Being female the CSA always assumes I am receiving money, rather than paying

I had some arrears with the CSA, my eldest daughter lived with her father whilst doing the later part of her secondary eduction, the CSA then decided I earnt enough in my new job to pay a lot more than I had been previously and some “arrears” suddenly apeared even though I had been paying regularly.

I still have my younger daughter at home, I don’t earn much but certainly never begrudged paying even when they increased. Now my eldest has left her father’s house on her gap year, and the CSA have upped the amount they want, and made an attachment of earnings for 40% of my wage – approx £350 to be taken…. 23rd December. Merry Christmas!

I have £380 remaining to pay off the arrears as of now. Have contacted them – they tend to always assume I am the party receiving, not paying, being female so it’s always a bit of a nightmare trying to get them on the right page, even after giving all my reference numbers. I am just generally amazed that they will take 40% when I have a child here at home The CSA is supposed to helping alleviate child poverty in certain circumstances and as I hear again and again they seem to be creating it in many ways.

I m still waiting to hear back from my “case worker” who I don’t believe I have had the pleasure of speaking to as yet. I will certainly be asking for a full statement from them now to double check they haven’t taken more than they should have.

I can honestly see why people reach crisis point over dealing with this and so many people then suffer depression and thoughts of complete helplessness when facing all this. I completely feel for anyone going through similar or worse when dealing with the CSA.

Wishing you all the best of luck and as good a Christmas for you and your families as you can have.