maintainence direct?

tamsin1982

I applied to the csa last year and got a nil assesment, I asked for a reassesment in january which was completed last month.
Because my ex had been paying me while the assesment had been taking place the amount the csa wanted from him was higher so I asked if we could carry on with him paying me direct, which was fine.

my ex never changed the s.o amount and is adament that the csa told him to ignore all the letters sent to him including the one stating the amount he should pay! annyway I called them up before easter an they said theyd have to work out the arrears minus what had been paid and send out a new schedule, I called back today and was informed I am on maintainence direct and no arrears are collectable and the assesment amount is just a guideline so I can accept any amount or none!

Im not happy at all, If Id wanted a guide amount id have used the online calculator!!
does anyone know if there is anything I can do?
I have asked to be put back as a csa case

kelloggs36

You were on maintenance direct and had therefore requested a calculation only! However, they should be able to collect arrears if you notify them within a reasonable time that he has failed to pay what you had agreed for him to pay. Make a complaint.

tamsin1982

well i notified them the day after the amount came through wrong so that should be ok!
how do I end up on direct tho? the way everyone has spoken to me I thought it was a normal csa case but ex just paid direct to me? do I have to get the csa to collect for it to be through them?

Zara33

tamsin1982 wrote: »

well i notified them the day after the amount came through wrong so that should be ok!
how do I end up on direct tho? the way everyone has spoken to me I thought it was a normal csa case but ex just paid direct to me? do I have to get the csa to collect for it to be through them?

They should ask whether you would like them (csa) to collect the money for you or whether your happy with direct payments from your ex.

In theory direct payments are great if you have a good relationship with your ex if not go down the csa route every time.

tamsin1982

thanks, wish theyd told me that getting the maintainence direct meant i didnt have a leg to stand on!

tamsin1982

theyve called me back today and the bloke I spoke to yesterday had it all wrong!! I do have a claim with them and theyre now sending out a new schedule, Ive also instructed them to collect the maintainence now just to save any further confusion lol

sarflee

Just a word of warning. I know of three people who changed from direct to CSA collection and each had a delay in receiving payment of at least two month. This may be the exception though.