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Subject: Question regarding csa and benefits
Posted By dts on 27-01-2010
Hi all,
My wife and I are recently separated and so far we have managed to remain amicable and have sorted out all the finances, future maintenance levels, who has what, etc.
My question concerns benefits and the CSA.
During my research I found loads of sites that said the csa only get involved if either or both of you ask them to or if either party starts claiming certain benefits.
I also came across a couple of sites claiming that the csa will stop their interference if requested to by both parties signing a letter saying that they do not wish the csa to be involved.
My question is twofold. First of all is the above true. And if it is true, then if one party starts to claim one of the prescribed benefits, will the csa stop their involvement, if you both sign a letter which is sent to them, saying that you do not wish them to be involved.
I understand that csa involvement is supposed to voluntary if claiming one of the prescribed benefits, but I get the distinct impression that they would make it as difficult as possible to avoid.
Many thanks to anyone who can help me with this, as I have been unable to find a definitve answer to this particular question on the web in spite of much research into this.
Follow up comments
Added By Captain Oates on 27-01-2010
If either side goes there they will do it (unless AR order less than 1 year with CM in it). The rest the CSA can answer I think.
Added By dts on 27-01-2010
Hi Captain Oates,
Thanks for your reply. I already know that the CSA will become involved if either party requests it.
I would rather not ask the CSA themselves about my main questions because I believe that they will either not tell me the truth or just not give a straight answer. This opiniopn is based on the many stories I have read about the csa lying to people.
If I have to ask the csa themselves, I am willing to do so, if it comes to it, but would rather be informed about the position first.
Added By Stuart on 27-01-2010
I thought that if the recipient was getting benefits then the CSA were always involved?
Added By sometimesitdoesn'twork on 27-01-2010
I think a lot of sites are now out of date. If there is a private agreement the non resident parent pays the amount agreed. When the parent with the majority of care is on benefits they notify the authorities and a deduction is made from the benefits. See http://www.cmoptions.org/en/maintenance/prepare.asp
Added By dts on 28-01-2010
Hi sometimesitdoesn'twork,
This seems to fit in with further research since my original post. Thanks for you reply.
Added By skovby1 on 28-01-2010
I think there are new rules coming into force from 1st April 2010 where benefits will be disregarded - though I don't know if you still have to go through CSA if on benefits. Private arrangements seem to be encouraged.
Added By sometimesitdoesn'twork on 29-01-2010
Just to clarify, since October 2008 it is no longer necessary to go through the CSA if the PWC is on benefits and any CM the CSA collects is paid directly to the PWC. Benefits are calculated depending on the amount of CM paid and currently there is a £20 per week disregard before making the calculation. In April 2010 a full disregard will be introduced.
Later this year, October I think, income support will no longer be awarded to parents of children aged 7 and over on the basis of them being single parents alone. They will require to sign up for job seekers' allowance.
Added By dts on 01-02-2010
Hi sometimes,
Thanks for your reply.
Am I right in thinking then, that after April this year, if on prescribed benefits you get to keep all the money as well as all the CM, even if CSA are involved. I assume that this would also apply to other benefits as well.
Just want to sure I've got it right.
Added By sometimesitdoesn'twork on 01-02-2010
From April there will be no longer any connection between CM and benefits.
Added By dts on 02-02-2010
Thanks.
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