim DLA for the children?

Could yu look at your outgoings more closely and see where cuts could be made? Can you increase your income? Go for promotions? Presumably You both work full time already if youre struggling.

No as said before it wouldn't effect the CMS amount but it would be taken into consideration for spousal maintenance if he pays that as well.

I have an income though very minimal. We make do and mend everything. We have cut our bills as much as we can. We don't go out we don't go on holiday. We can't afford repairs to the house.
It is paid every month without fail it's the first direct debit out.

I would expect DLA to cover hospital costs.

We have been considering seeing if we qualify for dla.
As I said I just wondered. Not an issue seen as it doesn't count.

Definitely apply for DLA, that would also enable you to claim carer's allowance and additional tax credits if you are in receipt. I'm suprised you would consider cutting maintenance before even applying.

What is costing you about the hospital trips and her ointment? Are you not in the uk?

Would his ex not agree to less if he spoke to her? If I could afford it and it was for those reasons, I would definitely agree to that.

Looking at cutting maintenance before even looking at whether or not you are entitled to DLA is utterly silly.

DLA isn't means tested as it recognises that disability brings extra financial cost. It sounds like a good avenue to explore. Good luck.

Thank you. I don't really understand dla but I will look at that.

What is costing you about the hospital trips and her ointment?

Well travel costs for starters I would imagine.

Carer's allowance is dependant on the rate of DLA you get. You won't get it for lower rate.

Parking costs at the hospital if in a car. Taxi if carless.

We have travel cost, parking, time off for dh (does not affect my income). Special milk, clothing, bedding and washing powder etc none of it covered by NHS.
Newest expense is a monitor for youngest. Also not covered by NHS.

It's amazing how much isn't covered.

Shouldnt you first see what benefits are available for the children to help with travel costs before you look at reducing what you pay for his other children? Surely that should be the last option not the first.

It was only a question. As I said we are looking at dla also. Just looking at the options we have before we go under

If they have additional needs you will be entitled to DLA. You should be seeing what extra you can get for your DC before trying to take from his other DC

New claims can take a while so best make the applucation asap.