CSA payment system changing .. please help and advise

greenfroggy

I've just read up on my local netmum's forum that the whole CSA system is changing and as a single mum I will now have to pay the Child Support Agency to get payments from my ex for maintenance. Is this true? Also my ex is on a Deductions Of Earning Order. The CSA tracked him down and he refused to pay so he is now in effect being forced to pay and has no control. Surely this means we are not in an arrangement as he would rather die than pay me voluntarily for my little one.
Will I still have to may the CSA to get maintenance when the new pathetic system kicks in next year?

Please help, I'm confused and upset at this change.
:mad::mad:

clearingout

Yep. But so will he. He'll be paying a premium to pay you through DEO just as you'll be paying a premium to receive it. I am in discussion with my MP on this matter at the moment - the fact that some of us have no choice but to use the system. I suspect what will happen is that many NRPs will say of course it's dreadful that we both have to pay, our children are not getting the full benefit of the money so I'll start paying you directly....and then after broken promises aplenty, we'll all be back with the CSA within...6 months?

AnxiousMum

It's disgusting that they have to charge the recipient or applicant for a CSA assessment. Surely, it's more fair to charge the non compliant parent - my ex is now current on his payments due to the Canadian rule of 'two late payments in a year and we charge an additional month's child support or $400 whichever is less' Funny how he now treats it as a priority debt and makes sure that they have their payment a couple of days before it is due - just like all his other bills that he pays on time.
If the CSA charged a late payment fee, or an administration fee for things like DEO's - it would be a much fairer system.

jetta_wales

AnxiousMum wrote: »

It's disgusting that they have to charge the recipient or applicant for a CSA assessment. Surely, it's more fair to charge the non compliant parent - my ex is now current on his payments due to the Canadian rule of 'two late payments in a year and we charge an additional month's child support or $400 whichever is less' Funny how he now treats it as a priority debt and makes sure that they have their payment a couple of days before it is due - just like all his other bills that he pays on time.
If the CSA charged a late payment fee, or an administration fee for things like DEO's - it would be a much fairer system.

Not all NRP's are non compliant when their ex choses to go to the CSA.

You'd enter a whole heap of admin for proving wether they'd already been paying or not and arguing over who has to pay. They've said the fee won't apply to those on low incomes anyway.

DX2

jetta_wales wrote: »

They've said the fee won't apply to those on low incomes anyway.

No they have said there is a reduced fee for those on low incomes.

mrsspendalot

DX2 wrote: »

No they have said there is a reduced fee for those on low incomes.

That's correct. They've said in the plans that the initial £100 application fee for someone on benefits is £50 upfront, and the other £50 will be taken in instalments. Those on benefits will still have to pay the collection charge (between 7-12%) if the CSA collects maintenance on their behalf too. The only people who won't have any fees to pay at all are those who have been the victims of domestic violence, but it is not sure at this stage how they will 'police' this (i.e. whether they will ask for proof etc).

kaya

they have to make money somehow to justify their existance, i believe they cost the taxpayer twice as much to run as they manage to take in and have done for years so your already supporting them through your extortionate tax payments and will in effect paying for them twice now.

DX2

I don't mind paying for a service, if it actually works! The CSA doesn't, so a waste of everyone's money.

clearingout

I think as paying customers, DX2, we can expect a far higher level of service. It will be interesting to see how it pans out and whether they are able to acheive this.

DX2

clearingout wrote: »

I think as paying customers, DX2, we can expect a far higher level of service. It will be interesting to see how it pans out and whether they are able to acheive this.

After this morning speaking to yet another CSA moron, I won't be holding my breathe!

clearingout

DX2 wrote: »

After this morning speaking to yet another CSA moron, I won't be holding my breathe!

Well, yes........I hear you and I feel your pain!