Sure start maternity grant help?

In march this year I applied for the sure start maternity grant, I had applied for the grant as I knew I would be entitled to child tax credits higher the the family element. In the mean time the HMRC calculated my child tax credit entitlement at half the amount of what I should receive, due to this my claim was rejected as it was stated I was not receiving enough to qualify.
Due to knowing I was entitled to more I contacted HMRC several times to have this looked at again, eventually HMRC confirmed my maternity allowance had been recorded as an income incorrectly and in October I received my amended letter stating the actual child tax credits amount I am entitled to - double the previous amount and more than the family entitlement, the award is also back dated to my sons date of birth.
When applying for the maternity grant you have 3 months from your child being born to do so, due to the HMRC delays I was now outside the time bracket to apply, I wrote a letter in order to explain my situation and ask for them to reconsider my application. I received a phone call a couple of weeks later to tell me I was not entitled to the grant despite my appeal, I asked for an explanation as to why and was given the original reasons, e.g. when applying in March I was not receiving enough child tax credits, I again explained the situation but was told to appeal and I am now being sent paper work in the post, to complete and 'present to a tribunal', I feel this was out of my control and a mistake made by the HMRC causing me to not receive the grant.

Any help or advice would be most appreciated

Comments

  • NYM
    NYM Posts: 4,066
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    If you repost on the Benefits board, someone may be able to help you.
    This board is for Child Support issues.
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