Interview under caution

hoobily

Housing benefit council tax benefit fraud investigation letter

Hi I have just got home from work and received a letter saying I'm invited for an interview under caution for possible housing benefit fraud.
What happened was I didn't let them know my childcate costs had stopped on working tax credits. I honestly didn't think that this affected my claim. I sent in all my tax credit letters and parsnips at the beginning of the year as I hadn't heard anything from them for a while and thought they may need it. Called them a week later and they said I was entitled to full hb and cb benefit even though I work!
I questioned this an made them properly sort it though took loads of me chasing tem before they changed it and realised ther mistake! So now I'm paying it back. Why are they now investigating so long after. I have to take bank statements in. I'm so worried!!! Am
I going to get arrested or prosecuted?
Please help

iluvmarmite

Why did you send them all your parsnips?? You wont get arrested for sure, if you are already paying something back they will take that into consideration, if you have any evidence that it was their mistake you need to take that with you, I really wouldnt worry too much about it.

Oh and If I were you I would feel the same, I wouldnt think having childcare costs stopped would affect my benefit.

hoobily

Lol. I meant payslips. I really am worried. I have got my letter from them saying the overpayment is being reclaimed and that's the last I heard. It's really worrying me xx

whitewing

Phew. I find tax credits complicated enough without having to worry about having my parnsips to hand. Hope they don't give you a roasting. (No practical assistance from me, I'm afraid, just dodgy jokes).

hoobily

Lol. I meant payslips. I really am worried. I have got my letter from them saying the overpayment is being reclaimed and that's the last I heard. It's really worrying me xx

[Deleted User]

try NOT to worry take anything with you thats relevant and see what they have to say,if you are already re-paying an overpayment i dont see what their gripe is

hoobily

Yeah I have been repaying since march and have the letters to show it so I don't understand why it's come about now. Xx

whitewing

Take all your paperwork to the citizens advice bureau and see if they can help you/tell you what to expect.

hoobily

Thank you I will. Hopefully someone can help me with this. I am so worried x

Cazar_2

GET ADVICE!!!! from CAB or other local welfare rights specialist.

Check your tax credit letter you sent them. did it show the child care element in your working tax credits?
How long ago did your child care end?

if it did not, point this out in the interview, and tell them that you think that any overpayment after you provided this is LA error.

poppasmurf_bewdley

hoobily wrote: »

Lol. I meant payslips. I really am worried. I have got my letter from them saying the overpayment is being reclaimed and that's the last I heard. It's really worrying me xx

I've just roasted some payslips.They're delicious!

(Sorry, just couldn't resist it):D