Deductions from JSA

MediaMan_2

I've just received a letter stating that I will be getting £56.80 deductions per week from my £74 per week JSA. This will leave me just £18 per week to live on! Is this legal?? Or should I just use the money to buy a decent rope & find a sturdy tree!

The deductions are £10p/w for an overpayment (my Ex Wife was less than truthful on a claim form without my knowledge) and £46p/w for CSA. I might as well just not bother!

Any help??

MidnightHour

MediaMan wrote: »

I've just received a letter stating that I will be getting £56.80 deductions per week from my £74 per week JSA. This will leave me just £18 per week to live on! Is this legal?? Or should I just use the money to buy a decent rope & find a sturdy tree!

The deductions are £10p/w for an overpayment (my Ex Wife was less than truthful on a claim form without my knowledge) and £46p/w for CSA. I might as well just not bother!

Any help??

You need to contact CSA and tell them you are on JSA, i'm pretty sure it's only £5 pw per child while on this benefit.

Housing_Benefit_Officer

MediaMan wrote: »

I've just received a letter stating that I will be getting £56.80 deductions per week from my £74 per week JSA. This will leave me just £18 per week to live on! Is this legal?? Or should I just use the money to buy a decent rope & find a sturdy tree!

The deductions are £10p/w for an overpayment (my Ex Wife was less than truthful on a claim form without my knowledge) and £46p/w for CSA. I might as well just not bother!

Any help??

I have never known a deduction this high!

This is the DWP Decision Makers guide:-

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/decision-makers-guide/

Chapter 33 - deductions from JSA

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dmgch33.pdf

Child Support Maintenance
Meaning of specified benefit.........................................................................33615

Deductions from specified benefit................................................................33616

Amount of IS/JSA to be left after deduction of flat rate maintenance...........33620

Claimant and partner both liable to pay flat rate maintenance.....................33621

Polygamous marriages.................................................................................33622

“Nil rate” flat rate maintenance.....................................................................33623

Priority of deductions........................................................................33625

MediaMan_2

I do have arrears, but still it seems a ridiculously high amount to be deducted. I had a bit of a breakdown in 2010, had to quit my job and 'dropped out' of society for a bit. I didn't register as unemployed and didn't claim any benefits. I lived on my savings and on the help of friends and family. I'm much better now and moving forward. I'm worried this may set me back to square one. Obviously £18p/w is not enough to exist, let alone live, on.

Housing_Benefit_Officer

MediaMan wrote: »

I do have arrears, but still it seems a ridiculously high amount to be deducted. I had a bit of a breakdown in 2010, had to quit my job and 'dropped out' of society for a bit. I didn't register as unemployed and didn't claim any benefits. I lived on my savings and on the help of friends and family. I'm much better now and moving forward. I'm worried this may set me back to square one. Obviously £18p/w is not enough to exist, let alone live, on.

Phone them as a matter of urgency as something doesn't seem right with this deduction!

midnight_express

It should be a fiver a week to the Csa.

MediaMan_2

I've been in touch with both the DWP & CSA this morning and have reached a satisfactory payment plan. The guy at the CSA was very helpful and empathetic. The guy from the DWP was dismissive and rude. I do know I probably have a couple more fights before this reaches its conclusion as I'm due to be 'paid' my benefit tomorrow. The CSA payment was cancelled but still feel it will be too late to stop it being taken this week.

Thanks for all help given.