Universal credit and child maintenance

50andstartingover

Hello, I’m a newly separated mum of 2. I work 18 hours per week and make ends meet on my small wage (approx £1000 per month), child benefit and my ex pays me an amount per month for the kids. He pays more than the CSA would award if we went down that route. 

I am aware that child maintenance is disregarded when assessing entitlement to universal credit… but if my ex is paying more than they would have to legally, will UC still disregard the whole amount?? Or would UC consider this spousal support?

Sorry, I’m new to all this and just don’t want to do anything wrong as far as DWP are concerned.

kaMelo

No, The CMS figures are an absolute minimum that a NRP should pay, if they are paying more than this it is still child maintenance, it doesn't suddenly become spousal maintenance.