CSA...

I am thinking of arranging maintenance through CSA.

stbx currently pays voluntarily but less than he should be paying and will not disclose income.

If I go to CSA, will they suspend his voluntary payments first? I can't actually survive if the payments were to stop.

Also are the CSA really as bad as people say?
Does anyone have any recent experience of CSA?
Thanks!

Hi fluffy

The CSA will get in contact with the NRP and ask for his wage slips if they make contact on say the 14th Dec that is when the assessment begins , most NRP's will then not pay any more voluntarily contributions once the CSA have asked for info.If the NRP does not submit what the CSA reqeust they will do a default maintenance which is

£30 for 1 child p/w
£40 for 2 children p/w
£50 for 3 or more children p/w



If this happens the assessment is then back dated and assessed correctly when they have recieved the requested info, payment may go up it may go down.My case took from the 1st Nov (made contact with him) and i recieved the first payment around the 18th Dec not sure if that is the average timescale.

Are the CSA as bad as people say hmmmm tough 1 as for some people the CSA works just fine for others myself included i have found them nothing more than a disgrace and the needs of the children not being very high on their agenda.

My experience of CSA isn't really relevant to your situation. (am on benefits and so is ex)... but the staff have always been very friendly. However, the structure of the agency is clearly unwieldly and not good at addressing individual circumstances. I believe they are changing it though - but think it unlikely that it will improve!
The CSA, in my expreience, don't have any idea whether the maintenance is being paid or not.

Hi -
I put an application in three weeks ago and have been told it may only be assesed in Feb next year.

L

Lovelife, Feb next year...........that is not right! (I don't think)!
I contacted CSA on 14 Nov. They contacted xtb on 22th Nov and it is all arranged now by direct payment.
Now, whether he actually pays is another matter.
We will see. (around 12th Dec).

You will be assigned a case officer so when you call and enter you NI number you 'should' be put straight through to him/her. My case officer is great and working with me as to my query why my xtb states he has 2 overnight visits a week???? HE HAS NEVER HAD 2 OVERNIGHTS VISITS A WEEK IN THE LAST 4 1/2 years? He has advised me on what to do and any shortfall found from 22nd Nov 'will' be paid.

The CSA have very wide powers including taking payments from salary, seizing passports, driving licenses etc........quite scary really!!
Call them tomorrow, talk to them. My experience has been ok