Urgent CSA advice needed.

kelloggs36

Well, considering that she got a tenner per week, that is allowed now, but I'm not sure if that applied under the old rules - I think it was saved up to be called Child Support bonus or something similar, so it may be worth checking out.

calleyw

kelloggs36 wrote: »

Calleyw - how much arrears are we talking here? Normally, if somebody is in receipt of benefits then they don't take recovery action against them - go to your MP about it as it is affecting his health (your partner, not the MP lol). You could make them an offer of 5.80 per week which is the minimum they can take in respect of arrears as a gesture whilst you try to get somewhere with your MP.

Could you get your Doctor to write a letter explaining the health implications of what they are doing in order to back up what you are saying - Please don't take this the wrong way - but anybody could claim to be ill in order to avoid payment (I'm not suggesting for one minute that he is one of them), but the CSA don't know without evidence - so a Doctor's letter can only prove what you are saying and they may take you more seriously? I am only suggesting here - I don't know if it will definately work. Speak to the HEO in charge of the team and ask if this will help - it will prove you are taking the matter seriously but aren't trying to pull a fast one.

Why is it that in some cases where it isn't warranted, the CSA hound the NRP, yet in cases where the NRP is blatantly refusing to pay, they really drag their feet and need to be forced to take action?

It is £900 and I thought I had sent through a couple of sick notes.

I know what you are saying but he ain't faking and he is claiming benefit DLA which means you have a disability :rolleyes: I know don't tell me they don't share info :rolleyes:

We where told the min was £40 a month no and if's or buts.

You are right the reason they are going after my husband is because he is soft target who always pays and they know where he is.

I think the biggest thing that got me :mad: was we got a phone saying urgent. We have no paper work what so ever. And no pre-warning what so ever.

And they also only accept Direct debits. Don't think so that means they can change it 14 days notice to what ever think.

Why is they always want to kick you when you are down.

Sorry to ask a thick question what is a HEO?

Thanks for the help kelloggs36

Yours


Calley.

kelloggs36

An HEO is a manager - an AO is a caseworker, sometimes an EO (a higher grade, depending on which section) and an HEO is a manager. So, if you speak to the HEO you are speaking to somebody of a higher grade than your caseworker. They are lying when they tell you the minimum is 40 quid per month for arrears - it is 5.80 per week. They are also lying when they say that they will only accept direct debits - they can accept standing orders aswell, which you have control over although their PREFERED method is a direct debit.

I would definately get your MP involved here.

kelloggs36

Calleyw - do you know if the PWC is on benefits or not?

calleyw

kelloggs36 wrote: »

Calleyw - do you know if the PWC is on benefits or not?

Not that I am aware.

Why?


Thanks again.

Yours


Calley

kelloggs36

If she is on benefits then you have a stronger argument for lowering the arrears - she isn't getting it anyway, so it doesn't matter how long it takes for you to pay it off!

Looking at their own guidance for staff, there IS NO MINIMUM AMOUNT that they can consider for arrears - so they are definately lying when they are telling you to pay 40 quid per month!!!!! They need to have consideration for your household and how much you have to live on as well as consideration for the child in question - a balance needs to be struck. But there is definately room for negotiation.

kelloggs36

Their own website refers to them writing to you to negotiate a method of payment if direct debit or DEO isn't possible - implying that there are other methods available. They will try to push for direct debit as it is much easier and is more convenient and once set up it means that payments are likely to be regular, although there is still no guarantee that the NRP won't cancel the instruction at the bank!

calleyw

kelloggs36 wrote: »

If she is on benefits then you have a stronger argument for lowering the arrears - she isn't getting it anyway, so it doesn't matter how long it takes for you to pay it off!

Looking at their own guidance for staff, there IS NO MINIMUM AMOUNT that they can consider for arrears - so they are definately lying when they are telling you to pay 40 quid per month!!!!! They need to have consideration for your household and how much you have to live on as well as consideration for the child in question - a balance needs to be struck. But there is definately room for negotiation.

I have been told today by debt management that the rules have changed and have to recover the debt over a max of two years.

This has been quoted by two different members of staff. To both my husband and me.


Yours


Calley

kelloggs36

Well, in many, many cases that is just not going to happen because some arrears are so huge that it will be impossible, so I'm afraid that they are still lying to you!!!!!!!!

kelloggs36

Such as my ex having to pay me 252 quid per week, on top of his regular maintenance, making it 328 quid per WEEK, which clearly isn't going to happen is it? I would take it further if you really can't afford to pay what they are asking. Of course there are advantages to it being paid off at a higher rate - that it is not hanging over your heads for so long, but you need to push and push for a reaslistic amount to pay off and if they won't listen to you, involve your MP who will have more oomph and will probably have more luck.