By law all parents must give
financial support for their child.
If you don’t live with your child you must still pay maintenance. It won’t be more than you can afford, but it can make things tight – you’ll need to budget.
Under 18 and not working?You won’t have to pay until you start work.
How do you pay?The Child Support Agency (CSA) may take it from your bank, wages or benefits. Or pay by cheque or standing order. Not cash.You may need proof that you’ve paid.
Do we need the CSA?Not if you and the child’s mum can agree on how much you pay. A mediator can help you decide what’s fair (ask your local Children’s Centre) but isn’t legally binding.You can get a legal
agreement through a solicitor. Ask the CSA for help. Their website has a calculator to work out a fair amount to pay. See Useful Contacts.
What if she asks me for more money?It might be better to get a CSA or legal agreement.
You need money for yourself and to make sure you can stay involved with your child. So, get the benefits available to you. Get help from:
- Local Solutions Welfare
- Rights Service
- Connexions
- Lone Parent adviser at Jobcentre Plus
- Merseyside Welfare Rights Advice Centre
