Still waiting for child tax credits.

fifilapew

In September due to a failed business I started the process of claiming benefits to support myself and my 2 children ( 2 and 5). I went to JS interview and was told that everything would now be processed and I needn't do anything more. A few weeks later ( after much form filling due to company directorship etc ) I got a letter saying I will receive £64 p/w in income support, council tax benefit and mortgage interest payments ( after 12 weeks of claim) I was confused and thinking this surely can't be enough to support 2 children on, so thanks to this website I realised I had to apply seperately for child tax credits. I called the HMRC office in mid November and was told told that as I was already receiving tax ctredits jointly with my ex partner ( I had been getting about £8 a week but as I was earning enough up till last year I hadn't thought to enquire if i was entitled to more as a single parent) they would have to remove his details from the claim and then they would backdate the payments as far as they could.

This was over 2 months ago and I keep being told by the tax credit office that someone will contact me when everything is processed. Is this right? I am struggling terribly at the moment, especially as I have a gas/electric pre pay meters and the IS is being swallowed up by these, I have been borrowing from friends and family to get through the week, but I can't do this indfinitely, can anyone help?

Many thanks in advance, and apologies for the rambling post:o.

shellsuit

When you split with your ex partner, you should have contacted tax credits to end the joint claim, and start a single claim.

Maybe this is why the hold up, but it shouldn't have taken this long.

I'd get back onto them, daily if possible, until they sort it out.

Have you been on the entitledto website to see how much in tax credits you will be entitled to?

fifilapew

Thats what they told me, because I didn't need the money at the time I just never thought to do it ( wish i had now though!)

They said this was why it might take a bit longer and also that they might backdate beyond the 3 month period, but I didn't think it would take this long!

Whenever I call them they just tell me I need to wait, but can give me no more info than that. i wouldn't be so angry but this is supposed to be the money to support my kids surely they can't excpect us to live on £64 p/w while they shuffle some paper:mad:

Yes i found the entitledto website through this one and accrding to that and the tax office I should be getting £92 p/w. At some point with the back payments i should be hitting paydrt lol! but it's no help in the meantime.