How long to get an answer

foxykf

HELP!!! I recently broke up with my partner and applied for a single claim for tax credits. I have two sons and work 24 hours a week, but the cost of day to day living is beyond my means without help. It has now been 8 weeks since they received my claim and I have heard nothing and they can't tell me why its held up or how much longer I'll be waiting. I had to increase my overdraft from £50 to £400 to cover my direct debits and childcare of £120 a week!!! Last month I went £150 over this limit and have now had letters off the bank informing me of some kind of referral thing due to payments being made despite lack of funds. Money is dwindling yet bills do not.....anyone know who I can speak to for advice on a)How to get answers on my tax credit claim and b) what I do in the meantime to prevent further charges and even worse debt?

I'm so desperate please help x

System

If your claim has something wrong with it such as a spelling mistake or wrong date of birth which does not match with child benefit then it raises a flag which tells TCO to investigate it. Because it has raised a flag the people on the helpline are not allowed to tell you because it may be fraud and they don't want to alert you.

Your best option is to make an appointment at your local HMRC enquiry centre - http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/enq/main.htm

You will have to bring 2 forms of ID to the appointment (1 photographic and 1 with name and address like utility bill).
At the appointment after the advisor has confirmed your ID they can look at the claim with you and try to find out what the delay is and progress it for you.

LondonDiva

Have you discussed support payments with your partner yet? This should be something to help tide you over in the interim and also help agree a sum for the future.