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How we collect and use information
Why we collect information
We collect information from a number of sources so that we can deal with an application for child maintenance. This information helps us to:
- trace non-resident parents
- work out how much the non-resident parent should pay
- make sure that the non-resident parent pays the right amount at the right time.
Who do we get information from?
When we want to start working out how much child maintenance a non-resident parent should pay, we always ask them and the parent with care for the information we need first. But if parents don't give us this information, the law allows us to ask other people or organisations for it. These people or organisations include:
- the non-resident parent’s employer(s), their accountant, or companies or partnerships that they provide services to government organisations, such as Jobcentre Plus,
- The Pension Service, HM Revenue & Customs and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
- prison services and local councils
- organisations that have information about the non-resident parent’s financial history, such as banks and building societies, credit reference agencies, and gas and electricity suppliers.
We don't have to get the non-resident parent's or parent with care's permission to contact these people or organisations.
Who can we share the information with?
We take the protection of personal information very seriously. Most of the time we will not tell anyone a parent's address or phone number. But, if a court orders us to release an address, we have to do so. If the law allows, we may also give information about parents to some other organisations, including:
- other government organisations such as Jobcentre Plus and HM Revenue and Customs
- local authorities (for the purpose of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit)
- a court or tribunal (in relation to child maintenance)
- debt-collection agencies and other organisations helping us to collect child maintenance.
We can also pass on information about you if we think it will help to prevent or detect crime.
Can I have access to my personal information?
The Data Protection Act 1998 allows you to ask to see what personal information we hold about you on computer and in some paper records.
There are two ways of getting information, depending on what you want to know.
- We can give you the following information free of charge:
- How your child maintenance has been calculated.
- A copy of a specific letter we have sent you.
- An update on your case.
Please phone us on the number at the top of the last letter we sent you if you want this information. - For all other information, you must send a written request and we charge a £10 fee.
The request must include your:
- full name
- date of birth
- address (and phone number if you have one)
- CSA case number, and
- National Insurance number.
You may want to give other details - for example, which CSA office you deal with - to help us find the right information more quickly.
The £10 fee helps us pay for the work and is allowed by the Data Protection Act. If your CSA account is managed by the CSA office in Northern Ireland then the £10 fee is not applicable.
You should send your written request to:
Data Protection UnitBanking & Payment Assignment Service
CSA
Room BP6102
Benton Park View
Longbenton
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE98 1YX
When we get your letter we'll contact you to take payment of the £10 fee by debit or credit card.
If you can't pay by card or you don't want us to contact you by phone, please send a postal order for £10, payable to CSA, with your written request. Unfortunately, we can't accept cheques.
When we have your payment we'll process your request. This may take up to 40 days.
