[Solved] Child Maintenance Help - Low Income

hello.

Unfortunately, CMS take no account at all of your outgoings - any loan payments that were taken out during the marriage for the benefit of the family can be accounted for, but not sure if the car finance would be able to be included in that, could be worth raising it with CMS to check.

Otherwise, I would suggest you speak to www.stepchange.org - they are a debt management charity who may be able to help, it's best to contact them early so they can help you avoid getting into debt in the first place.

hi,

your situation sounds very tough. Is it possible to look further than 10 miles? you may be able to find a 2 bed flat for reasonable rent. there are lot of rentals where all the bills/internet is included with the monthly rent.

Hi Goodrockin, I am new to the site also, sorry to hear your story mate, but not a surprise, so many non-resident parents are left with little or nothing to live on, due to the disgusting procedures that the CMS follow and I have to say, with some of the individuals I have had to deal with over the years, who seem to enjoy the little bit of power that the job gives them

I have been apart for 10 years from my ex, I remember sitting in a rented room, not knowing how I was going to pay the rent, after the CMS had taken from me, a completely unrealistic amount, based on the year previous numbers, when I was doing much better, but would not take account of how I was struggling then and just kept quoting to me the CMS rulebook

I didn't think I could sink any lower, but take comfort in the advice you will get from this amazing site and you will get through it, I look back now and wonder how I got through it, it is so unfair, but you will get there mate, stick with it, your daughter will know the facts as she gets older and understands how things are

Not sure on your relationship with the ex, but mine was toxic and she took me for everything, but I know that when my son gets older and more worldly, he will see that there are always two sides to every story and you are doing the best you can to support your child

Hang in there and remember, it will get better, I know this from my own position and never refuse help mate

Am I correct in thinking that £1500 is gross pay? If so, that's £18k per year, and you are putting too much aside for tax and national insurance, as far as I can see:

https://www.thesalarycalculator.co.uk/salary.php

If you are self employed, then some of your running costs for your car can be offset against tax, so that will affect the calculation.

Again, check stepchange.org, they can help you with this.

Also, are you in arrears with CMS? If not, then the figure they have seems too high - for one child, you should be paying 12% of your gross income, which is £180 per month.

Hi Goodrockin

I've found that living in shared accommodation has significantly improved my financial circumstances. The rent includes all bills including broadband.

My advice would be to look for accommodation where you are classed as a lodger. Typically this affords you less rights and security, however often it means you are just living with one other person (homeowner) who may or may not be at home all the time and thus your living situation improves.

Im living as a lodger with my landlord who is the homeowner. I live in a 4 bed house and have my own ensuite, my landlord is always away at his partners and therefore it is often me living on my own.. I have 3 kids and landlord is ok for me to have them round eventually when I can and my ex agrees. He's also happy for them to stay over without any increase in the rent. The landlord has no intentions to bring in any more lodgers and therefore this works for me.

I'd suggest you consider shared but only with the homeowner and ask them if they intend to bring in any more lodgers and if they are ok having your kids round including staying over.

Spareroom.co.uk is a great place to start.

All the best.

Hi,

Thanks for the reply and a little insight into your situation, Things are difficult with the ex, this always makes things harder and it's always the children that suffer the most.
All the best

Hi,
Thanks for the advice and glad it improved your situation financially. I could have a look but this may be difficult where I am as it's very rural. However I would be worried about my frame of mind and health as I'm nearly 50 yrs old, worked all my life and about to lose everything. I think if I give up work at least I could stay where I am, unfortunately fall into the benefit bracket I never ever wanted to be part of but thank you for the help.
Cheers

If I look too far for another property then my fuel bills will go up, I am currently in a contract with my tenancy and unable to leave early unless I pay a charge. I have 6 months left before I can start looking.

But this doesn't take into account how the child maintenance is worked out for someone in my position and why I have to turn my life upside down whilst nothing changes for the ex apart from raking in the dosh.

Thank you for the advice.

Believe me, when it comes to upside down the children and X all ways come first and they will try and fleece as much as possible and use so be prepared they will use every trick in the book and leave you in debt.
Cut your expenses as much as you can as already stat House share get your life under control, good that your working mind mental plays a big part in staying sane.
If you can reduce whats paid to you offset your accommodation against the business Car fuel etc
Even a pension you could start and loose through the company!
It does get better took me 9 months and yes my x was toxic never sore this coming in a million years alot of help sites out there.

The fact you are giving thought to and looking at your situation is positive. Sometimes there is no obvious good solution and yes CMS is really very unfair, however with sacrifices, compromises and strategic thinking you will get there.

An alternative to consider is if you are still communicating with your ex?

If so, you could explain your situation and that you intend to stop working due to the CMS becoming unaffordable. That this will result in paying dropping from £224 to £24 and present an alternative solution. That she closes the claim, provides proof of this (important to avoid building up arrears) and offer to pay a higher affordable amount. This is fraught with risks such as having to communicate, your ex delays closing claim or doesn't, you disagree on amount etc etc... But it's an option to try and improve your situation..

Good Luck.