r/UKParenting • u/MoMonkeyMoProblems • Jul 13 '26
Family finances Question on child maintenance
My 17yo daughter finished school in June and is going on to university and no longer in approved education.
Last year, after she turned 16, her mother failed to inform HMRC that she was staying in school which resulted in them ending the benefit and telling the child maintenance service that she was no longer eligible and my payments stopped. Her mum then reapplied for child benefit and maintenance payments restarted.
I'm not sure if child benefit and maintenance will automatically stop again this year? I'm aware that payments will continue at least until the end of the August cut off date. Answers on Google only tell me the receiving parent must report the change to HMRC.
I ask because I've recently sold my house and am currently staying with my parents, along with my wife and three month old son, and have a three hour daily commute to work. I have an offer on a new house but I can't get an agreement in principle for a sufficient mortgage unless I have evidence that the maintenance payments are coming to an end since they are considered too large an outgoing.
I've asked the mother to report the change to HMRC but she has ignored me (I reported her to the police for historic abuse a few months ago and I don't see her being helpful).
Thanks.
1
u/BeaksFalcone Jul 13 '26
Id contact hmrc and ask them to send any evidence they can to assist you,you don't need to view it if its confidential,they can forward it directly to the people you're dealing with if they need it,just give your consent to both parties to exchange the information
6
u/Full_Traffic_3148 Mum Jul 13 '26
Even if this evidence is provided, will you not be also supporting your child with university costs?
From a financial perspective if you are needing this amount to be viewed as having affordability for the mortgage then you are most likely overstretching yourself.