backdating tax credits!!

jadea_2

hi,can anyone please explain the rules of backdating as when i phoned to put my claim through i was asked what date i would like it backdated to but when i called on thursday to report changes in my son's childcare i asked why i haven't received my backdated money yet and was told that they would not give it me as a lump sum and they would make sure i got what i was entiltled to by the end of the tax year!!is this correct as i have previuosly recieved it as a lump sum as has EVERYONE i know!!i am over £500 down to due payin for childcare myself and am now really struggling as i also got emergency taxed from my wages:mad: i am at a loss as to why this wasnt explained to me and if they wouldve answered the phone when i first tried to call i would not be in such a mess!is there anything i can do to get them to give me what im entitled to???

joanne_d_3

Hi.

I would imagine that the tc people are holding on to the backdated money and at present it will be showing on award notices as a "potential payment".

I had one of these potential payments myself as my husband lost his job in September 2009 . The tc people do this just incase your circumstances change again during the tax year in which case you would then run the risk of ending up with an overpayment. Trust me , no one wants a tc overpayment!

My potential payment was on my tc account from the day i informed them that my husband was no longer in employment and it was released to me when i completed my renewal documents in May/June 2010 time.

I received my potential payment as a lump sum and i imagine the same will happen with you , renewals are sent out after 6th April 2011 . Once you complete your renewal declaoration your potential payment will be released .

i know you may need the money now as i myself DID last year but at least its money you know is on its way.