Child tax credits

[tigwig]

Hi I have been involved in a dispute with the lovely people from the tax credits for over 3yrs now. It all started in June 2005 when they overpaid me a lump sum of �1400. I noticed immediately and phoned to say I would send them it back and they refused saying don't worry it will all be taken into consideration! My normal tax credits then stopped and over the months which became years I kept on ringing them to see what the situation was. I haven't received anything from them for 2 and a half years until very recently. During the years 2006 and 2007 my financial situation was dire and parents had to help us out. I spoke to tax credits in Jan this year and they say the overpayment is suspended and they are working everything out. I am now claiming them again and because the household earnings have been so low they are giving me �51 a week. So if I had have been entitled to that for the 2 and a half years even taking into consideration paying back the overpayment I work out they actually owe me about �3000! ( I only work 2 days and hubby is self employed) Has anyone had the same experience and is it likely they will pay me this back or am I dreaming?!

[sazdisk]

if you go to your local tax office and explain the situation to them, they will speak to tax credits on your behalf (theyl listen to them!) tax credits don't know what theyre doing themselves!

[Sarahmitz]

Yes, had trouble just like you. However, when I disputed that I owed them nothing (always sent in P60's so why problem????) received letters with fluctuating amounts due (�3600- �4,200???). Was referred to the local office where I explained all income & expenditure. On 2 occasions they have agrred that my income is not available to repay(???) any debt. Not once have they stopped my payments, unlike you. I think the system is mad. I assume that we both regularly update on any change of circumstance but their computers "Just say no"
There must be millions of us out there. It makes me angry!
Sarah