Customers claiming benefits

Until October 2008, parents with the main day-to-day care who were claiming benefits were compelled to use the statutory maintenance service (currently operated by the Child Support Agency), even when they were able to make arrangements without the help of the state.

However, all parents are now able to choose the arrangement which best suits their own particular circumstances, whether or not they are on benefits. Child Maintenance Options is available to provide information and support to help parents make an informed choice.

Since April 2010, child maintenance has been fully disregarded when calculating all out-of-work benefits. This allows parents with the main day-to-day care to keep every penny of their child maintenance payments, without it affecting their entitlement to benefit.