Child Maintenance

KRLG

Hi
Hope someone can help allay my fears.
I am separated from my husband and in receipt of Universal Credit
My ex has been paying money into bank account for children(family based) but as he was threatening to stop payments if I did not agree to shared care, I decided that I would make a claim to the CMS but he has now been informed and states that I have been committing benefit fraud as I did not inform the UC.
This has got me into a panic, any advice would be welcome
Thank you

Ray212

Child maintenance payments will not affect any benefits that you and your children get, including Universal Credit.

KRLG

Thanks Ray212

I went on a bit of a rant what I did mean is that we had an arrangement that ex paid money into bank but I did not inform UC of the money or arrangement and I have now made claim to CMS to ensure that I get payment but my concern was that as I did not inform UC can it be classed a fraud or will I receive a sanction
I know that my ex will inform the UC, should I now explain to UC why I did not inform them with the family based arrangement?  

poppy123456

You do not need to inform UC about any maintenance payments for your children because it doesn’t affect it. Scroll down to number 16 here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-your-family-quick-guide/universal-credit-further-information-for-families#support-for-children

KRLG

Thanks poppy123456

Ollyoyster

Child maint, team are very helpful as well, i had similar situatiom, ex payed a little bit for my 3 kids at the time, bht he thort he could stop payment and threaten me with it and tols me if u dont like it go csa, so i did,  as all have advised it is totally seperate and does mot have anything to dowith benefits, . 😉 Enjoy your kids, they grow up too fast xx

KRLG

Cheers Ollyoyster, will do regarding kids but its a struggle with all the aggressive behaviour of ex but it will turn at some point

thanks again 

Ollyoyster

Hang on in there, dont give up, it takes a while to adjust being free and not being scared of the ex, but i promise u it will get easier, stay strong, your kids will copy yiu an see a strong mummy and grow up and be strong, take zero ****, if hes anything like my ex he will give up once he knows he camt control you, xx