Child Tax Credit

[Hellion]

Many people I know claimed child tax credit last year including me. we filled in forms honestly and notified them of any changes in circumstances. A straw poll round my friends this year reveals that every single one of them has had their Tax Credit cut or stopped as it was 'worked out incorrectly'. Most of us had never applied for any sort of benefit before but following extensive advertising saying we were entitled to it we did. The standard letter makes you feel as though you have been dishonest in some way, anyone experienced the same?

[Cuddles]

The same type of thing happens in Australia. I feel they make the system difficult and condescending to try and discourage people from applying for benefits they are entitled to. However, many seem to get benefits who you KNOW have loads more income that you do....it's a mystery...or perhaps knowing how to play the system!

[MrsCheeks]

yes me and DH did. We applied for Working Families because a family where both partners were earning, with over �45k combined salary, were getting loads'a'money. We were rejected because my DH earned too much money .. however our combined salaries were less than �26k. Both of us had 3 children, except all ours were under 10yrs of age and the other family's were all OVER 12yrs of age! Go figure!!!

[beetlebug]

I have been a recipient of WTC for about 4 years now the first 3 years were absolutely no problem but a year ago my partner came to live with me and my children, I dutifully contacted the WTC people and told them that there had been a change in my circumstances. There was no problem untill a few months ago they sent me a horrible standard letter stating that I'd been overpaid and that I should have known that I'd been overpaid. Now I've been landed with a unexpected bill will leave me in some financial diffulty if my appeal is not successful.

[Insane Wally]

When dealing with these sorts of people, keep copies of all communications, don't throw it away after a year or so. Never phone them, always write letters & keep copies. I know this don't help your problem, but it may help others who are reading it.