HELP! CSA and arrears.

kelloggs36

Get your data protection file - look for where it said that arrears were suspended and then that the suspension was lifted - ask them this in writing also. Go to your MP and get them on board to get the info from the CSA. Ask why you had not been made aware that any arrears even existed, let alone were suspended. All you want is for the case to be checked to ensure it is correct - then if it is, you will have to pay it but if you are on benefits, it is unlikely that they can do very much.

jimmyjammer

Are you suggesting that I call the guy thats dealing with my case and tell him I want exact dates of the arrears, when they were suspended and when the suspension was lifted?

My worry with that is him either telling me "Look I sent you a breakdown, now start paying" or seeing it as me trying to avoid paying, and then he starts the ball rolling in whatever steps they can take.

I really dont know what to do for the best.......I've had the breakdown letter (well when I say breakdown it only gives details of payments going back to 2006) for about a week now. I assume they will be waiting for me to contact them now, and I'm worried that the longer I leave it the more they'll be thinking I'm avoiding them. I have printed off a copy of the data protection letter, and plan to send it recorded delivery today.

I really want to stress that I am in no way looking for a way to avoid paying.........I just want to be sure that there are in fact arrears, and if there is, it's for the correct amount. However if there is something about the arrears being from pre 2000, what is that situation?

LizzieS_2

At some point csa rules changed - each payment was classed as being a payment towards the oldest part of the debt (though technically it doesn't look that way on annual schedules).

Some-one will know more about this.

Donedoingdebt

jimmyjammer wrote: »

My worry with that is him either telling me "Look I sent you a breakdown, now start paying" or seeing it as me trying to avoid paying, and then he starts the ball rolling in whatever steps they can take.

You mustn't let these people bully you. The CSA basically try to whatever they feel like, so if you feel you need to see all your data protection files then go for it. Put your request in writing though & keep copies of everything sent & received & use recorded delivery.

I can't promise that the CSA won't mess you about in the short term, but eventually, they will be forced into doing what is correct.