Child maintenance – do you still have to pay and what happens if you’re self-employed or have been furloughed
PARENTS who pay child maintenance need to continue making payments as normal during lockdown or let the service know if they're struggling.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which manages the Child Maintenance Service, says it can review payments and temporarily lower them if need be.
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But single parent charity, Gingerbread, says it's aware of payments being reduced or stopped without the other parent being told in advance.
A DWP spokesperson said: “Parents should pay their child maintenance as normal, however if they experience a change in income we can review their case and check if the amount paid should change.
“It’s always been the case that if a person’s income changes then their Child Maintenance payments will be calculated to reflect that.
“Anyone found to be abusing the system at this difficult time will find themselves subject to the full extent of our enforcement powers – including prosecution through the courts.”
For those with a court order in place, you'll need to check the terms of this - be aware that a court can force you to pay up.
If you're struggling because of coronavirus, check out the help being offered on bills, rent and mortgages.
Those who are unable to work may be able to claim 80 per cent of their wages, up to £2,500 a month, under the government's furlough scheme.
It's also worth checking if you can claim for Universal Credit.