help needed please for single dad

rb211

recently had my son to live with me and I have just found out I cannot claim maintenance from the CSA or tax credits until I am in receipt of child benefit. I have called child benefit and they have said it will be 12 weeks before a decision is made !!!! So I have to go 3 months with no maintenance, no tax credits, and no child benefit.
I find that a ridiculous time to wait, what do you think ??

Thanks

marksoton

Nope that is completely unacceptable.

Decision on what ? He either lives with you or he doesn't. Complain and then complain more. If you get no joy involve your MP.

rb211

Well I think they mean process the application because it is already paid to the mother

tamsin1982

I fail to see how it would take them so long to change name and account details! Obviously they have to check with your sons mum that what you have told them is correct but I wouldnt be happy waiting that long!

marksoton

rb211 wrote: »

Well I think they mean process the application because it is already paid to the mother

That is still unacceptable. Your sons mother will be receiving money she is not entitled to.

rb211

Get this I have just sent them an email from the child benefit website and my reply by email is, 'we aim to reply within 10 days or 20 days with more complex cases' Incredible !!!

rosie-lee

Typical bloody government:mad:

They need to allow 12 weeks to process something that would take the rest of us 10 mins to do :rolleyes:

sassygirl_2

OMG thats stupid! When my son left me to live with his dad, i informed the CB ppl and the following week the CB had stopped being paid to me and was paid to his dad instead. 12 weeks is far too long to go without.

GC81

Not sure how your relationship with your sons mother is but you need to know if she is still receiving the CB and if so you want to paid from her to you until they sort it out.
That money is for your child so should be to the main carer (IMO)
Good luck and I hope they can sort your claims out swiftly and the dates/time frame mentioned are a formality.

Pont

Phone the tax credit office and explain your situation. I think (!) tax credits can be backdated up to 93 days. Not great I know - but it may soften the blow a little if this is right.

marksoton

rb211 wrote: »

Get this I have just sent them an email from the child benefit website and my reply by email is, 'we aim to reply within 10 days or 20 days with more complex cases' Incredible !!!

You need to hound them. By denying you the CB they are also preventing you from claiming a raft of other payments. It is simply not acceptable.