Time scale?

mrsspendalot

Hi

I applied for CSA for my two boys online on 12th April. I had a phone call from CSA on 1st May to say that my case had been put on the system and they gave me a case reference number. I spoke to my ex yesterday who said they haven't called him yet. I just wondered whether the CSA's 4 week guideline for contacting NRPs was from the date of the application (i.e. 12th April) or from the date they process the claim on to their system (i.e. 1st May). I haven't had any maintenance for my boys since 17th February. I have given them all his contact details, including NI number and mobile phone. As I understand it, I don't even start to qualify for maintenance until they make contact with him. How does that work if he avoids answering his phone calls to drag it out? Thanks in advance.

mrsspendalot

Update: Just had a call from CSA to say that they have tried calling my ex on numerous occasions but he hasn't answered his phone, so they sent out an MEF on 11th May, which is now the effective date. So at least I know that the liability has started.

missmontana

Mines on about the same timeline as yours, I called them in Feb, they got in contact with him in March ( he answers his phone!) All the paperwork has been sent to him, he should have returned it by now, hopefully I will have some money by June/July time.

DaisyChainMaker

I wish you luck. I have been trying for 9 years ... and still waiting.

mrsspendalot

9 years??? Goodness!!! Hope you get a breakthrough soon. Have they explained the hold-up? Have you complained? You must have incredible patience!

DaisyChainMaker

lol no sign of a breakthrough yet, but I have emailed my MP so who knows, I may get something this year :rotfl:

Hold ups are due to a variety of reasons:
ex changing his surname, jobs, giving up work when they catch up with him, moving, going on long term sick, the csa computer systems freezing and having to go over to clerical assessment (this took nearly a year), and every time the csa make an assessment my ex has a 'change of circumstances' which then stops any payments pending until they have reassessed him (takes 6-12 months each time). He knows how to play the system.

As for patience? lol I think I just find the whole thing a fiasco now and don't expect to ever get anything from him. I've managed this long without any payments... and our daughter is now 13. I will keep writing, and trying though, as I feel he owes it to her to provide something financially ... even if it is only a few pounds a week. He's doing a good job of avoiding it all so far though.