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Hi,
Hopefully this question won’t set off a “Not again” scenario...
I have been paying my ex-wife £380 per month through a private arrangement for the last few years. The original court order stated I should pay £350 but she asked for more and I agreed, he is my son after all.
Six months ago an incident at work left me with complex PTSD and I’ve been off since. I am receiving treatment and had an official diagnosis. My pay has now been reduced by 50% so I had to reduce the maintenance payment. The ex has kicked off and taken the matter to the CSA.
I have to admit that I am absolutely appalled at how this organisation has taken about their contact with me, making demands and continuous threats of breaking all sorts of laws unless I comply. Totally unnecessary!
Anyhow, the CSA have gone on last years wages and obtained this info from HMRC. They are not interested in my reduced wage until I can give them 2 wage slips. My next wage slip is not due until 20th Feb. Meanwhile the threats continue.
I am in the process of applying for Industrial injury disablement benefit. The online calculator for the CSA states that if you are in receipt of this or other benefits then you pay the flat rate of £7 per week. Is this correct?
I will obviously continue to pay for my son but if this is correct, then this will at least put an end to the CSA causing me no end of stress !!
Sorry for the long message but thought it best to give full background...
Thanks
John
Hi, yes it should do - once you get evidence of this benefit, then send it by recorded delivery to CSA so you have proof of when it was sent, and then chase them up by phone,
Hi,
Many thanks for your quick response and help. The future may be looking slightly better after all !
Are you still employed? If you are I take it you will be leaving your employment and live off the benefits?
Hi,
I’m afraid not. I’d have to try to carry on working when my treatment finishes. The benefit is only a small monetary amount to assist.
If your still employed then I would not think that you would only have to pay £7 per week I am afraid. They would still assess you on your income. The benefit you would get may add £7 per week to your contributions you have to pay.
I agree that the CMS are a terrible organistation. Their rules are so complicated you get a differet answer depending on who you talk to, and yes some are rude. Last year I left my job without another one to go to. Told them about this and they wanted to know why I had done that and how I intented to support myself! I told them it is none of their business and they dont need to know.
If you have issues dealing with the CMS it's worth contacting your local CAB or MP to assist you.
I've read the guidelines and it reads to me that receipt of certain benefits means a flat rate of £7. Heres the link, go to page 23/24... see what you think?
I stand by my original comment, and in addition to Yoda's link above, take a look at:
It's section 6.1 that you are interested (notice that the conditions are all OR - ie if any one of them applies, then you are on the reduced rate)
Many thanks for all of your responses. The guidance definitely looks like the flat rate of £7 will be used. I will post an update as and when I get a definitive answer !
Thank you, it would be helpful to know for certain.
Hi. Was wondering if you found out if you only have to pay the flat rate of £7 week or did you have to also carry on paying more due to you still having an income from your employment..
thanks.
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