Is CSA1 an exact science? (if so where can I get a copy of the formula) -merged-

Loopy_Girl

Fair enough. It was just a thought.

mothballed

Please do keep the thoughts coming, I may not show my apreciation but you are all doing a stirling job.

I wouldnt have known any of this stuff if it werent for this forum. If left to my own devices Id probably have let the CSA get away with this for years to come. My financial adviser gave me a dam good kick me up the proverbial and I turned to the internet for help. Im not noted for being skilled in personal money matters. My grandmother used to lecture me as a child and even said my starsign was characteristic of financial ineptness. After all these years I misjudged her & she was right all along!

Your advice is always appeciated, its damsight better than mine.

mothballed

A three point post.

1. What is the official or prescribed CSA1 definition of Non Dependant? If it exists I would like to be pointed to legislation that defines it, I have read this page but its about housing benefit claimants. http://www.tameside.gov.uk/housingbenefit/nondependentdeductions#t1

2. Are the co-dwellers (for what better word) living in the same property, or the landlord obligated to provide a CSA1 payer with free accommodation if the CSA has classified him to be a non dependant? (and if not - who is?)

3. Who becomes responsible for meeting a CSA1 payers council tax liability when he is classed a non dependant and allowed no housing costs at all.

Any hints and pointers greatly appreciated.

Fran

The simple explanation of a non dependant is someone who is 18 and over and not a partner.

I don't understand your question about free accommodation.

If you are a non dependant you would normally have liability for Council Tax, info re Council Tax on the Adviceguide website.

mothballed

Fran wrote: »

I don't understand your question about free accommodation.

For the purposes of CSA1 an NRP who is classed a non dependant gets no housing allowance for himself. Who is responsible for paying for the NRP's accommodation?

kelloggs36

If the house is not yours, or you do not rent it from an independant landlord, then you are a non-dependant. If you rent from a friend, then they are responsible for the housing costs on that property, so if you didn't live there it wouldn't affect their status as a houseowner. If they don't live in the house, and you have a formal, legal tenancy agreement (not a made up one but one which is recognised in law) then you are a tenant and have housing costs. It depends on the terms of the tenancy agreement.

kelloggs36

Have you formally appealled against the decision not to allow you housing costs? What are the terms of your tenancy?

mothballed

Does that mean if I move into any bedsit in a house shared with the landlord, the CSA can simply say we are friends, and that would disqualify me housing costs?

Im beginning to think the CSA doesnt have any hard & fast rules, just guidelines which are open to interpretation (or misinterpretation). Am I right?

mothballed

its a four page tenancy agreement. The jist of it sets out which numbered bedsit I have exclusive use, the terms of I am responsible for its upkeep, the share of bathroom & kitchen, share of gas etc. Own phoneline in room, responsible for equal share of council tax or 75% if I am a sole occupant. TV license is responsibility of the tenant. Electricity key cannot be switched to another supplier, lots of legalese yadda yadda. A standard bedsit contract similar to all my previous bedsit accommodations Ive had since the 1980's. Dated Jan 21 2005. Is there anything in particular you are looking for?

I wrote in summer 2007 and asked the CSA to revise their decision and start the appeals procedure and inform me of the hearing date. I was fobbed off with excuses and more CSA technobabble and still await a hearing date. Numerous telepohone calls from CSA with similar excuses.

mothballed

Uptate. For interest only.

Its official. Jobseekers allowance pays £60.50 a week after payments to PWC. Im dead chuffed, its more than I earn now. I actually get a pay rise!

I only wish I had signed on long ago. I have worked all year for nothing and could have saved me faffing around with bankruptcy procedings. Irony is my principle debts are CSA and council tax arrears and these are immune to bankruptcy. At least all my bank charges and mortgage debt from former matrimonal home is finally written off and I can start fresh.

Im soooo pleased!