AQW 52781/11-16

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 12/01/2016
Answered On Date: 21/01/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) how the Child Support Agency ensures that any money rewarded following an appeal goes to the people who need it the most; and (ii) whether he is aware of any scenario when money claimed has been awarded to a claimant other than the claimant that lodged the initial appeal.

Answer:

The role of the Child Maintenance Service after a successful appeal is to implement the decision of the Independent Tribunal. That may mean an increase or a decrease in the child maintenance liability depending on the circumstances of the case.

(II) I am not aware of any scenario when the Child Maintenance Service paid child maintenance to the wrong party following an appeal.