Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Child Maintenance Compliance and Arrears Strategy, published on 12 July 2018, what the time limit is for a parent setting up a payment method at the point of application before a Deduction from Earnings Order is set up.
In general, where the Paying Parent responds to contact, we do not have a specific time limit in place for setting up a payment method, and timescales will vary depending on the individual circumstances at the point of application. We do, however, aim to have all payment methods in place as quickly as possible after the point of application and establish payment within 12 weeks. In the event a paying parent fails to respond to contact (both written and telephone) within 14 days, in order to start collection and avoid the build-up of arrears, we would check for employer details and, if possible, set up a DEO at this stage.