Quick update.
Just phoned the CSA to ask for their address as I think it would be better to send a recorded delivery letter to them to ensure they understand my request (they have before denied requests from me and they dont backdate so just incase they forget to action my request over the phone, if it is recorded delivery they cant deny they got it).
Problem #1 - they can only give me a PO box number - not sure if i can send recorded delivery to po box numbers - Can anyone clarify.
Problem #2 - they are supposed to reasses automaatically every two years but havent done so since oct 2007 dispite lenthy correspondance with them in Sept 2009 - they chased his arrears and eventually got them but obviously did not reassess his current income at the same time ?!?
Problem#3 - There should have been an automatic change of circumstance done last year when his oldest child (not mine) ceased to be a child anymore - but they didnt ?!? There is an allowance on his assessment in Oct 2007 for this child/now adult - he is on good terms with this particular ex (there are many of us) so i suspect he left it alone and either she gave him the money back or she passed it on to her child/now adult as a volentary contribution. I estimate my DS's payments would have increased by 50% using the one child=15%, two child=20% with 10% going to each child.
Problem #4 - He is suppposed to inform them of any change of circumstance but obviously wont if it is not going to be in his favour (he was very quick to tell them when he moved his GF in a few weeks after meeting her as she brought a child with her and so my DS's child support dropped). Not sure how they expect me to know about any of his change of circumstances when I dont have any contact with him or his family (neither does my DS hardly).
Problem#5 - As a branch manager he gets substancial performance related bonuses (upto 20% has been suggested by A.N.Other but this could be inflated). Bonuses are counted as income but if they are only paid out once a year they are easily missed by CSA using the 'two or three latest payslips' request.
I know there will be loads of people out there screaming "money-grabbing-hag" which is fine as they dont know my personal circumstances but who is screaming "money-grabbing-git" to him when he isnt playing by the rules and the CSA dont take a proactive role ensuring that my son is financially supported by both parents in a fair manner.
BTW incase anyone wants to know - no he doesnt make any kind of volentary payments towards school fees, trips, uniform etc ... I have asked and he has blatently refused. School fees are because of his disability because state schools cant cope with him but his condition is not effecting his academic ability so he doesnt qualify for any additional support - catch 22 situation that may of us mums on SN threads are dealing with.
As a final point his current 'contribution' is equal to 4 hours a week child minder type suport to give me a break and my DS some form of positive therapy to make his life a little bit less shit than it currently is - that leaves nothing left over for food, clothes, heating, lighting, roof over head - ALL that is supplied by me earning £11.5k a year. So if you do think I am a money grabbing cow who sits on her backside all day leaching of the government with benefits I dont deserve - go ahead. If you dont think that then sorry for suggesting you might!!!
Off now to write my begging letter to CSA .......... Happy days x