Help RE: Working Tax Credit - backdating more than 3 months with a disability?

stargirl90

Hi,

Since around 2004 I have been receiving DLA (care at the middle rate and mobility at the lower rate).

I have been working over 16 hours a week for just over 2 years but only recently realised I was entitled to WTC. This is around £60 a week that I've been missing out on. I phoned up to confirm I was definitely eligible, and I sent off my application on Monday.

The HMRC website says this about backdating claims further than three months:

If you’re making a new claim for Working Tax Credit the Tax Credit Office may be able to backdate any payments you’re entitled to (including any extra tax credits for being disabled) for more than three months. For this to happen both of the following need to apply:

• you have claimed one of the sickness or disability benefits that can help you qualify for extra tax credits(yes - DLA as stated above)
• you tell the Tax Credit Office as soon as you know that the benefit is definitely going to be paid to you - and within three months if you want them to backdate your claim as far as possible (I already know I'm entitled to DLA, so this is that part that confuses me - see below)

If you’re already getting Working Tax Credit and are now claiming extra tax credits for having a disability tell the Tax Credit Office as soon as you know that you’re entitled to a qualifying sickness or disability related benefit, for example Disability Living Allowance. You should tell them within three months if you want them to backdate your extra tax credits to the earliest possible date.


What I'm confused about is this:

I already receive DLA and have done for 6 years, I'm not waiting to be approved for it. Does this mean I'm eligible for backdating and if so, how far do they backdate? Has anyone had any experience with this? I'm gutted that I could have been receiving this help for over 2 years - it would have made things a lot easier. I have a mental illness which makes it very difficult to work, thankfully I'm fortunate that the place I work understands me and my needs. However I exhaust myself mentally trying to get by in life, and recieiving WTC could have meant working less hours and enjoying a slightly better quality of life. (if you're wondering, not working has never been an option for me. I couldn't justify living solely off benefits, although I know that is the only thing that works for some people so I don't judge)



Thanks in advance for any help anyone can provide.

[Deleted User]

You are likely to receive just 3 months backdating. I have worked for TCO for quite some time and in my experience not knowing you could apply for it doesn't help in appealing a backdating request I'm afraid.

stargirl90

Thank you for the reply. Unfortunately I thought that would be the case disappointing that I didn't realise I was eligible for so long but I suppose it's better knowing now then never. Will look at the positives rather then looking at what could have been!