Refund from CSA?

JayneTay

Hi

My husband had a child with his ex wife and paid alot of CSA over the years, never questioned it etc etc, even when they said he was in arrears and popped an attachment of earnings of about £20 a month on.

However a few years ago his ex wife did a bunk and his son was taken in by his wifes family and they refused the child support, instead saying that he had already done/paid so much over the years, and been such a good dad to him that they'd like to stop the CSA.

So instead we popped the money into an account ready for him to turn 18.

Now totally unobservant me didn't notice the attachment of earning was still coming out (and going to the said ex wife I assume).

Last October we spent hour after hour on the phone to the CSA, feeling completely frustrated at not being able to get an answer. Anyway they finally agreed in January this year to stop the attachment and refund what he'd paid (approx £600!).

Well as we now are nearly in June they still havent refund us anything! We phone up regularly to be told that it takes time, its on its way etc etc

What on earth should I do??? Does anyone have any advice - can I take them to small claims? Waiting 6 months for a refund is surely a joke!

Every time I call it takes at least an hour to go through the whole explanation of events and still come away with absolutely no answers, our letters are ignored (well they are NEVER acknowledged).

Any advice greatly appreciated x

kevin137

You have to be aware that you will probably incur costs, anything you have in writing is always a bonus as proof, but i would write, send it recorded delivery, that you now deem the debt of £xx amount overdue and as such, if a payment is not received within 14 days of the date of receiving the said letter, that you will be forced to take legal action for the recovery of the amount overdue.

Also include that any costs incurred as a result of issuing will also be added to the claim as will interest at base rate +3% from the same date.

You can issue against them using moneyclaimonline search it in google easily enough, and if they oppose it, then it will end up in court, if they do not, you will get judgement and or a cheque...

You must give them written warning though, which you must send recorded delivery as proof you gave this notice... Protect yourself...

JayneTay

thanks for this.

I have been told I cannot sue them as they are a government office? Is this correct??

kevin137

I have never heard that you cannot sue a government, and they certainly have CCJ's against them...

And i personally had an Injunction issued against them for using an Expired DEO against me and claimed a debt at the same time...

They will argue there are channels for this to be processed, but those channels are not compulsory, and you have other options available to you...

JayneTay

Just called the CSA and they refused to give me an address - all they have is a PO box and I need to send a recorded letter.

Can I send a recorded letter to a po box?

JayneTay

they've told me again that the money is waiting to be released, and someone will call me back within 5 days.

I have been told this 3 times in the last couple of months and it has never happened.

I just know I'll be calling again next week, to be told exactly the same thing again.

Noone would take any responsibility for making sure they call me back. I feel like its groundhog day!

What else can I do???

Sensemaya

Jayne

MP all the way. You should be asking for interest on this money too. Write a strongly worded letter of complaint with a brief history that can be sent along your MP's letter too.

That will shift them.

Cally_Smart

Get the MP involved they will be falling over themselves to help you..well at first anyway !It will get things moving !