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Hi,
I’ve paid child maintenance for the last 12/13 years without a problem. The CMS did their yearly recalculation and I was meant to pay more. I forgot to increase the payment amount and my ex reported me the CMS and requested I move to collect and pay.
I immediately rectified the problem and provided proof. This included a screenshot to show that the standing order had been set up for the following year at the new amount.
Unfortunately, the CMS have determined that I should be moved to collect and pay as request by my abusive ex partner. Can you please advise me on whether I have any grounds to appeal this decision?
Thanks.
Hi, I think it's very unlikely that CMS will change back to direct pay. they are very quick to take enforcement if someone has underpaid or missed a payment. after 6 months you can request to be put back on direct pay, and they should do that.
@dadmod2 thanks for the advice. Have you heard of anyone being successful on appeal?
I’m thinking of fighting this until the end, they can’t get away with behaving like this. I don’t see how their decision is proportionate or necessary seeing as I’ve demonstrated that I’ve set up the standing order for the next 12 months.
@confuseddad1234 I have not heard of any appeals lately regarding to this issue. suppose you can try via complaints route and your MP. also recommend this support group for paying parents, lot of experienced members:
Dunno man, service is so unfair you've got to pay all those fees for nothing. I'd keep challenging and write complaints.
They are bad enough as it is. Nevermind the fees for a basic stand order
This has just happened to me. I've been paying Direct Pay for the past 2 years. I had set up a DD and paid monthly and NEVER missed a payment. I had been paying £292 per month but moved house and never received the review letter to take it to £316. I've had no messages to say I was underpaying until my latest review. It has now gone up to £440 per month as they claim I was behind on payments (£24 per month) and with Direct Pay fees and charges I am £1001 in arrears.... in a YEAR!!!! I called them, was on hold for 50 mins and when I spoke to the lady at CMS and complained about the fees, she hung up!!!!!! Worst system I have ever come across. Any ideas how to get through to them that this is madness?
@jaydthornton hi sorry to hear. did you tell CMS about your change of address? also do you have an online CMS account? when they did my review recently, they sent me a SMS text and an email about it. seems like they have gone completely paperless.
@dadmod2 I changed address in February and didnt update CMS files until March. I now only use the online account but it's pointless. There is no right to reply. The ex who is on a vendetta is out to take everything she can and whatever she tells them, they believe and its' mega frustrating.
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