Paying arrears on a closed file

craigf_2

Hi, When a lot of years ago I was contacted after splitting with my childeren mother. After I was a long period of time and home visits I was told I did not earn enough to pay and was told was a (NIL) closed account ..

However shortly after this I got a letter saying I had arrears. I called them and explain they told me file was closed as they told me my out goings were more than my income.

The women on phone went on to tell me while the file was open I was building up arrears even tho I was told I didnt have to pay and the reason I didnt was of my low income and high outgoings ..

So I agreed on paying £40 a month , but after 12 months I got bank statment and them started taking £170 a month, I called them up and they said as It taking me so long to clear arrears They had to raise payments ..


MY question is I guess ,, Can they take payment from me on a open/closed file they advised I didnt have to pay because I couldnt afford to. But still asking for the arrears to be cleared ..

Doesnt make sence to me !

kenzo54

Hi
If your on a new csa (csa 2) they can take basically what they want expecially if your in arrears. Usually they can take up to 40% of your wages but if your in arrears they can ask for 60%. I would speak to the citizens advice bureau cause if they did close the case they can NOT but arrears onto a new case unless it was transferred into the new csa2
But beware they have more power now than they had before they can take away your driving licence, make you even sell your assets.
given citizens advice a ring it won't do any harm.

CRANKY40

Ask for an account breakdown from the start of your case. It will give you all of your assessments, the charges, and the payments that you have made. It may take some time, but keep asking until you get it. Then we'll have a look at your assessment amounts and dates.