Could I be fined for fraud?

krissys

I claimed working tax for my job which although I was employed, was agency based and so no benefits etc. When I renewed my tax credits in June I told them about my working situation although at this point I had been off work for a couple of weeks due to illness. I cant recall if they said this or if I heard it from somewhere else at the time but my belief was that I could claim working tax for up to 28 weeks. Anyway when the renewal came through and this had working tax on it I assumed it was correct. Anyway 28 weeks is nearly up and I have decided not to return to work. I have investigated what benefits I may be enitled to and have now learned through websites that I should have been claiming one of these benefits in order to continue claiming working tax for 28 weeks.I hadn't bothered claiming extra benefits as I have been living one day to the next with regards to my illness now I know I should have realised it was too good to be true.I know I must phone them but am incredibly worried that I will now be subject to a hefty fine.I also get CTC.

kazzah60

according to a very senior executive I have been delaing with the the Working Tx credits office recently ( about a serious complaint on behalf of my disbaled son who claims wtc) you can only claim wtc for 4 weeks following leaving a job
she told me this last Thursday 3rd december when we were discussing my sone claim as his job is only a temporary job - she told me he can claim for 4 weeks "run on" benefit before claiming JSA.
I suspect you will have to repay quite a bit of money

DX2

krissys wrote: »

I claimed working tax for my job which although I was employed, was agency based and so no benefits etc. When I renewed my tax credits in June I told them about my working situation although at this point I had been off work for a couple of weeks due to illness. I cant recall if they said this or if I heard it from somewhere else at the time but my belief was that I could claim working tax for up to 28 weeks. Anyway when the renewal came through and this had working tax on it I assumed it was correct. Anyway 28 weeks is nearly up and I have decided not to return to work. I have investigated what benefits I may be enitled to and have now learned through websites that I should have been claiming one of these benefits in order to continue claiming working tax for 28 weeks.I hadn't bothered claiming extra benefits as I have been living one day to the next with regards to my illness now I know I should have realised it was too good to be true.I know I must phone them but am incredibly worried that I will now be subject to a hefty fine.I also get CTC.

What benefits can you claim for and still get WTC especially a 28 week run on The clue is in the title really Working tax credits.

Bryando

Never mind worrying paying it back. You could face a prosecution.

alwaysonthego_2

Bryando wrote: »

Never mind worrying paying it back. You could face a prosecution.

Very unlikey if the OP admits that they made a mistake and agrees to pay it back!

Bryando

Not recent cases I've been looking at and seen reported in local media. So do it claim mistake and pay back. Just like a loan system? A belief your were right is no excuse. As said WORKING

krissys

Thank you for your replys. I called today.It is true that you can claim working Tax credit for up to 28 weeks if you are off due to illness.My mistake was because I did not claim any other benefit and my employer did not pay SSP, I did not claim incapacity or disability and because of this faliure to claim I was not entitled to WTC. I have to pay it all back!

[Deleted User]

You can still claim WTC for up to 28 weeks of sickness but you must be in receipt of sick pay or if you do not receive sick pay you need to have received IS on grounds of incapacity to work, ESA or NI credits on grounds of incapacity for work.

You cannot claim to still have been in employment unless you have any evidence and in this case ou do not.

Call up and give your last date of work. You will have been overpaid.

You will not face prosecution as you have simply made a genuine error and have now corrected it. If there was evidence that you were purposely claiming fraudulently this would be treated differently.

As soon as the overpayment letter comes in you must speak to the recovery dept in order to arrange a recovery plan.

Fran

Have you had help and advice regarding your illness?

You should continue getting CTC as long as you fit the criteria.

What benefits are you talking about with relation to your Working Tax Credits claim, are there some you think you might be entitled to? Are you now claiming everything you might be able to?

The important thing at the moment is to phone them so there is not any more overpayment. They will just take your details on the phone and send you a letter with how much you owe.

If you need help with which benefits etc. you could contact Citizens Advice who will look at everything for you and advise.

[Deleted User]

Bryando wrote: »

Not recent cases I've been looking at and seen reported in local media. So do it claim mistake and pay back. Just like a loan system? A belief your were right is no excuse. As said WORKING

Fraud and error are two different things.

Don't believe everything you read in the "local media".

And unless you have anything to back up your advice please dont try to offer your opinion instead.

Bryando

ok. click my heels!!!!