Tax Credit helpline 0845

SHIPSHAPE

Over the past 8 days at various times between the opening hours of 9am to 4pm I have called the helpline 0845 600 5264 a total of 243 times and have never got through to anybody other than an automated voice that then ends my call.

I called another number today, where you get straight through, but, alas, they said I can only be helped by the above number and that I should keep trying!

Thankfully I have 0845 numbers inclusive in my home phone package.

This is simply outrageous and completely unacceptable. In fact, it's a scandal.

stu12345_2

busy times are early eve, try fone them just before theschool pick up time, eg 2.45 to 330, most mums are at schools getting kids, the fone lines empty, try it.
5 yrs ago, in the tax credit scandal, thousands hadnt had their claims processed, and noone could get thro to helpline, local MPs were involved with penniless families unpaid, even they didnt have a alternative number to fone.

flutterby_lil

I feel your pain - however i only had to try about 10 times to get put on hold for over half an hour, then my call got answered. I guess I was luckier than you in that I managed to get through at all. It was about 3pm on Friday when I eventually got through, after trying all day.

Not sure what else you can do - have you written in? Send it recorded delivery and keep a copy.

Good luck.

rhianna99

That is not the number I normally use to call tax credits. I call 0845 300 3900, and I always get through.

stu12345_2

yes agreed thats the right number 0845 300 3900

Mollymoo1987

I have had the exact same problem no answer no matter what time I call! I've had no child/tax credits since I started work on the 23rd of december!!!So my self and partner decide the only way i could afford to stay In my house was for him to move in....so I
Called standard 08453003900 to be told I couldn't end my single claim through them and that if I diddnt notify the!0845 600 5264 no and update them with my change of circumstances I would be committing benefit fraud!!!!
so yet again I've waisted my day off stressing about this matter trying to contact this number!! I have now written a snotty letter to tax credits office In hope I get a reply!!
So now I am left with no working tax credits & two angry child care providers who where expecting payment last week! Note that my child-minder also charges £5 each day this payment is over due!!

Tax Credit have said they will not refund this over charge!!! Absolute bunch of BEEPS!! I'd be better off sat on my bum getting benefits!! daft system!

Lee1971

Am in the same boat as you mollymoo.Wtc stopped cant afford to live so ex is having to move back in .Tried ringing to end single claim to be told need to ring 5264.Cant get through and dont know what to do. Just want to end my claim and reapply as a couple!!

laura8417

Tax credits is open until 8?

ajones28

I have recently been getting through more or less straight away on 01384845032. There are also various other numbers that can be dialled (just in case you don't have 0845 numbers included in you call package these are as follows:- 01382 711032, 01506 478032, 01506 521032, 0191 644 4032, 0191 541 8032, 028 90808310. They will all get you through to the various offices Tax Credits have all over the country. I have used a couple of them and had no problem (in fact I got through on the 2nd and 3rd ring respectively when I rang the 1st and 2nd time. Bit longer the times I rang after that but still through a hell of a lot quicker than on the 0845 300 3900 number. There's nothing worse than waiting to get through to somewhere and being in a queue for 20 - 30 minutes at a time. :mad:

SHIPSHAPE

Unfortunately, I have to call the 0845 600 5264 number as this is the only number that will now deal with my claim, if I call any other number I am only told that the computer screen states...'inform (me) to call 0845 600 5264...'

It is because it is a finalised claim where I called through my actual income figures and I just have to wait until dealt with. However, this was meant to be done within 14 days, it is now 24 days and counting.

This number is only open from 9am to 4pm, it is impossible to get through no matter what day or time I try.

MrsManda

I just wanted to say that complaints about the system are being looked at and the staff who deal with tax credit claims have also been complaining to the people who make the decisions on how to run the phone systems.

The options when calling are:
1. you get through immediately
2. you get put on hold
3. you get cut off
4. you get continual ringing.

The system works by rerouting calls around the country to spread demand. Former complaints led to the recommendation that there should be a limit on how many people are put into a queue therefore now if there are too many people in a queue when you call you are cut off.
It's a difficult issue because the HMRC get equal numbers of formal complaints about options 2, 3 and 4. But it is being worked on.

(I'm not a HMRC worker, I know someone who has the pleasure of dealing with these kinds of complaints)