Child Tax Credit Overpayment

Andwhen

Hi,

I'd like some advice please! I recently became a single parent, so I put in a claim for Child Tax Credit and Income Support. My IS claim started on 10th October 2011.

I have been given both benefits, but when I checked my Bank balance I found that the CTC have put the weekly amount £109 into my account, and also a payment of around £1500.

I think that they have backdated the CTC claim by 3 months. I was only getting IS for 3 weeks of the 3 months, so I am not entitled to around £1300 of the money.

I phoned the CTC, but they said that I am entitled to it. What should I do now? I do not want to be in a situation where I have to pay it back at a later date.

Thanks for helping

kris1893

When did you become a single parent and what date has the claim been backdated to?

kingfisherblue

Until it is sorted out, I would put the money into a high interest account. That way, you can pay the money back if necessary, but you will have gained a little on the interest.

I would ask for a written breakdown of why the lump sum of £1500 has been paid. If it shows that you have had it backdated three months and this is incorrect, you can then provide them with your IS details - you should have a letter from IS showing when you are being paid from.

Also, did you previously have a joint claim? This should have been closed down before opening a new, single claim. The money could be linked to the joint claim closing, rather than a single claim opening (although it seems rather a lot for this!).

System

When you say you recently became a single parent do you mean you recently separated from a partner and already had a child or you are single and recently had a child?

If you separated from a partner then your entitlement would start from the date you two separated.

If you recently had a baby and are over 25 and were working 30 hours per week prior to the start of Income support then you might be entitled to WTC and that could be what has been backdated

Andwhen

My husband left recently, and already had children. I became a single parent / started claiming benefits on 10th October. They have backdated from July.

I will put it into savings until it is sorted out. Thanks for replying.