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Hi,
I've just joined so hello!
My 4 year old son lives with his mother and I have recently moved almost 300 miles away to move in with my partner. It was a very difficult decision but due to health reasons and the situation I think it's for the best. I've been with my partner long distance for almost 2 years.
But anyway, I heard that it is possible to get help with travel costs but everybody seems to say it is through the CSA payments? Problem is I don't pay CSA and I never have. My partner and I are on ESA benefits and I have an agreement with my son's mother about finances, which is fine with both of us. I have my son as much as possible (all holidays, 6 straight weeks in summer, as many weekends or any other days as possible) so it is now quite expensive and my ex partner wants me to take my son more and more.
I don't even know if I should be paying CSA? We've never looked into it. Or is there any other way of claiming travel costs without the CSA?
Help needed!
Thanks
Hi there
As you are on benefits you wouldn't be liable to pay any more than a flat rate of £5pw, if you paid maintenance through the CSA. However the travel costs relating to the CSA are in the form of a reduction of the CSA payment, which won't apply to you I'm afraid.
I don't know of any other way of claiming travel costs.
Thanks for the reply. I've been looking everywhere online also and it seems that you're correct. It's a shame because I actually want to see my son as much as possible but it's getting so difficult with finances lately. I will just have to soldier on!
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