Grrr CSA!!!!!

Hi all,

Two phonecalls today from CSA. First one this morning about the closure of my husband's case, where I was told (I am authorised to speak on hubby's behalf) that he owes a payment from the date SD came to live with us up to the end of July as CSA take her living with us from the date CB was first paid. I told them we would dispute that, and that there was no way the ex would be getting a payment for a period of time when SD wasn't living there. I asked them to put it in writing and said I would send evidence that she was with us from the date we have specified, and actually today received Tax Credits award from the date she started living with us. I was told they could not guarantee the date would be amended, but was welcome to send any evidence we have.

Second phone call just now from CSA regarding our claim against her. They said that they have worked out she has to pay £7 per week, but that my husband has to collect it from her himself because as it's such a small amount they cannot justify collecting it straight from her benefits. Bearing in mind we are 20 miles away, it would cost that near enough in petrol to go and collect money that she won't hand over anyway, and there are arrears!!!

Is this right? Can they do this? I can't quite believe it to be honest.

Tish,

I know there is a principle here, but is £7 a week worth the aggravation that collecting it will cause? You have said that she wont hand over the money anyway, so what is there to gain by attempting to collect it?

Maybe let things settle a bit first, and then try to discuss CM with her?

rubytuesday wrote:

Tish,

I know there is a principle here, but is £7 a week worth the aggravation that collecting it will cause? You have said that she wont hand over the money anyway, so what is there to gain by attempting to collect it?

Maybe let things settle a bit first, and then try to discuss CM with her?

We won't be approaching her yet, thought after Christmas would be better. There's no way she will pay off her own back though, and its not just the principle but we really could do with it. I know that sounds sad, because its such a small amount, but we have told SD she can have it for herself. She's at the age where she wants so much, including pocket money, so we would ask that its paid into her own bank account for her to use as she wishes.£28 pm would really help, and is a nice amount for her.

Your husband needs to bear in mind that if the father of your step daughter's half sibling is granted residence the £7/week will be shared between the two children.

Fiona wrote:

Your husband needs to bear in mind that if the father of your step daughter's half sibling is granted residence the £7/week will be shared between the two children.

Really? Gosh I didnt know that. Seems rather unfair doesn't it. But, he will get tax credits and be entitled to all the other stuff like free school meals etc., so he may agree for us to have it. He's a nice chap