new tax credits claim and an old tax credit debt

geministar2008

Hi

I need some advice, i may need to claim working tax credits again, i am concerend about doing this as i did owe them money some time ago, i was paying back a set amount each week, until i couldn't afford to, i had to terminate my agreement with them, which they were fine with and they were supposed to contact me earlier this year re starting another repayment plan. I have to this day, not been contacted by them, all my contact details are the same????

I haven't claimed working tax credits for a long time now, but would like to know if i need to later this year and i still owe them money, will they only take a small amount of my benefit each week....? I will be living on the a very low income. So i'm concerned as to how this may work.

Just wondered if anyone else had been in a similar position?

System

They won't take any of your tax credits because it will be a brand new claim and they can't collect an overpayment on an old claim from a new claim. They may ask you to set up a new payment plan for the outstanding overpayment though.

midnight_express

You still owe the money.

geministar2008

thanks pam is that defo right? and midnight express it might sound daft but i dont know, it was a joint overpayment and i have no idea of the whereabouts of my ex partner. just seems odd that i was paying a lump for some long and its now 8 months after the time they said they would contact me re another repayment plan. Maybe the ex cleared the rest? i cant afford a repayment plan again at the mo as im currently sick.

Erinnire

They should get in touch and take the overpayment off you via direct debit this is what happened to me, it doesnt matter that the debt was joint I am still paying for all of it... although at £5 a month its not worth moaning about.