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Am I right in saying that if a parent receives child benefit then that is the only criteria for the CSA to take into account regarding whether child maintenance is to be paid?
My 17 year old son is in full time residential education and only comes home at the weekend. I explained to the CSA that I understand there is still up keep to be paid at his mother’s house. They would not however take into account the amount I already pay directly to him. I also pay for all his clothing, uniform, and items and books required for the course. I also give him a weekly allowance as he is away from home most of the week.
My ex partner receives child benefit and tax allowance and single person allowance on her council tax. How can she tell one Government agency she lives alone and another one that our son lives there?
Surely it should be taken into account what I already pay and what she receives, before they calculate what I should pay?
Their only advice was to stop paying him ...... How is that good for my son?
I'm afraid your ex is correct in what she is telling the agencies - single persons council tax benefit applies if there is a single adult in the house, a student does not affect this, and as she is still the parent with care, she will receive the benefit. Child maintenance does have to be paid to the mother, so anything you pay to your son isn't included and the maintenance you pay is to cover all costs - if you pay for uniform, books etc, then it's your choice, but won't be allowed for regarding maintenance unless your ex agrees to a family based arrangement, and to be honest, it souds like that is unlikely as there's no benefit to her to do that.
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