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Step-parenting

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Original poster

Child maintenance.

45 replies

laidbackmummy13 · 05/03/2017 16:41

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.

OP posts:
Underthemoonlight · 05/03/2017 16:46

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.

redannie118 · 05/03/2017 16:51

This reply has been withdrawn

The OP has privacy concerns, and so we've agreed to take this down now.

Original poster
laidbackmummy13 · 05/03/2017 16:59

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

OP posts:
Underthemoonlight · 05/03/2017 17:02

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.

Original poster
laidbackmummy13 · 05/03/2017 17:02

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

OP posts:
stitchglitched · 05/03/2017 17:04

Can you claim DLA for the children?

TalkingofMichaelAngel0 · 05/03/2017 17:05

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.

DonkeyofDoom · 05/03/2017 17:06

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.

Original poster
laidbackmummy13 · 05/03/2017 17:09

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.

OP posts:
ZombieApocalips · 05/03/2017 17:09

I would expect DLA to cover hospital costs.

Original poster
laidbackmummy13 · 05/03/2017 17:11

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.

OP posts:
stitchglitched · 05/03/2017 17:18

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.

TalkingofMichaelAngel0 · 05/03/2017 17:18

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

ImperialBlether · 05/03/2017 17:24

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.

StewieGMum · 05/03/2017 17:29

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

ZombieApocalips · 05/03/2017 17:37

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

Original poster
laidbackmummy13 · 05/03/2017 17:49

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

OP posts:
PigletWasPoohsFriend · 05/03/2017 17:51

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

Well travel costs for starters I would imagine.

AllllGooone · 05/03/2017 17:53

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

ZombieApocalips · 05/03/2017 17:54

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

Original poster
laidbackmummy13 · 05/03/2017 17:57

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.

OP posts:
SookiesSocks · 05/03/2017 17:58

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.

Original poster
laidbackmummy13 · 05/03/2017 18:01

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

OP posts:
Mombie2016 · 05/03/2017 18:02

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 Hmm Biscuit

SookiesSocks · 05/03/2017 18:13

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

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