there is no need to explain anything over the phone to c'link/family assistance consultants - all you need to do is ask to speak with a social worker about your situation. without a valid exemption, your payment will be cut.

if you want advice in regard to the legalities, you can contact the family relationships advice line and they can refer you to the right people regarding the legalities regarding birth certificates etc. make sure you get the advice from the source

my comments regarding the birth certificate were related to my own family situation - my parents weren't living together when my brother was born and he wasn't named on the birth certificate - the trouble this has caused my brother since then in terms of emotional anguish regarding his identity is pretty full on.