Help getting maintenance

CazandCo_2

I am a full time working mum on benefits.
I split up from my Husband 5 years ago and at first my daughter lived with him.
She stayed there a year and we agreed that I pay maintenance of £50 per week which I did without fail.
Then my ex had his house repossessed and my daughter came to live with me with the same maintenance arrangement agreed.
She is now 8 years old and has been living with me for four years, but my ex has not contributed any money towards maintenance since April 2007 because he has been short of work and now jobless.

I have been considerate and helpful as much as I can and I never stop my daughter seeing him as she loves him and I feel it’s important not to let our relationship ruin hers. We live roughly 100 miles apart and when my ex hasn’t had transport I have taken my daughter to visit him at my cost.

Things have always been very tight for me as I have a loan from a credit card that was in my name, but which was used for both of us when we were married. He had originally agreed to pay half of it monthly, but that too hasn’t been paid and I keep the payments up on it as it is in my name.

I’m working full time, but have not had a pay rise for two years due to the recession and I’ve realized I am just not earning enough to keep us going.

My ex is now on job seekers and is doing some work for a friend (cash in hand I guess). He has also mentioned that there may be some more work on the horizon.
I’ve gently asked for money from him, but each time I do he ignores me. Sometimes I don’t hear from him for weeks and then he will phone my daughter.

Some people I speak to say I am too soft on my ex and I should go to the CSA to claim money, but I’ve always thought that if he hasn’t got money then surely I wouldn’t get any help anyway. If he gets cash in hand then i guess they wouldnt know about it. If he's self employed and he doesnt declare then how would they know.

I guess I am writing this because I feel I have reached the end of my tether. I feel that it’s about time he took responsibility, but i have no idea if it's worth pursuing.

I’d appreciate some views and advice.
Thanks.

DUTR

For peace of mind it is worth persuing, If his legal earnings are as you describe, I wouldn't plan on receiving much in the way of maintainance contribution, however once successful, at least you will have a regular contribution.
Good Luck.

DX2

Cash in hand is going to be hard to prove. On jobseekers he will be assessed at £5 per week for child support.