What Kind of Child Support is Available?

The welfare of children and the reduction of child poverty in the UK are two of the objectives of the Child Support Agency (or CSA). This government executive agency is responsible for implementing the 1991 Child Support Act, and also forms part of the Child Maintenance Enforcement Commission (CMEC). Understanding what child maintenance is will enable parents with care to make informed choices regarding financial assistance for their child or children.

Child Support Maintenance

This maintenance payment is made by the non resident parent of a child, or children, to the parent with care to provide financial assistance with the costs of raising a family. The amount of child support paid can be arranged privately between both parents, in a private agreement, or set up, collected and distributed by the Child Support Agency.

A parent with care may apply for maintenance support by supplying relevant, current information about the non resident parent. The CSA will then gather information concerning the non resident parent’s income and circumstances, assess the claim and process the application.

Once the amount of payable maintenance has been calculated the CSA will collect payment directly from the parent, or from the parent’s employer, and distribute this to the parent with care.

This form of child maintenance provides a secure means of regular financial support, and takes into account any other benefits the recipient may already be receiving.

Child Benefit

If you have a child under the age of 16, a child over 16 who is in full-time education or training or a 16-17 year old who has left school but is registered for training, you will be eligible for regular Child Benefit payments. This tax-free payment is available even if the child does not live with you, although there are certain conditions. Namely you must contribute to the child’s upbringing and the person your child lives with is not already claiming Child Benefit.

The amount of Child Benefit varies with each child, with a greater amount for the eldest (or only child). Child Benefit is currently £20.00 per week (for first child) and £13.20 for each subsequent child. This amount is paid directly into a bank account and is usually paid monthly. However, if you claim Income Support or a Jobseeker’s Allowance arrangements can be made to receive Child Benefit on a weekly basis.

If you are the child’s legal guardian you may also be entitled to Guardian’s Allowance.

Child Tax Credit

If you are the parent with care of at least one child under 16 you may be eligible for Child Tax Credit. Tax Credit payments are made by the government, to help with the day to day costs of raising a family. If you are on low income you can claim Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.

In order to claim Working Tax Credit you must be responsible for a child, have a disability that causes disadvantages in finding work, or be over 50 and returning to work after a period on benefits.