CSA, how long should I wait?

TheOstrich

I have just been on the phone again to get an update on my case which I started in Nov 2006. I have been told that i should wait another "few" weeks. I was told earlier in the year my case could take 12/14 weeks to complete which took me to 11th July, now one month on I am being told to wait again. I cannot find out if my case is with a case worker, I cannot get any contact names and the only number i have got is goes to what seems like a call centre.

am i being fobbed off? should I start and be a nuisance, any advice on how best to deal with it?

Kimitatsu

All of the general numbers go through to a central number and then get transferred about.

Have you checked that they (still) have your application? I ask this because they are notoriously bad at losing paperwork!

Personally I have found the only thing that ever gets anything moving is to complain to the department manager and send everything by recorded delivery, as it is the only way to prove they have recieved it into their offices.

They have enormous backlogs of everything at the moment, even those of us with open cases are having to wait 4 months for things to happen. Speak to the CSA again and lodge a complaint with your MP, the people which work there are in a cleft stick as they are being reduced in numbers because of the fantastic new computer system which doesnt work.

kelloggs36

and the reduction in staff as Gordon Brown thinks that they aren't needed as they are over staffed despite evidence to the contrary.

hoppypoppy_2

So what can be done in a case of a 4 yr (+) delay, not a penny paid despite regular chasing? complaints raised, docs and forms repeatedly mislaid and the whole process written off and started over-again (without backdating to original application). REALLY Don't want to cause distress for Ostrich or others - I know it's extremely difficult to stretch finances, but please don't hold your breath and don't bank on that money until it's in your hand.