tax credit overpayment

causey25

Hi
We were overpaid tax credits in 2004/5 & have not rec'd any since as they claw it back (think we would be getting the £550 a year otherwise).

Thing is, me & my husband really really need to separate. So my income will go right down to about £12k a year. Will the tax credits people continue to withold any payment until all the overpayment is clawed back? Or do they pro-rata it in some way? I just cannot see how I can support myself & my son without tax credits. And so I am trapped with the man who has destroyed my life. Aargh - head exploding.

I've been on entitledto.com & I may just be able to manage it (if, if, if, if etc) but if the tax credits people withold payment then I'm stuffed.

Does anyone have any experience of this?

Thanks

compoff

They won't withhold any payments from your single claim to pay off an overpayment from your joint claim. If you end the joint claim, they may look for you and your husband to pay the money back directly to them. However, due to your circumstances, you may be able to negotiate a low repayment schedule.

causey25

thanks for the info - that makes sense - i hadn't realised they would be separate claims.
may have to stick it out a bit longer.