CSA Rate

redavid

Hi all.

I have been paying CSA since November and would like some information if possible.

For the record, I do not wish to avoid my responsibilities, I just need to get my head together with how this works.

Currently I am paying £375 a month in CS for my daughter. £25 of that is 3 months of arrears spread out over a few years.

I earn a base rate of approximately £1300 per month. My commission can increase that from anywhere between £1500 and £2000 after deductions. If at the higher end, I can just about manage to pay the £375 CS on top of my other responsibilities (rent, council tax, debt management etc).

If it's at the lower end, which happens probably 6 months of the year, I am worried how I will be able to afford CS on top of everything else. My outgoings are now £2150 a month (absolutely no frills are included in that, it's bills, repayments, basic food allowance, car insurance etc).

Does the CSA have a fixed rate based on my higher earnings, or is it flexible depending on the wage I earn each month?

Last month I had a lower month and there is nothing I can cut back on, so I've had to miss paying council tax and debt repayments. I am worried about getting into trouble and creating a situation I cannot get out of.

I would be grateful for any advice you can give me.
Cheers, David

Cally_Smart

The CSA will just say its a priority debt and should be paid before anything else, they don't seem to care that you could be made homeless in my opinion.I'm no expert on CSA(wish I was ..see some of my other posts) but if you can send in 3 months wage slips at the lower level and the change would be more than 5%, you can ask for a reassessment. All the best in your case.
Cally

PreludeForTimeFeelers

redavid wrote: »

Hi all.

I have been paying CSA since November and would like some information if possible.

For the record, I do not wish to avoid my responsibilities, I just need to get my head together with how this works.

Currently I am paying £375 a month in CS for my daughter. £25 of that is 3 months of arrears spread out over a few years.

I earn a base rate of approximately £1300 per month. My commission can increase that from anywhere between £1500 and £2000 after deductions. If at the higher end, I can just about manage to pay the £375 CS on top of my other responsibilities (rent, council tax, debt management etc).

If it's at the lower end, which happens probably 6 months of the year, I am worried how I will be able to afford CS on top of everything else. My outgoings are now £2150 a month (absolutely no frills are included in that, it's bills, repayments, basic food allowance, car insurance etc).

Does the CSA have a fixed rate based on my higher earnings, or is it flexible depending on the wage I earn each month?

Last month I had a lower month and there is nothing I can cut back on, so I've had to miss paying council tax and debt repayments. I am worried about getting into trouble and creating a situation I cannot get out of.

I would be grateful for any advice you can give me.
Cheers, David

Hi David,

The wages used for your calculation are generally 2 monthly wage slips prior to the start of the case, if you're paid monthly. If your wage fluctuates quite a bit then it may be that they've taken an average based on your year to date - did you supply them with the information, or did they get it from your employer? Your original assessment letter from back in November should show you what net income they've used for your assessment, you should have a look at that and consider whether it is reflective or not. If it's higher than you think you're earning, then contact them and ask for a reassessment.