tax credits claim with head office?

sarahbilly

I stopped my single claim of tax credits on 20th november and made a new joint claim with my partner. It took 2 weeks for the form to come through, which I promptly sent back and hmrc received the claim on 16th dec. I rang up to ensure that there were no problems with the claim, which there were and the adviser I spoke to said he'd cleared them up and sent it to the next stage. I rang a few days later and was told my claim was 'awaiting award'. The following week I called to ensure there were definitely no problems, the adviser put me on hold for 10 minutes while she looked at my claim, when she came back she said there were no problems, they were working through it as quick as they could and that my claim would be back dated to 20th november. I have called today and have been told my claim is with head office. What does this mean? Its getting really hard to manage with no tax credits now as we are both on minimum wage income so it doesnt stretch far.
Thanks in advance for any help

compoff

It sounds like the claim has been sent to the compliance section, so they can check that all your details are correct. If they can confirm all details are correct using the systems available to them, your claim should be processed within 7-10 days. However, if they can not, they will need to write out to you, this can take anything up to a further 4-6 weeks, depeding on what they require.

sarahbilly

thanks for your advice compoff. Is there any point me ringing the helpline for progress then if its with the compliance people? Its approaching six weeks with no money now, I get paid monthly and my last wage was just before xmas was short because I'd been off ill, dont get paid again til 21st. My partner gets paid weekly thank god, but he only gets £200 a week, which doesnt stretch nearly far enough, we're now in arrears with the rent
Is there a number for the compliance team?

weejan

sarahbilly wrote: »

I stopped my single claim of tax credits on 20th november and made a new joint claim with my partner. It took 2 weeks for the form to come through, which I promptly sent back and hmrc received the claim on 16th dec. I rang up to ensure that there were no problems with the claim, which there were and the adviser I spoke to said he'd cleared them up and sent it to the next stage. I rang a few days later and was told my claim was 'awaiting award'. The following week I called to ensure there were definitely no problems, the adviser put me on hold for 10 minutes while she looked at my claim, when she came back she said there were no problems, they were working through it as quick as they could and that my claim would be back dated to 20th november. I have called today and have been told my claim is with head office. What does this mean? Its getting really hard to manage with no tax credits now as we are both on minimum wage income so it doesnt stretch far.
Thanks in advance for any help

I called tax credits today to report a change in circumstances and I was told that it would take up to 14 days so they can make the relevant checks. I think this is part of the new system to help reduce fraudulent claims. Also when I renewed my claim last may I wasn't issued with my new award until september. Think everything is taking alot longer now. Hope this helps.

sarahbilly

just a little update, I have now found out that the claim is actually with complaince, god knows how long this will all take, helpline advisers arent particularly helpful but then I don't really suppose there is a lot they can do if its with the compliance dept. I just wish they would hurry up!!