CSA Payments and Housing Benefit

Terrysdelight

Hi

Can anyone confirm if CSA payments are taken into consideration when calculating housing benefit payments. Or are the payments disregarded?

Scenario is, friend has settled into a property, she works part-time and receives about 60% of her rent in HB payments. Her ex is incredible - he just won't pay any money. I've told her to go to the CSA, but she is frightened they will award her an amount - he subsequently won't pay, and ultimately her HB payment will be reduced on the strength of payments she should, but isn't receiving. She is worried that she won't be able to pay her rent.

Many thanks
Terrysdelight

RAS

Child mantenance is not considered income for the assessment of means-tested benefits. This stopped a decade ago.

shoe*diva79

RAS is almost correct. She has to declare the money she receives, however, since April 2010 it will not be used as income when benefits including HB and CTB are calculated.