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Hi All,
I currently pay child maintenance via the CSA for 2 children. My daughter who I see and stays with me every other weekend, and who I take away and have stay with me for some time during school holidays, and a son who I don't see. I pay via deduction from earnings. I recently changed jobs, and whilst the CSA were sorting out my payments, some arrears accrued. I am currently paying over £500 per month although my regular payment is around £400. With all my other financial commitments, rent, day to day bills etc I struggle to get through each month. When I spoke to the CSA regarding this, they said this was the minimum I could pay based on my earnings. I was told the child has priority and maybe I should look for a cheaper place to live.
My current partner is so supportive, however I do not expect her to pay for my children. We share our rent and day to day bills, but when I was alone I built up credit card debt that although I have never missed payment on, the monthly payment on top of what I currently pay is crippling me.
I often buy clothes for my daughter, as I like to pay my way.
My question is, is there any help that I can get to help me with my financial situation other than options that may affect my (and proud of under the circumstances) very good credit history.
My average take home pay is only £1700 per month, and after all my payments I am lucky to have £100 spare to live on.
I would like to keep paying for both my children, but need some advice on how I can make this easier on myself at the same time.
Help or info appreciated.
Hi There,
You will have to continue the payments to CSA as they are required by law, If it were me I would contact the credit car company and ask them for a payment break, as you credit history is so good and you haven't missed any payments I'm sure they would help, I would offer a freeze on your card so they will see that the debt won't increase during the payment break, how long do you have to pay the additional amount to the CSA?
I am surprised that CSA won't allow a smaller amount on repayment you could try an appeal to the dicision also.
GTTS
Ultimately, I'm afraid, however you juggle it around, and even if the CSA were to reduce their payments, you would just be paying for longer. Is your credit card currently interest free? If not, I'd look at trying to get one that gives you an interest free period - there's usually a charge of 3 or 4% (there are some with less) and transfer - take a look around www.moneysavingexpert.com and sign up for their newsletter if you don't already know about it.
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