Divorce and child maintenance

paulineb_2

How can he pay rent and a bond on low earnings. Plus gamble. I'd wonder if he hasn't got more cash than you think he has.

sadandlonely

paulineb wrote: »

How can he pay rent and a bond on low earnings. Plus gamble. I'd wonder if he hasn't got more cash than you think he has.

I know he brings about £900 but half of that is labouring work which is self employed. The labouring work is 120 pounds a week roughly depending on how many days he works. Hmrc don't know about this job though as far as I know.

sadandlonely

paulineb wrote: »

Try a local college for a haircut, if they have a hairdressing salon, you could get a very cheap haircut. Or a training salon. A friend of mine uses a training salon and it's 7 quid for a cut and blow dry. She's on benefit, she still gets her hair cut when it needs done.

Think I will have to find out if there is one local, thanks x

sadandlonely

I have spoken to the csa. I will be on the normal system for the next six months and they will start chasing him now. They will send out letters in 6 months time mind, to start a new claim with the admin fees. It will cost me £100 to get them to get him to pay up. There's just no point then, I can't afford to pay them so I will just have to go without child maintenance.

paulineb_2

sadandlonely wrote: »

I have spoken to the csa. I will be on the normal system for the next six months and they will start chasing him now. They will send out letters in 6 months time mind, to start a new claim with the admin fees. It will cost me £100 to get them to get him to pay up. There's just no point then, I can't afford to pay them so I will just have to go without child maintenance.

I think you have to try and find the money from somewhere. Giving up on years of maintenance because you can't afford the fees is going to see you a lot poorer in the long run.

supersaver2

Are you sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to? Single parent benefits for 2 children are very generous. Maybe visit the benefit board and start a post just in case there is something you are not getting.

paulineb_2

sadandlonely wrote: »

I have spoken to the csa. I will be on the normal system for the next six months and they will start chasing him now. They will send out letters in 6 months time mind, to start a new claim with the admin fees. It will cost me £100 to get them to get him to pay up. There's just no point then, I can't afford to pay them so I will just have to go without child maintenance.

Are you claiming child tax credits? The advice about seeing if you are missing out on any benefits is good.

sadandlonely

Yes im claiming child tax credits, child benefit, hb and ct and income support... think thats all im entitled too. Im looking into going back to work, only 16 hours but thats extra money in my pocket atleast. I have an appointment with the income support advisor on the 14th april. I will discuss it with them then.

Thank you all for your replies, it is much appreciated