Should I go to the CSA?

Merry_Gentry

Hey Sprogs, I did my application online back in August, and they managed to 'lock' it. I would definitely call back later today and get one done then and there - the sooner, the better in terms of having a 'start date'.

sprogs

Merry_Gentry wrote: »

Hey Sprogs, I did my application online back in August, and they managed to 'lock' it. I would definitely call back later today and get one done then and there - the sooner, the better in terms of having a 'start date'.

thanks for that - will do. dare I ask how long it all took once it uas 'unlocked'?!

Merry_Gentry

Erm, well I'm still waiting on my assessment. First one got locked; second one didn't get actioned; third one got technically stuck in Newcastle for a while, and has now gone clerical. So 7 months and counting and no assessment yet

sprogs

Oh my goodness Merry! I have just read your thread (and very conscious that I am now hi-jacking somebody elses....), what a nightmare.

I did phone back yesterday and have made my application over the phone, was advised to allow them to collect the payments - hope that was the right thing to do! the guy I spoke to was lovely and very helpful, and made it all sound so easy. Apparently they will initially try and make contact with him by phone - 3 times in 2 days and if that is unsuccessful they write to him, he has 1 week to respond to that and this letter is classed as the first contact and so the date of any arrears will count from this point, after which they will go to his employer if he doesn't respond.

So simple - it sounds like it will all be sorted within about 3 weeks, right??!!

I just need to try and make sure that letter is in the post this month rather than next month - so a phone call at least every other day is required methinks.

Merry_Gentry

Hey Sprogs, it should be that simple and I really hope it is for you. :grouphug: And yes, regular phone calls seem to help, although a lot of people say you should write only. Let me know how it goes - would love to hear a success story

sprogs

I think I would prefer to phone, but if necessary will get the details of the person I am talking to and follow each call up with a letter confirming the conversation - then they can get doubly fed up with me!

kelloggs36

jacklink wrote: »

how much extra are you having to find out of freash air when 80% of childcare is paid for ?

seriously i would give a wide berth of csa of what could only be a few quid, better to discuss with your ex to go halfs than go down the wrong route.

Not everybody actually gets help with the childcare costs you know!! It is a sweeping generalisaton to assume that they do.

Donedoingdebt

sprogs wrote: »

I think I would prefer to phone, but if necessary will get the details of the person I am talking to and follow each call up with a letter confirming the conversation - then they can get doubly fed up with me!

That's the best course of action.

Phone by all means. But, politely ask for the CSA person's name.

Then confirm all details of the conversation, including time & date, with a follow up email & a written letter sent by recorded delivery at least.

Keep copies of EVERYTHING, both written & email & log the names, times & dates of every verbal contact. Also keep & take copies of any Royal mail recorded delivery slips & print out the delivery confirmation.

This may sound over the top & maybe even obsessive, but if your case goes wrong, you'll need all the help & proof you can lay your hands on.

You never know though, you may be lucky enough to have a straight forward case which only takes a few weeks to sort out.:rolleyes:

pd001

sprogs wrote: »

I think I would prefer to phone, but if necessary will get the details of the person I am talking to and follow each call up with a letter confirming the conversation - then they can get doubly fed up with me!

Agree with donedoingdebt

Much less hassle if you just write, forget the phone calls

Send it recorded
Keep copies
Build a paper file
Dont lose anything

Phone calls can be misunderstood on both sides

Hawkmoon69

Kittikins, best off without CSA but speak to your ex and let him know what you plan to do if he wont pay, and that you can request a DEO and also for one child he would pay 20% of his net income this may jog him into action.
Tell him 3 strikes and hes out, then you call CSA. If he don't !!!! his pants then i'm afraid you need them or this kind of control hes using against you is going to continue for years.