Confused, desperately anxious re overpayments

ohno_2

Hi, is there anyone who could advice please? I work full time, used to get tax credits and during the last year been trying to sort out a problem with it. Not entirely sure how it occured, according to Tax credit they have overpaid me by £8000. I am desperately anxious about this. I am already on a debt management plan, I never have any spare money and would not even be able to pay £800, never mind £8000! My partner is also over his ears into debt, this is causing us so much upset. I have not had sleep for days, I just don't know how I am going to get pass this.

Does anyone know how long the maximum time is to pay it back? I wrote to them asking how and why this happened, they have send me letters with completely different amounts every time. This whole year I kept on thinking the problem will get sorted and life will return to normal. How wrong! Please, any advice?

ineed

You should probably start by making sure this amount is correct, seeing as you've had different letters with conflicting information. You might find this page useful in the future if you need to make a complaint or appeal.

Anubis_2

This may help http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCredits/Ifthingsgowrong/Overpayments/DG_073813

Also look here http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCredits/Ifthingsgowrong/Overpayments/DG_173376

Have they pinpointed a reason for the overpayment?

ohno_2

Hi, thanks for the advice so far. They said that I did not communicate well with them, I still don't know how the overpayment happened as I always filled in my renewal with the correct amounts. Just so fed up, I haven't got the will and energy to start all over again.

System

There are a variety of reasons how an overpayment can arise. If you received letters mentioning different amounts that could be because there are several years involved with overpayments in each one. Ask them which years are involved.

Some of the reasons include not letting them know of a change in employment, or decrease in hours worked per week, or a substantial increase in income, changes in childcare costs or provider, disability benefits ceasing. They are classed as changes in circumstances and you are required to tell them these as soon as possible after they happen.

One thing that a lot of people don't realise is that if your employer changes because the company is taken over by another company this is classed as a change in employment. The new company's PAYE reference number (what they are known by to HMRC) is usually different to your previous employer. Your job stays the same but the company has a new name. TCO don't know the difference all they see when they do a check is that your employment with a company has stopped and you didn't tell them.

baza52

it seems communicating isnt your strong point.

nobody can give you advice unless you give more information as to WHY you were overpaid etc.
did you earn more than you estimated?