Maintenance through CSA

Hi all

We made an application for cm through csa 6 weeks ago, and haven't heard anything yet. That's not an issue cos we're aware it takes time. However, mum is on benefits so will she still have to complete an enquiry form thingy? How long is given before they have to have details of income, and does the fact that she's female mean she won't be pursued for payments? (Someone told us they don't pursue female nrp's as much as male nrp's).

Also, because I believe payments are accrued from the date of the claim, meaning that even though its only going to be 5pw, 30 is now owed, how is the back payment made by someone on benefits?

You need to chase them - there is every possibility it will sit in someone's in tray until the day the world ends....and then some.

I suggest phoning weekly at this point. They will chase her if you chase them. Otherwise, they don't seem to really bother - or at least, you are not a priority if you're not shouting loudly. I believe that arrears are dealt with at £1 a week when on benefits. However, she has other children she is responsible for, I think? In which case (I might be wrong), she could get a nil assessment.

Thanks. Will chase them. It's also very likely that anything sent out will sit unopened until, well forever! Did the csa calculator and even with another child it was still 5, and bear in mind there are no overnights to add in either. Our only experience with csa was when my hubby paid cm through them, and he always responded to them straight away. So what happens if their letters are ignored repeatedly?

If you tell them she's on benefits, they should check with the DWP and put the correct assessment in place and arrange to have her benefits deducted. It sounds simple. It rarely is.