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CSA advice forum » Child Support Agency

1. anuk
   Member
   
   

   Hi
   Last year I received a phone call from the csa saying I had accrued arrears of £521 for a child from a previous relationship and would need to repay it. When I asked them when this was accrued they said between May and December 2001 ( not a typo, it was 2001! ). I said that during that period I had not made payments because I was unemployed and on unemployment benefit for myself and my new family. They say that I never informed them I was out of work during this period therefore I was liable as informing them of a change of circumstances after the fact cannot be taken into account. Is this correct?
   As it took them 10 years to contact me about this (even though I have been in regular contact right up to the present time) I honestly cannot remember if I told them or not so I have to take their word for it.

   Posted 3 months ago #

2. mr.pink
   Member
   
   

   Unlike debts owed to banks and other private companies, there is no time limit on when the Agency can pursue outstanding arrears outside of the courts.
   You may have a chance to alter the calculation if you have proof you were unemployed.If you were on benefits, you would have only had to pay £5 /week plus a bit extra if you were in receipt of WTC or Child Benefit.
   Don't rely on phone calls - the CSA are notorious for losing info, write to them, lodge an Appeal if you have to (leaflets CSL 105 & 106). The CSA are have been known to lie about receiving documentation that does not suit their strategy.
   If the Appeal fails, write to the Independent Case Examiner in Chester and lodge a Complaint.
   Don't be intimidated, if they say you are liable because you failed to inform them, ask them to provide the Clause in Legislation where this rule is to be found.If they waffle or delay, keep asking because it's likely that the rule doen't actuallly exist.
   It is correct that both NRP and PWC should inform the CSA of change in circumstance.

   Posted 3 months ago #

3. anuk
   Member
   
   

   Thank you very much mr.pink for your reply, that's very helpful information.

   Posted 3 months ago #

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