Letter from Tax Credits compliance department

6lauraha

I have rec'd a letter from tax credits today asking for copies of my bank statements, bills and childcare contract
They say they need the bank statements to check my tax credit and mortgage payments
But surely they know what tax credits they have paid and my mortgage payments have no bearing on the amount of tax credits I get
Also how would my phone bill or tv licence help
I am concerned as some of my bills are still in my ex partner's name and he has his wages paid into my bank account
We are still on good terms and he has really bad credit so can't open a bank account and as most of my bills are direct debit I didn't bother to change the names on the accounts (although my bank account has changed from joint to an individual account in my name)
His wages cover maintenance for our son and the finance for my car (which was opened in his name as at the time was a joint car and he has agreed to continue paying as he has a work van and I use it to get my son to nursery) and I then give him the rest as and when he needs it as he isn't very good with money
Do you think if I explain this to tax credits they will understand?
I am so worried this will reduce my payments, I rely on the money as my ex is earning a trainee wage for his job so maintenance is limited
Do you think I should tell him I can longer do this and risk losing any maintenance I currently get by putting him back in control of his money, but surely I can't be penalised for us having a good relationship
Any advice would be appreciated as I have two weeks to return the documents requested
Thanks

scotland_lass

They will probably assume you are still living together i would imagine. If you are receiving benefits it might effect those too.

nannytone_2

he has such bad credit that he is unable to open a bank account ( didn't realise credit rating stopped you opening a bank account..........i have never used credit so presumably my credit rating is zero but it didnt stop me getting a bank account) but he still managed to get finance for a car?
something really doesnt sound right here.

welshmoneylover

6lauraha wrote: »

I have rec'd a letter from tax credits today asking for copies of my bank statements, bills and childcare contract
They say they need the bank statements to check my tax credit and mortgage payments
But surely they know what tax credits they have paid and my mortgage payments have no bearing on the amount of tax credits I get
Also how would my phone bill or tv licence help
I am concerned as some of my bills are still in my ex partner's name and he has his wages paid into my bank account
We are still on good terms and he has really bad credit so can't open a bank account and as most of my bills are direct debit I didn't bother to change the names on the accounts (although my bank account has changed from joint to an individual account in my name)
His wages cover maintenance for our son and the finance for my car (which was opened in his name as at the time was a joint car and he has agreed to continue paying as he has a work van and I use it to get my son to nursery) and I then give him the rest as and when he needs it as he isn't very good with money
Do you think if I explain this to tax credits they will understand?
I am so worried this will reduce my payments, I rely on the money as my ex is earning a trainee wage for his job so maintenance is limited
Do you think I should tell him I can longer do this and risk losing any maintenance I currently get by putting him back in control of his money, but surely I can't be penalised for us having a good relationship
Any advice would be appreciated as I have two weeks to return the documents requested
Thanks

Reading your post you both sound like a couple to me.

Becciboobah

As above really, unfortunately even if you truly aren't a couple this 100% makes you look like you are and based on the evidence you provide they will make judgement based on what they see in black and white in front of them. You can appeal to them with this information but I honestly think they will rule against you. Every couple could say that and get away with it, if you see what I mean. I'm not trying to be harsh but you have to look at it from their point of view.

I have a basic bank account i.e. I don't have any credit facilities and as such they don't credit check you. I have a horrendous credit history so this was my best option and it suits me so to say your ex can't get a bank account is wrong, he can.

sebastianj

You need to be careful and tell them the situation as it is. They may be trying to assess your eligibility for Tax Credits, the hours worked and pay per hour etc. I know someone who was self employed designer and although he was putting in huge number of hours but no income to show.

He was denied TC and he went bankcrupt.
seb

lovetowinacar

It looks like you are a couple from your financial information and they probably wonder why you have a single claim.

When you provide all the information can you state where he actually lives, show bills at that address to prove he lives there.

As a matter of interest, you state he is on a trainee wage, after deducting maintenance and the car finance payments for the car you use, how does he feed himself, pay rent, etc?? Does he also live with you?

Be honest otherwise the hole will get bigger and bigger.:)

Ps. You also state you are controlling his money since he is useless with money. Controlling the money of an ex, receiving his income, using a car in his name, having bills in his name still yet a claim in your single name - it doesn't look good from fraud point of view does it?

System

Unfortunately I have to agree with everyone else.

TCO want to see if you both are still dealing with everything like a couple would. That's why they are also wanting your mortgage details - to see whose name the mortgage is in and how much you are paying.
Also if your income as a declared single person is less than your outgoings (mortgage, council tax, utilities etc) then they will query how you can afford to manage.

Numptytoes

Well you look like a couple simple as. Sorry but I really don't believe what you are saying.