Confused

Annec

We have over many years talked, phoned, ripped our hair out, with the CSA on maintenance. We spoke to them and they asked us for a ridiculous sum of money to be paid to them, we refused to pay this amount. So without any further conversation the CSA said they were putting the debt into a collection agencies hands, fine no problem with that. We set up an arrangement to pay by DDebit an amount per month. This we did but got arrased by the agency for more money every month, some we refuse, some we paid extra. This has been going on for a year or more, today we got a phone call from the CSA saying the debt had gone back to them and they wanted 5 times what we are paying already. Is this legal or fair and why have they done this when we haven't missed a payment?

loobyloo0302

Annec wrote: »

We have over many years talked, phoned, ripped our hair out, with the CSA on maintenance. We spoke to them and they asked us for a ridiculous sum of money to be paid to them, we refused to pay this amount. So without any further conversation the CSA said they were putting the debt into a collection agencies hands, fine no problem with that. We set up an arrangement to pay by DDebit an amount per month. This we did but got arrased by the agency for more money every month, some we refuse, some we paid extra. This has been going on for a year or more, today we got a phone call from the CSA saying the debt had gone back to them and they wanted 5 times what we are paying already. Is this legal or fair and why have they done this when we haven't missed a payment?

How have you not missed a payment? So you may infact find that you've landed yourself in arrears... you cannot pick and choose what you pay to the csa, as they will get what they have asked for eventually..

Annec

I think you may have misunderstood. We refused to pay a higher amount because we at the time couldn't afford to pay it, when we could afford it we paid a higher amount. If collection is by direct debit we could not have missed a payment! They are also threatening a Deduction from earnings, why because they are greedy.

loobyloo0302

Well there's obviously a reason you were being harrassed for more. The obvious reasons are either an increase in earnings or you acrued arrears and were not paying enough via direct debit in order to clear your debt.

They are not chasing you because they are greedy, you are being chased as there is a child/children to support.

Donedoingdebt

Can you clarify whether the amount that they're chasing you for is arrears?

As loobyloo stated, once an assessment amount has been actioned, there is no scope with the CSA to pay more or less each month on the normal CM payment.

Also, as you set up a DD with the CSA, I'm surprised that they took less out of your account than the amount that was due.

If the amount they're chasing you for is for arrears, then they appear to be redoubling their efforts to get all those accounts that are in arrears paid back asap.

There is only a small amount of scope for negotiation with them with regards payment of arrears, with the absolute maximum time given, supposedly 2 years. However, there will be much pressure to pay them off much sooner than this.

AnxiousMum

The child doesn't stop needing food, clothing, heat, etc. until you decide to pay what has been deemed necessary for your share of upkeep of the child. I'm sure you would never consider not letting your partner eat, drink, stay warm etc. if money was tight that month......why make that same choice for the child? If money's tight one month....it's usually me that will go without, but never the kids.

trevormax

AnxiousMum wrote: »

The child doesn't stop needing food, clothing, heat, etc. until you decide to pay what has been deemed necessary for your share of upkeep of the child. I'm sure you would never consider not letting your partner eat, drink, stay warm etc. if money was tight that month......why make that same choice for the child? If money's tight one month....it's usually me that will go without, but never the kids.

You're assuming the PWC isn't on benefits, in which case the child will not go without at all.

Also, you can't get blood out of a stone. If the OP simply can not afford to pay huge amounts each week, then they can not pay it. A very simple concept the CSA seem to ignore.

The OP also didn't say they won't pay, but the OP has to eat food, buy clothes and heat them selves. Are they to go without just because the CSA want the debt cleared as quickly as possible?

AnxiousMum

As a PWC, I have gone without many things to ensure that my children's needs are met. I'm sure many a PWC has done the very same thing, but many an NPC seems to think that their personal needs get met as priority, and then the needs of the children. The day you have a child, that priority has to change! The OP HAS stated that they refused to pay the higher amount.

shell_542

Well yes, an NRPs needs to fund petrol to get to and from their work does come high up in the priority list, because no job = no money to spend on the children. An NRPs mortgage is also high up there, no house = NRP living on the street inapable of caring for the child in other ways than just financially.

The OP didn't say they refused to pay at all, just couldn't afford the figure the CSA demand, which happens.

If the children were living in the NRPs household they maybe couldn't afford to spend the figure the CSA deem correct on the children, because money doesn't grow on trees.

Yes OP your partner went around it the wrong way because the simple fact of the matter is the CSA don't give two flying ... figs if an NRP can't afford a figure they demand and while that figure is not being paid, arrears are racking up and they'll want it all paid in as short a time as they want.

LizzieS_2

Annec wrote: »

I think you may have misunderstood. We refused to pay a higher amount because we at the time couldn't afford to pay it, when we could afford it we paid a higher amount. If collection is by direct debit we could not have missed a payment! They are also threatening a Deduction from earnings, why because they are greedy.

I see this as extremely poor budgeting. Say assessment was £300pm and OP paid £100pm by DD, why pay £300 some months? Surely it makes more sense to budget properly and pay the same amount each month? After all, you cannot turn to your landlord, council tax, utility suppliers and say I will pay you next month so you do budget there.

AnxiousMum

shell_542 wrote: »

Well yes, an NRPs needs to fund petrol to get to and from their work does come high up in the priority list, because no job = no money to spend on the children. An NRPs mortgage is also high up there, no house = NRP living on the street inapable of caring for the child in other ways than just financially.

Ummmmm, PWC's also need those same things. Just because I have children and their father contributes to their financial needs, doesn't mean I don't need petrol to get to and from work - but.....if I really can't pay what's needed to feed, clothe and house my kids, I might think twice about taking a 50 mile road trip to visit friends etc. Just saying that the PWC's go without as well, as we contribute to our children financially from our salaries just as much as the NRP - that's why it's income based assessments. It's based on how much you should be able to afford, if you cannot budget properly to ensure you can meet that, does that make it the child's fault and so they have to go without? Don't think so.
I really need some new work clothes for winter......but due to residential camps for two of my children that need paying this month through school.....that'll have to wait till next month.