Working Tax Credit overpayment relationship breakdown

Thanet62

August Bank Holiday 2009 my partner left me whilst I was at work no note or any idea where she had gone just a text to say she was ok and needed to think things through.

We were in receipt of WTC. I have been advised of an overpayment of £162. I have written and asked for clarification and have been told that:-

Partner rang on 4th September to say we had split on 28th Aug.
Benefit stopped on 4th Sept.
Payment made on 9th Sept, hence overpayment.

My underlying concern is in any breakup and especially this one I was unclear of what the hell was going on and whether it was a week or two's break with friends or something more permanent (her possessions etc. were still in the home until 11th Sept)

What would you consider a reasonable period, following a split, to be accountable for overpayment? baring in mind HMRC were told within a week of the change of circumstances.

lah

Hi If it was a joint claim your partner should pay half the overpayment back , and I would write and tell them that you had no idea she had left permantaley because all her belonging was still at your address also do you know when she removed her name off the council tax bill because that will also prove the date she officially moved out.Hope this helps.