Proof of info letter from tax credits?

helliesin

Ok, so i had my renewal letter a few weeks back. I called them straight away with all my new figures etc. I received a letter back with a new awards notice, bit the figures of my income and childcare were the same as last year, not the updated ones. So I called again and was told that my renewal figures were on the system but the awards notice was not for the renewal???? I called a few days ago to find out what I will be getting and was given the same figures as on the letter, but told that these were the renewal figures now. Then I had another letter exactly the same as the one i had already received (with last years figures, not those of my pay rise and decrease in childcare costs) and it stated that it was not for my renewal.

Then today I have received a letter asking me for a whole list of proofs: P60, utility bills, child benefit form, childcare invoices, and details of all adults living in the house and our relationship. My ex moved out in 2007 and we haven't seen him since nor do I want to, and we do not know where he is living etc. I do leave any post for him in the porch for him to collect if he wants it so that he does not have an excuse to contact me or need to knock on the door, it is always gone every few days (although i do not know who collects it, it could be him or a friend etc). Has his letter been sent out as a result of him using my address, or is it a general letter that everyone gets. I am wondering if this is what is slowing down my renewal award from being sorted?

How do i prove that he doesn't live here if he is using my address?

sorryitsme

Hi you should look at the thread specialist tax credit renewal (merged), if you look to page 30 or so you will see a few other people got the same letter. The tax credits are using Experian which maybe used to see who are linked to your property. By allowing your ex to have mail delivered at your address you are leaving yourself vulnerable for him taking out finance or anything like that without your knowledge. This in turn may make TC feel he is living there eventhough he is not, hence more info required.

System

You don't need to prove he doesn't live there. Your utility bills should be in your name only and bank statements would prove that you are the one paying the bills out of the money you receive.

If your ex moved out in 2007 though why do you still allow him to use your address and have access to your home. That is probably why you are being asked to supply all those details now. It would be less hassle for you if you either told him to use his own adddress or start returning his post marked as no longer at this address. Also what if he racks up a large amount of debt on cards etc. That could affect your credit rating as it would be registered to your address.

kerry13238

i thought tax credits couldnt view your whole report just random questions?

sorryitsme

I suppose instead of us guessing the reason it would be better to call TC and ask why they require the extra info.

helliesin

Basically, i just don't want him to kick off, he is leaving us alone and i want it to stay that way! he doesn't have access to my property, the porch is outside my flat and the front door is unlocked, the porch doesn't belong to me. All i do is leave his letters on the stairs and eventually they are collected... sometimes in a few days, sometimes in a few weeks! i wasn't worried about him running up debts at the address as they previous owners did this before they sold me the flat and i was told by numerous debt collection companies that credit no longer affects other people at the same address only the actual person... is this wrong?

if i stop leaving his post out, eventually he will contact me to find out why, and the drama will all start... i can't be bothered with all that, but guess i have no choice now!

I am also thinking of taking in a lodger to help with the mortgage, not a stranger obviously as I have kids but a family friend, does anyone know if I have to declare this income to the Tax credits people and how I make it official?

themonkeybutler

Income from a lodger ISNT taken into account for TC purposes so long as it is under the government "rent a room" scheme. You'll have to do your own research on how to set this up officially, but in the meantime here's a link to show you that the income isnt taken into account:

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/leaflets/wtc2.pdf

Check page 22.
"Rental income from property (IS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT - monkeybutler)- but not income which is exempt from
income tax under the Rent-a-Room scheme (briefly, if you let furnished
accommodation in your own home for up to £4,250 a year)."

TaxCreditHelp

Does your letter make any mention of a "Specialist Renewals Team"?

Tax Credit Office are currently completing an exercise in which they ask around 400,000 customers to renew their award through a special helpline number. Unfortunately some letters haven't reached their intended destination and when the main Tax Credit helpline have been taking renewal details they haven't always been aware that certain customers need to renew via the "Specialist Renewal Helpline" to ensure their annual renewal is processed.

Your particular case sounds like your renewal has been inhibited from processing due to this exercise and Tax Credit Office have been unsuccessful in contacting you by phone so have issued you a letter asking for all relevant details.

If your letter mentions the "Specialist Renewals Team" there should be a contact number and you may be able to resolve all this over the phone.

This team's particular work has nothing do with experian reports and the questions referring to any potential undeclared partner should only have been included if you've recently had a child and are currently in a single award. This is just another basic check so there's nothing to worry about.

Hope this helps.