I cannot afford the CSA demands, what can I do?
A number of assessments made by the CSA are incorrect. You must always check your assessments for accuracy. Pay particular attention to the income recorded. Subscribers can request one of our advisers to check assessments. If however the assessment is correct, you are legally bound to pay that amount until such a time as your circumstances change.

What if my Circumstances Change?
The NRP is not obliged to notify the CSA of any changes, but certain changes to the PWC's situation must be reported immediately. Changes to the assessment can only be considered upon notification and changes cannot be backdated. The assessment will only take effect if the overall amount alters by more than £10 per week (make this tolerance level exempt under certain conditions).

I have applied to the CSA, but still receive no money.
Particularly with regards to new applications, the IT system is not coping under the current workload. Many cases are lost, 'stuck' or just forgotten. It is important that the PWC keeps in regular contact with the agency to monitor the progress of your application. If need be, the PWC must follow the Complaints Procedure. Subscribers can gain more case specific advice from our advisers.

The NRP was assessed, but I don't receive any money.
The CSA can be very hesitant to pursue the truly errant NRP as this can be time consuming. The onus lies upon the PWC to progress any enforcement. Keep pressure on the CSA, - once assessment is made the PWC can claim compensation for shortfall in maintenance from the date of application to the date the assessment became effective.

The CSA told me enforcement cannot be taken against the NRP.
There are enforcement measures applicable to all circumstances so do not accept this statement. Ask to speak to a debt officer.

When will existing cases transfer to CS2?
With the imminent arrival of CMEC, there are no longer plans to migrate existing old rules (CS1) cases to CS2. CS1 cases will remain under old rules until CMEC arrives. A CS1 can migrate to CS2 if it is linked to a new application, i.e. if the PWC makes a new claim or a new claim is made against the NRP.

The CSA have contacted me, what should I do?
Delaying the forms will not make the CSA disappear. Burying your head in the sand can be costly. Complete the forms sent to you providing information as requested. If you need assistance email enquiries@nacsa.co.uk.

I am unsure what system my case is assessed under.
CS2 was introduced on 3 March 2003 for new applications only. Thus if the application for Child Support was made after this date, your case will be under CS2 rules.
Applications made pre 3 March 2003 will be assessed under the old rules.
Note: Under old rules, an MAF returned within 28 days would qualify for 8 'free' weeks. As such if an application was made after 6 January 2003, and returned within 28 days, your effective date would be after 3 March 2003 and so would be calculated under CS2 rules.

What is the difference between the two systems?
The old system is a complex formula taking into consideration a variety of information from both PWC and NRP. Subscribers can ask one of the NACSA advisers to check assessments for accuracy, non subscribers can use our Assessment Check service (details on our website).
CS2 rules apply a basic % to the wage of the NRP according to the number of children in question: 15% - 1 child, 20% - 2 children or 25% - 3+ children

What rates will apply?
15% for one child
20% for two children
25% for three or more children.
The same rates are first applied to children living in the current family.

When does the CSA end?
A child remains a qualifying child until he/she leaves full time non-advanced education, OR until he/she has their 19th birthday. There is a termination date applicable from the date the child leaves education, which can be a few weeks after the child has left.

Do the CSA have to be involved?
A PWC claiming Income Support or income based Job Seekers Allowance is encouraged to use CSA. However he/she has the right to opt out of the CSA. He/she will be asked to attend an interview to find out why he/she opted out. If no good cause is proven (i.e. PWC and/or child is at risk of harm or undue distress) the PWC is subjected to reduced benefit directive. She may also refuse to provide details of the NRP but this can also lead to a reduction in her benefit.
If the PWC is in receipt of Working Tax Credit, this is not considered a benefit and as such is free to leave the CSA at any time.

Does my partner have to provide details?
The partner of the NRP is under no legal obligation to supply details about him/herself. In majority of cases the partner details will not affect the assessment. However, it is not always in the best interests to withhold details and we would advise seeking clarification from NACSA advisers, or use our assessment checking service.

Are my step-children taken into account?
Under the old rules, step-children are considered only in the Protected Income section. A majority of cases do not pay under PI section.
Under CS2 rules, all children in the current family are considered.

Does the CSA take into account my tax credits?
Under CS1 (old rules) – working tax credit (WTC) is considered as income for the NRP. If the NRP partner (NRPP) earns equal income to NRP, only 50% of WTC is included as income. If NRPP earns more than the NRP, WTC is NOT included. Child Tax Credit (CTC) is included as income under the protected income section only. It is disregarded in full in the Exempt Income Section.

What is Exempt Income?
Exempt Income is a combination of allowances that are disregarded from the net income. This exempt income includes personal allowance, child allowances if applicable, housing costs, travel to work cost if applicable.

What is the Protected Income?
Protected Income is a combination of allowances given to ensure an NRP has sufficient income to support any second family he/she may have.

How can I move my case to the new system?
A PWC is able to move an existing case to the new system but an NRP is unable to voluntarily transfer. Early migration occurs only if a new application is made against the NRP or by the PWC against another NRP. Note: migration will have a phasing program applied.

What is phasing
Phasing is the program which allows both the NRP and the PWC to adjust to their new liabilities. The Phasing program is over a maximum period of five years.

How will Phasing affect me?
If the NRP earns below £400 per week the amount of CS will increase or decrease in stages of £5 per week per year until either the new liability is met or the 5 years have expired.
If the NRP earns above £400 per week, the amount of child support will increase or decrease in stages of £10 per week per year until either the new liability is met or the 5 years have expired.
Note: New applications for child support are not subject to phasing.

I have extra expenses, will the CSA take them into account?
Not necessarily. There are a few exceptional expenses that may be allowed under the Departure Scheme (or Variations on CS2), but these are limited.

I have received my assessment. How do I pay?
You can pay maintenance by:
1) Arrange standing order to CSA or PWC direct. Ensure Standing Order mandate states CHILD SUPPORT.
2) Direct Debit. This allows CSA to take control of money taken from your bank account, and we would therefore not recommend this option by choice.
3) DEO: Voluntary – NRP willingly allows maintenance to be taken from his wages.
Enforced – If NRP fails to pay a DEO can be imposed.
4) Maintenance Direct – this method allows PWC and NRP to make own arrangements for payment. CSA will still assess the liability but will leave the arrangements to the parents directly – ensure receipts are gained.
5) Cheque to either CSA or PWC direct. If paying to CSA ensure your CSA reference number, or NINO is written on back of cheque. If paying to PWC – get a receipt.
I am an NRP and have shared care of my child who stays with me X nights per week. Would this affect my assessment?
Under CS1, for your assessment to be altered, your child must stay with you 104 nights or more throughout a year.
Under CS2, for your assessment to be altered, your child must stay with you 52 nights or more throughout a year.I am an NRP and am waiting for my assessment to be calculated.

Should I continue to make voluntary payments to the PWC during this time?
If you continue to make voluntary payments it is vital to keep a written record of any financial payments to the PWC for child maintenance payments. It must also state clearly what the payments are for. If possible you should gain signed receipts from the PWC as and when your assessment is finalised you will need evidence to show to the CSA that a sum was paid. The CSA will always check this back with the PWC for agreement.

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