CSA Advice

[Elliebeellie]

I'm about to move in with my boyfriend and he pays the CSA for his daughter. However he has some back payments owed and is paying them off slowly. My question is- once we move in together (rented accommodation and all in my name) will they change his payments and take into account my income? I have phoned them for advice but in my experience they say one thing and do another! I'm in support of him paying for his daughter but I was 14 when she was born and don't feel that except the days when she stays with us that I should have financial responsibility for her. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks

[Barmaid]

Firstly, best of luck in dealing with this lot. We have a terrible time with them.

Secondly is your OH on CSA1 or 2? The old scheme (which I think is pre 2003) your income details will be taken into account, but the new scheme they aren't.

(I will check the dates for this).

The cheeky so and sos asked for my income details so I told them to sling their hook. NOt a thing they can do.

Never ever take anything they say. Write everything down and write to them with recorded delivered letters. They really are hopeless.

[hc4361]

Surely his outgoings will be halved though, with a new partner to help pay rent, gas, electricity, water rates, and his household income increased with your salary?
He should be paying as much as he possibly can.

[Barmaid]

They don't take into account "living costs" HC. It is set at a set percentage of your income (although this depends which scheme you are on). It also depends on how many dependent children the NRP has.

[hc4361]

I can well understand the dependents, Barmaid.

I just know very highly paid people who's exes are living on benefits and they complain about the seemingly trivial amount they pay towards the kids,

[Barmaid]

Yes I agree there are some dead beat dads who just refuse to pay. I got very annoyed with the CSA who kept badgering for my income details. I might support my OH but I have no legal liability to pay for his kids (although I DO make a contribution which I have no duty to do).

The CSA tried to threaten me with court proceedings if I didn't disclose my income. They work on the basis that most people won't know their rights. Thankfully I did.

[Elliebeellie]

Thanks for answering! Hc they take 130 pounds a week from him at the moment. A good amount I think as I have friends who recieve next to nothing. At the moment we both live with parents so his contribution to rent will go from a token 25 quid a week to 500 pounds a month... Barmaids- how did you get them off your back ie what are our rights as other halves? And thanks for answering!

[Elliebeellie]

Oh and hc my partner is self employed. His ex has never worked I did not go to university for three years (paid for by working whilst I was studying) and successfully climbed the career ladder to pay for someone who CHOOSES not to work while I pay tax and ni and have done since I was 16. Sorry to get on my high horse but my partners indiscretions whilst I was still at school are not my responsibility especially as we cant afford to have our own children whilst the CSA take 30% of his income. Yes it is his responsibility to pay but when I have to and pick him up from jail because the CSA gave him the wrong bank account to pay into I get slighty grumpy!

[Booldawg]

how do the CSA justify taking 30% of his income for one child? Jeez I have a daughter and can vouch she'd have a very priveleged lifestyle on that per week.

[jcamacd]

The CSA can take 40% of the NRP's income if he/she is in arrears with their payments. I am assuming the assessment is new rules. I that is the case then the NRP will be assessed ONLY on HIS/HER income and nothing else. The amount payable for 1 child is 15%. If there are children in the household - including the Qualifying Child if they stay overnight with the NRP for 52 nights in 1 year. This advice is for New Rules Only.

[mummy2three]

I am in the same situation and have been looking for answers also...CSA arent being very forthcoming with info.... My husband has 2 children with his ex and we have 3 children at home...her husband 2 b earns twice what I do so was wondering where id stand x