Interview under caution

hoobily

I have been honest about not telling them which was a genuine error. I just don't know what to think now xx

GreyQueen

iluvmarmite wrote: »

Way to go GreyQueen!!! The OP was worried before, you have now made him beside himself no doubt. I personaly dont think there was any need for your post practicaly telling him he has done something seriously wrong, that he has been under investigation for maybe a year or so or he wouldnt have been called in for a IUC!

How do you know its not just a case of ommiting to tell about the child care costs? You are not a fraud officer you have just LISTENED to fraud investigators talking about their work and most likely in those cases they used the worst case senarios just to impress.

That's a very good point, and I thank you for making it.

Because I answer benefit enquiries for a council, I see daily how many files have been subject to fraud investigations and how the majority of them don't go anywhere in such a way as the person claiming would have ever been aware that they had been under investigation at all; i.e. there would never have been an IUC.

Often the fraud officers will not pursue an investigation because the amount misappropriated is derisory or the claimant stops a claim of their own accord, or the evidence obtained thus far isn't quite sufficient, although they reserve the right to reactivate an investigation should any of those situations change.

Fraud officers know very well that some people have other people make false and malicious accusations of fraud and will investigate only enough to eliminate these. Sometimes these eliminations can be done in seconds because the person accused of fraud isn't even claiming any benefits at all.

FYI, I have shadowed fraud officers doing investigations and speak to the fraud team daily, so I have done a little more than hear one talk on one occasion, although there is no way you could have known that, of course.

IMO, anyone called to an IUC is in a serious position and the OP is right to be worried, but I'm sure he or she is a grown-up and can defend themselves on the thread, should they feel the need.

The best case scenario is that there has been a misunderstanding and that the OP is not in serious trouble, and that's the result I hope will be revealed in their IUC. However, if they don't go to put their side, they may well end up in a court, and this is to best avoided if at all possible.

Best wishes to the OP and thank you for your point of view.

hoobily

Well I thank you for your comments greyqueen and o do know it's serious and that's why I am so worried! Bit like I said it states Childcare costs etc and I admitted I didn't inform them cos I didn't think it mattered x

hoobily

And also just curiosity really another of my friends has an IUC on Friday also as she told them that she was doing extra work. On time she informed them I might add yet she is having an IUC too? It's so worrying though waiting around when you don't know what's happening x

whitewing

Perhaps there is someone who knows your circle of friends, who has reported you all for whatever reason.

Still worth gettingadvice from CAB I would have thought.

hoobily

I am going to get advice. Will be calling them tomorrow. Yeah could be but I sent in my forms purely because I hadn't heated from them in over a year and thought I better. That's when they said I shouldve told them even though the money was for nursery fees not anything else. It's my mistake which I freely admit but most certainly wasn't deliberate x

hoobily

Well have just spoken to CAB an thy said go to the interview and see what they say. They said that she can't understand how Childcare cost can affect HB (exactly what I thought!) and the fact that I told them that I had someone staying with me and let them know straight away goes in my favour. So still really worried but just have to wait

hoobily

Just had another letter from council tax saying I'm entitled to more as my benefit has changed because tax credits has let them know my award has changed. Is this normal?! I thought it was my responsibilty to do this? I'm even more worried now! Please please help xx

hoobily

Anyone help? Please x

Cazar_2

a new system called ATLAS went live nationally last week, at the moment it only updates your LA with the latest tax credits award.

This means that they will know about all changes to your Tax Credits award in the future.

A reduction in your Tax credits will increase housing/council tax benefits because your income has gone down.

RE child care. this affects your housing and council tax benefit as it is disregarded from your income. so if stop or reduce the amount of child care you pay, your benefit will be affected.