Can anyone help CSA issues

[fingers mclean]

Hi Guys,

I didnt know where to put this so here go's... Has anyone any idea or information where i can go to ask about csa problems and resolutions..

There giving me a hard time and i have tried to sort it with tem direct but there not listening to me at all :-x

Any advice guys

 

Cheers ALI:confused:

[livelylad]

Can you list briefly your problems.

[fingers mclean]

Hi,

I didnt know how to put this so here go's... I need information where i can go to ask about csa problems and resolutions..

There giving me a hard time and i have tried to sort it with them direct but there not listening to me at all ..

 

Its started last November I was reassessed under a newer scheme and they upped my amount I had to pay the ex wife.. Also at this time I was having major financial problems of my own where my salary had dropped and I was unable to pay my own debts never mind a increase in my csa payments. I had to opt for a IVA in the end to get me out of the debt!! Which wasn’t really a option with me but I had no choice..Things where spiraling out of control...

I informed the csa of my predicament and that I had to change my bank account details etc as requested by my IVA Representative..

My CSA adviser requested I continue paying the lower amount direct to my ex until they had reassessed me....Not a problem..

6 mths later they get back to me the amount is going up and I now have arrears from 2001..!!!!! How!!!!! They have been taking the money from my account since 2001!! they have informed me that I have been paying the wrong amount and owe £1200 back pay..I asked them how this had happened and that it was not my mistake or fault and that their responsible for taking the money direct for me...

They went away to check the records. well in between all this happening my ex and I fell out over what I thought was a big issue (ex brother in law trying to set fire to himself and half the street) while my kids where about. This caused major friction and I haven't been able to see my kids since July / Aug 07..

Well I got a letter this weekend they tell me their right and I now owe them £4500 back payment as the ex wife has informed I haven't made a payment since Christmas last year!!!!!!And to cover the non payment its gone up even more....

The thing is I' am skint I don't owe anything to her from before Aug 07 their not interested and my salary has dropped again. I don't think I could even pay what I was doing in the first place.My salary is £1300 take home my mortgage is £630 i also have a second mortgage which is £300 plus iva of £370 my council tax is £110 and i haven't included gas electric phone etc etc..My wife works part time but her wage pays for the food for our two kid..So I need advice quickly

Sorry for the rant but I' am as you can imagine i'am not a happy bunny

[den3371]

Try going on to Home - ParentsCentre or try NACSA - NACSA also post on the Parentscentre site they help with alot of of problems for both the NRP and PWC.

 

You will also find members who actually work for the CSA who can offer advice.

[fingers mclean]

thanks i will look into that

[den3371]

Have you asked for copies of your file? I have a template I can pm you if you want it?

 

The letter asks for you files both clerical and computer generated. They have 40 days in which to comply. The files will show each assessment made for you and their calculations. There are parts that will be blacked out that will relate to your ex.

 

I always ask for my files every 6 months, it's amazing the stuff they can leave out! It should list all the times you have contacted them, all letters sent to you, the original application etc.

[fingers mclean]

I didnt realise i could do that..if you dont mind forwarding the template to me it could come in handy..thanks

[Tigstheterror]

anybody with CSA problenms look here (link to site edited)

Edited November 23, 2008 by slick132
Poss libel in link

[Tigstheterror]

As it is my Association's link that i posted i'd like to know how that can be deemed as possible libel? Just Google csa problems or google the phrase deadbeatdad and you will get a list of organisations up, i suppose this will be edited now too

[bobbyh99]

Its started last November I was reassessed under a newer scheme and they upped my amount I had to pay the ex wife.. Also at this time I was having major financial problems of my own where my salary had dropped and I was unable to pay my own debts never mind a increase in my csa payments. I had to opt for a IVA in the end to get me out of the debt!! Which wasn’t really a option with me but I had no choice..Things where spiraling out of control...

I informed the csa of my predicament and that I had to change my bank account details etc as requested by my IVA Representative..

My CSA adviser requested I continue paying the lower amount direct to my ex until they had reassessed me....Not a problem..

6 mths later they get back to me the amount is going up and I now have arrears from 2001..!!!!! How!!!!! They have been taking the money from my account since 2001!! they have informed me that I have been paying the wrong amount and owe £1200 back pay..I asked them how this had happened and that it was not my mistake or fault and that their responsible for taking the money direct for me...

They went away to check the records. well in between all this happening my ex and I fell out over what I thought was a big issue (ex brother in law trying to set fire to himself and half the street) while my kids where about. This caused major friction and I haven't been able to see my kids since July / Aug 07..

Well I got a letter this weekend they tell me their right and I now owe them £4500 back payment as the ex wife has informed I haven't made a payment since Christmas last year!!!!!!And to cover the non payment its gone up even more....

The thing is I' am skint I don't owe anything to her from before Aug 07 their not interested and my salary has dropped again. I don't think I could even pay what I was doing in the first place.My salary is £1300 take home my mortgage is £630 i also have a second mortgage which is £300 plus iva of £370 my council tax is £110 and i haven't included gas electric phone etc etc..My wife works part time but her wage pays for the food for our two kid..So I need advice quickly

Sorry for the rant but I' am as you can imagine i'am not a happy bunny

 

One thing that springs to mind is if your ex wife instigated the reassessment from the old calculation to the new calculation, then I believe she forfeits all arrears under the old calculation.

 

If you have been paying her, how have you? cash, cheque? Personally I would never pay my ex cash coz I know she would try to rip me off. My advice would be to pay through the CSA and not direct to you ex!

 

If you are on the newer calculation, then it is in your best interests (financially) to inform the CSA whenever you have a reduction in salary. As any new assessment will be based on this reduced salary (i.e. 1 child 15%, 2 children 20% and 3 or more children 25% of your net salary less any reductions you get for children you have with your current wife). Unfortunately, the CSA do not care about other debts you may have.

 

As for not seeing you kids since 07, then get you ex wife in court and demand it, if you still want contact with them!

[hdevil]

Hi there,

 

I am a father who pays on time every time and am currently paying CSA payments under the new system (with my previous relationship covered under the old)........in 2006 the CSA revised my payments under the new system (with my new child) and "phased" payments to my other ex (who was under the old). In the last 2 years, I have had letters from the CSA saying that they have "recently been told that your circumstances have changed (they haven't !) which may affect child maintenance"........"please send last 6 weeks payslips" (and they have very kindly given me 7 days to do so.....even though they sent letter on 31/01/09 and it arrived today 03/02/09......wanting a reply by 07/02/09 !!!)

 

My questions (sorry for this) are

 

1. Can I request in writing or otherwise (via Freedom of Information etc) where they got this "wrong" information ?

 

2. Do I have to keep sending them wageslips with such quick turnarounds (when I always comply within all timescales without any complaint)

 

3. Is it the fact I work for the Public Sector (and as such get negotiated annual pay rises) that they are so quick to send out these "reassessments" (or I am I being ultra cynical and suspicious of a government agency)

 

Thanks in advance and sorry for so many questions

[bobbyh99]

My questions (sorry for this) are

 

1. Can I request in writing or otherwise (via Freedom of Information etc) where they got this "wrong" information ?

 

2. Do I have to keep sending them wageslips with such quick turnarounds (when I always comply within all timescales without any complaint)

 

3. Is it the fact I work for the Public Sector (and as such get negotiated annual pay rises) that they are so quick to send out these "reassessments" (or I am I being ultra cynical and suspicious of a government agency)

 

Thanks in advance and sorry for so many questions

 

Unfortunately I do not know the answers but whenever they reassess me because my circumstances have changed, these are usually instigated by my ex (coz she thinks I have more money).

 

Does you ex partner know you get negotiated annual pay rises? if you send in your payslips, could this make a big difference to your maintenance payments (i.e. has your salary changed much since the last assessment). I think for you to be reassesed the change in maintenance has to be above 5% on the new system and £10 a week or more under the old system.

[MARTIN3030]

Will move this thread into another forum.

[WormHasTurned]

, I have had letters from the CSA saying that they have "recently been told that your circumstances have changed (they haven't !) which may affect child maintenance"........"please send last 6 weeks payslips"

 

This is a standard letter that CSA send out - and they will only do so if asked to by one of the 2 people involved in the case. So if you haven't asked for a reassessment then you can deduct who has.

 

I have it on good authority that the CSA do not initiate a re-assessment unless asked to by one of the parties.

 

If the net change is not more than 5% (up or down) they will not make a change.

[corkarooney]

Have you asked for copies of your file? I have a template I can pm you if you want it?

 

The letter asks for you files both clerical and computer generated. They have 40 days in which to comply. The files will show each assessment made for you and their calculations. There are parts that will be blacked out that will relate to your ex.

 

I always ask for my files every 6 months, it's amazing the stuff they can leave out! It should list all the times you have contacted them, all letters sent to you, the original application etc.

 

 

 

 

IS THIS TEMPLATE ANYWHERE ONLINE IE A LINK,COULD DO WITH THIS:)

[den3371]

Hi

 

I have just sent this to your private message inbox. Good luck, hope it helps

[pazolore]

Hi

 

Not to sure to start a new thread but can someone help me out asap....

 

My partner is taking her ex to the csa now her daughter often babysits for them and stays over will this count as staying at there house even though he is not spending time with her he is going out and looking after his children ....will this affect her csa payments as these are due to be sorted anytime now...(sounds a daft question just need an answer)

[pazolore]

Hi not too sure how to start a new thread so sorry for hopping on the back off this one....

 

my partner is taking her ex to the csa ...now her daughter babysits for her ex because he has 2 children with his new partner because she babysits for him and stays over will this be taken as she stays over hes not there she is basically working for him. please could someone just clear this up for us as they have been in touch with him and he claims she just stays there not actually babysitting.

 

Many thanks for any replies

 

soory for the double post

[tabletopdog]

hello just browsing the forum, as i have a csa problem as well. i read the bit about asking for personal files, and they have 40 days to comply.i rang them and asked for them ,tried getting fobed off then i demanded them, his attituded change and was very helpful after all his excusses, they on the way. and also can the "CAB" help at all or will i be wasting my time. a reply would be helpfull, many thanks.

[The GodMother]

CAB can be a waste of time but it does mainly depend where you live. I would put your request in writing and send via recorded delivery then they cant fob u off.

[bonny lass]

Hi there,

 

I am a father who pays on time every time and am currently paying CSA payments under the new system (with my previous relationship covered under the old)........in 2006 the CSA revised my payments under the new system (with my new child) and "phased" payments to my other ex (who was under the old). In the last 2 years, I have had letters from the CSA saying that they have "recently been told that your circumstances have changed (they haven't !) which may affect child maintenance"........"please send last 6 weeks payslips" (and they have very kindly given me 7 days to do so.....even though they sent letter on 31/01/09 and it arrived today 03/02/09......wanting a reply by 07/02/09 !!!)

 

My questions (sorry for this) are

 

1. Can I request in writing or otherwise (via Freedom of Information etc) where they got this "wrong" information ?

 

2. Do I have to keep sending them wageslips with such quick turnarounds (when I always comply within all timescales without any complaint)

 

3. Is it the fact I work for the Public Sector (and as such get negotiated annual pay rises) that they are so quick to send out these "reassessments" (or I am I being ultra cynical and suspicious of a government agency)

 

Thanks in advance and sorry for so many questions

 

 

Hi hdevil,

 

1. You need to do a Subject Access Request, under the Data Protection Act.

 

2. If they request earnings details from you, you need to comply - If you fail to do so, they will go direct to your employer for the information.

 

3. The Agency will be acting on a request for a reassessment.

 

 

Google afairercsaforall

 

Theres loads of information, advice and support for ALL parents having issues with the CSA.

[WormHasTurned]

Here's a link to a page on the CSA website which explains how to get your info: How we collect and use information - Child Support Agency

scroll part way down and you'll get this:

How to access personal information

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, a parent can ask what personal information we hold about them on computer and in some paper records. The parent must ask us in writing for the information and give us information that helps us to be sure of their identity, including:

• their full name
  
• their date of birth
  
• their address
  
• the CSA case number
  
• their National Insurance number.
  

The parent should give enough detail to help us to identify and find the information - for example, the CSA office they deal with.

They should:

• send a letter to the Data Protection Officer at the CSA office that deals with their case, or
  
• write to:
  

The Child Support Agency

Data Protection Unit

Room BP6002

Benton Park View

Longbenton

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE98 1YX.

Once we have their letter and enough details to help identify the information they have asked for, we will send them a copy of the information if we have it. We will do this as soon as possible and within 40 calendar days.

(hope this helps - and as with advice on the rest of this site - suggest you get a proof of delivery)

[tabletopdog]

thak you Godmother i will try with the CAB, and curtainley send letters by recorded delivery. csa didnt evan give me the chance of a meens test. they have taken £317.46p out of my monthly earnings of £788.00. daylight robbery. they just do not listen when you try and tell them youre out goings, like rent,gas,elecy etc. shame they based at belfast. thanks again tabletopdog.

[soslasthope]

Being able to get copies of your files paper and coputer apply to the Council ie housing benefit

[andie_303]

Hi,

 

the talk in here about being able to get a copy of the original application - is that screened before being sent out - just I court order against my ex for no contact and the last thing I would want is for him to be able to request a copy of the application that contains mine and my sons details. And before anyone jumps on my back about if he's paying he should get access so should be able to have these details he is in over £4000 arrears that he refuses to pay cos he doesn't want to and he has been arrested for abuse and that is why a no contact order is in place.

 

I'm just a bit worried he can actually get our details now.