CSA just doesn’t bother to do anything

October 14, 2012

I last wrote on here about the CSA messing up the amount of arrears I owe (my fault it built up), and then finding out at tribunal appeal (it was over a month before I could supply evidence of their mistake) that they had in fact calculated the right ammount of arrears, then changed it to a figure over £3,000 more!

I wrote to them for my case file, and three weeks later, got annoyed of waiting and called.

Before I go on, I should explain something which is the crux of my new issue. In April 2012, my partner (now my wife) and I moved into our own place. I took on full financial responsibility for her 7 year old daughter.

I called the CSA to inform them and they said they’d do the checks. Two weeks later, I’d heard nothing, so I phoned back. Tax Credits hadn’t updated, so the check failed – they found that out the day after my request. But hadn’t bothered to call. Nice

The same thing happened again, only this time I called back in July. I insisted they did the third check over the phone while I waited and low and behold, it came up. I was told it would be two months and the amount I pay initially would be reduced (albeit by a tiny amount). Two days later a call – a aseworker would be in contact within the week. That was July 9th…

So, today, I call to find out what the hell is happening with my file request and with this. And I find out that – to my amazement – the details were passed on to a team, who have not bothered to do anything about it! The two month date has well gone now. I’m currently waiting for a call back by end of tomorrow – not holding my breath.

So the CSA are happy to take £3,000 more from me than they should, and refuse my appeal due to the time it took to gather evidence (my previous employee not being very helpful in supplying payment figures). But when it comes to a legitimate discount for another child, they’ll do what they can to avoid it.

I’m sick of complaining. What other channels can I take?

Comments

  • Carol says:

    Where did you send your request to for your file? You should write to Data Protection Unit, Child Support Agency, PO Box 26, Gateshead, NE29 1DB for your file request and also instructions for payment as there is a £10 fee. CSA have 40 days to supply you with your file if you wrote to the Newcastle address.

    My partner was in a similar situation where arrears accrued he never knew about. We went to appeal and although it should have been timebarred as it was over 13 months from when the assessment was issied, with the evidence we have found on the file the Tribunal have agreed that his appeal can proceed.

  • chall says:

    Phil,

    As Carol has said, there is a £10 fee.
    The organisation has to reply within 40 days, starting from the day they receive both the fee and the information they need to identify you and the information you need.

    chall ~ afairercsaforall

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