Asking on behalf of DH as we have never heard of anyone in this situation before. To summarise:
DSS 17 is the eldest stepchild and he dropped out of college a year ago and began a waged apprenticeship in September, on £150 per week.
DH has been paying through CSA, always has.
There's been a letter from the CSA saying the case is closing and a new case can be opened via the CMS. DH has phoned them and they cannot open a case for eldest DSS as he is earning and therefore doesn't qualify for CMS (it's an apprenticeship with a contract of employment).
DH phoned the old CSA to ask if his ex had reported any changes in circumstances. They said she was still claiming Child benefit for DSS but they would write to her to confirm. Ex has written back and said that DSS is 'in between college courses at the moment'. No mention of his apprenticeship or wages. The CSA said they can't act any further and DH would have to report his ex to HMRC if he wants to get to the bottom of it.
Now, that really isn't going to go down well with anybody so he'd rather not do that! DH wrote to his ex and said that he can set up a CMS case for the younger DC, and he will pay the difference (£15 per week) into DSS1's account directly to help with travel costs. So DH would happily still be paying the same. He also offered to set up an entirely new private arrangement (CMS are pushing for this in all cases).
There was no reply to the letter. DSS said she put it straight in the bin. So DH explained the contents to DSS and the difficulties faced in setting this new case up.
DSS said "well you can't pay £15 a week into my account as I haven't got one"
DH asked how he gets his wages then?
He said "my wages get paid into mum's account" but didn't seem to know why.
Now, DH's ex is single and receiving tax credits etc, surely having her son's wages paid into her account is going to look dodgy? Does anyone know why someone would choose to do this?
She definitely seems to be lying about him being in between courses. He has no intention of returning to college and is really enjoying his earnings.
Does DH...
A) set up a CMS case based on all kids, saying that DSS1 is going to college when it's not true? (Don't like the idea of lies!)
B) ask HMRC to get to the bottom of it and start a huge showdown (probably will damage contact arrangements with kids).
Just to make sure that everyone's aware, the difference in CSA amounts is only £15 a week which DH is happy to keep paying one way or another, it's just he wants it to be set up as per the rules.