WARNING - CSA have made up arrears!!

kitkatt1982

Hi, I am putting this on here not to complain or to scare monger but to warn you to check your paperwork thoroughly.

My husband is a nrp who has always paid child support through the CSA. The case has just transferred to CMS.

He underwent a reassessment last year due to a change of job and was advised that over £1000 arrears had accrued on the account. We were a little baffled as 5 years ago we were in 'credit' on the account and all subsequent payments were made.

We requested an account breakdown which we got after six months and numerous phone calls. All they were interested in at the time was our ability to make a payment for the full amount outstanding which fortunately we never paid.

The arrears were itemised as 1 X Secretary of State debt and 5 X refunds made to my husband which we had never received. After many conversations, the caseworker actually told us that this was an error as no refunds could have been made. (Obviously we have never had, or should have had a refund from the CSA). The Secretary of State debt was for a DNA test charge my husband actually paid for privately. Therefore the entire outstanding amount on the account was a COMPLETE FALLACY MADE UP BY THE CSA!

Needless to say, the caseworker left the department without completing the work, and the debt is now being transferred to the CMS as a Secretary of State debt. (We are appealing and the appeal has been upheld but have been here before so not holding my breath).

The moral of the story is trust nothing they say, get everything in writing and keep hold of everything you receive indefinitely. (The discrepancy between the paperwork we had 5 years ago and current paperwork is our only source of evidence for the appeal).

DUTR

kitkatt1982 wrote: »

Hi, I am putting this on here not to complain or to scare monger but to warn you to check your paperwork thoroughly.

My husband is a nrp who has always paid child support through the CSA. The case has just transferred to CMS.

(snip)

The moral of the story is trust nothing they say, get everything in writing and keep hold of everything you receive indefinitely. (The discrepancy between the paperwork we had 5 years ago and current paperwork is our only source of evidence for the appeal).

I agree lot's of 'customers should do that, I have kept everything in a folder....just in case.My statements and schedule are all up to date.

eve31

I really feel it boils down to certain caseworkers inability to do their jobs to a good standard and the inherited, not fit for purpose IT system they use that creates these types of c*ck ups. The system really lets people down on both sides.

You have to be vigilant, savvy and it's a part time job chasing up any errors on their system.

MikeShorty

I am currently argusing over £850 that I should have paid them in 2006....10years ago!!
I cant obtain old statements as I no longer have the account and the bank don't keep the info due to DPA, so why the CSA believe they are above this is astonishing!
Anyway put my case together and sent the info today