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CSA advice forum » Child Support Agency

1. ClockStrikesTen
   Member
   
   

   Hi there. This is my first post. I have to complete Child Maintenance Enquiry - my ex has made an application for maintenance through the CSA and I have duly been sent the form to complete.

   I am aware of this might be the start of another nightmare - so forewarned is forearmed.

   There is a section titled "Collection Details". There is only listed one payment option. Direct Debit. The form goes as far to say "Paying your maintenance by direct debit has many advantages and is the way we recommend". And there is an list of "Reasons why you should pay by direct debit". No I don't want to be fooled by this.

   If I choose not to pay by DD. The form states I can opt to DEO from earnings. I am unemployed at the moment. So thats not relevant.

   There is an option if "neither methods" I am to call a number. Which looks like I will have to do.

   I understand that an amount can be taken directly (at source) via the DHSS as a deduction before whats left is paid into my bank.

   My question. I will call the number. What do I need to tell (and not tell) the CSA?

   When my position changes and I have a regular income - I do not want to pay by DD. Either cheque or Standing Order. How do I set this up.

   Thanks in advance. Any thoughts.

   Posted 2 months ago #

2. mr.pink
   Member
   
   

   The problem with DD is that the CSA can take whatever sum they feel like from your account. They were trying to get away from cheques and I told them to get stuffed on the DD. If you are unemployed, it would be safer for them to deduct at source, that way you will not accrue arrears and they will not have access to your account.
   What do they list as the 'reasons to pay by DD'? and are they now REFUSING to accept cheques?

   Posted 2 months ago #

3. ClockStrikesTen
   Member
   
   

   Thanks for your reply: Reasons given.
   • You don't need to buy stamps, use envelopes, or stand in queues, making direct debit the cheapest way to pay.
   • You don't want to have to remember to make your monthly payments because your bank does all the work for you.
   • You remain in total control of your money because you can cancel your direct debit at any time.
   • You are given at least 10 days working days notice of the amount which will be debited from your account, giving you plenty of time to query the amount or cancel the direct debit if you wish.
   • Only direct debit payers have the opportunity to choose their preferred payment date.

   Am thinking of returning the form with a letter asking them to confirm S/O and to confirm their bank details as follows. But I do understand that as I do not have an income at the moment - it is safer for them to take it at source. And any arrears they can I understand take a further £1 per week. Total maximum £6 per week from DHSS.

   Details I would ask them to confirm are:

   Sort Code: 40-34-18
   Account Number: 41775448
   Payee Name: CSA CLIENT FUND AC

   Another point:

   When do I agree to when, the date, collection commences? Given that no residence order was in place - interim or otherwise - until recently, is the collection date from separation, ex's application, or residence order?

   Thx.

   LATE EDIT: There is a line at the bottom of the page "That in certain circumstances we may have to decide which method of payment is to be used".

   Posted 2 months ago #

4. mr.pink
   Member
   
   

   That looks like a load of horse manure.They are just trying to avoid cheques and get easy access to your account. There are plenty of people on this forum who don't get any notice of withdrawals. "Only DD payers get to choose payment date"- more rhubarb.
   You will note it does not refuse cheques.
   maintenece starts from when you were advised (a claim had been submitted) by the CSA.
   No backdating to an earlier time.

   Posted 2 months ago #

5. ClockStrikesTen
   Member
   
   

   Okay thanks for that information. I still have to I assume call them or should I write. I want to keep things in writing as much as possible for my records.

   Posted 2 months ago #

6. mr.pink
   Member
   
   

   I would always write beacuse:
   1.You have a good record of events
   2.The CSA are not above telling porkies
   3.It makes administrating the cases more costly for the CSA

   Posted 2 months ago #

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