[Solved] child maintenance arreas

Hi there

I've moved your post into the Child Maintenance section. You may get more response here.

I'm afraid I don't know a great deal about the financial side of things, but if you are unhappy with their decision I suggest you appeal and if this is unsuccessful you could try going to see your MP and asking them to help.

Did they reduce your payments once you lost your job? If not, I'd ask them to reassess based on that information, and then speak to your MP asap.

Unfortunately, if there are arrears, I believe the CSA can take up to 40% of your pay, and it looks as though they are doing this - you could speak to them and ask if you can pay of your arrears over a longer period, though the CSA aren't known for being considerate.

They put a stop on the claim till I got benefits sorted out but I got a job just after id sorted benefits out so I had to stop the benefits iv kept the CSA informed at every possible point about every change that has occurred so that the payments can be sorted out as soon as possible I have disputed a couple of things about the amount and the CSA have said ill get a case worker allocated and they'll be in touch in 5 working days but they haven't so I got on the phone again and now there saying that I have not been compliant which I have from day one and they basically fobbed me off with someone will contact you on Monday but I'm not hopeful about that iv asked to speak to manager's but get told there not available now the CSA is an absolute joke and it needs sorting out its as if the only child that matters is the one that the claim is about and that there not bothered about putting a family into poverty to get money for a child that I already provide for when she stays with me as well as paying the maintenance they want

Are you on the old system - pre 2012?

If they are not listening to you then insist on speaking to a supervisor and ask them to listen to their call recordings regarding what you've been told. Tell them you are very upset regarding the attitude of staff considering you have ensured they've been informed of all changes. Also ask them to send you all records they hold on you as part of the Data Protection Act so you know where you stand and can cross reference your calls as those should be documented.As you started a new job after a period of unemployment they should reassess you at your new gross wage. You can ask to pay arrears over a period of up to 2 years but they don't tell you that. You have to ask for that yourself. Make sure you tell them you can only afford to pay the arrears that way otherwise you will suffer financial hardship.

You can ask to pay arrears over a period of up to 2 years but they don't tell you that.

Do have any references for this - it would be really useful to a lot of fathers if there is something written down they could quote to the CSA/CMS 🙂

I know this from experience as the officer working on my Partner's case told me. We have had terrible trouble with the CMS as we raised a case for his child last year. He already had a case for another child on the old system. Anyway long story short, they made an [censored] of it and this year discovered they hadn't followed the correct process so 2nd child not recognised and first child moved back to the old system thus generating arrears. We've had the same officer sorting the mess out and she has been very helpful advising us what we can and can't do. Believe me, having their notes on my Partner has been a god-send and I've been able to highlight and prove their lies. They will not tell you you can pay over 2 years but you can. As I said, tell them that's the only way you can afford it.

Hi thank you to everyone who has given me advise but as of last week I have had to give my job up simply because of the CSA taking most of my wages I just simply cant afford to live off what they were leaving me with which was £171.00 by the time rent was paid of £100 it left me with £71 to pay council tax, gas, and electric,and tv license and food I just couldn't do it so now I have been forced to go on to benefits which I don't want to do but the CSA are making it that ill be better off on benefits than working the CSA absolutely stinks it causes more problems thank it sorts out they have also put a massive strain on my relationship causing my partner to end up on antidepressants thank you very much csa. Again thanks to everyone who gave me advice.