tax credits won't stop giving me money!!!

moo842

hi there

we have been receiving tax credits for 4 years and for 3 of those we were on basic payments of 545 a year (or whatever it is) last year my son got awarded dla at middle rate so we got extra tax credits for him. my hubbys wages were 1300 over what we estimated so i called tax credits to let them know. we also had a baby on the 23rd march so this means that they owed us a small amount for this.
now the problem is i obviously owe them for the extra we earnt last year, but everytime i look at my bank they've paid me more money!
on the 16th they made 2 payments one of around £55 and one of around £60 then today another payment of £100, they have told me my tax credits are going up to £355 a month next payment on the 27th of this month compared to last years £124.
now i know we have an extra baby and get extra for this but when i have put all the figures into entitle to it reckons we were overpaid by £400 last year and at this year we should be looking at £250 a month.
but i can't get tax credits to listen they keep telling me that they have paid me correctly, but i know they haven't and they said i can't get my husbands new salary taken into account until they send me my renewal form.
i know this sounds a load of mumble jumble, but i'm worried about owing them money. i'm too scared to use any of the tax credits at the moment and am putting them all aside in case they want it back (which i'm sure they will when they look at it properly) which of corse is now leaving us short

sorry rant over!

lebly

Get this from them in writing and try if you can to put the extra in a separate account just in case they ask for it all back.

Also send a letter to them recorded delivery stating you change in circumstances etc etc and that you keep telling them that you think the award is incorrect.

real1314

Here's what I'd suggest:

Write them a letter detailing all your changes in circumstance, include everything you can think of.
Explain that as you have provided them with all the relevant info, you expect your payments to be made correctly.
Explain that you expect them to notify you within 4 weeks of any incorrect payments, otherwise you will assume that they are paying you correctly and will use the money to support your income, as this is the purpose of tax credits.

Send it recorded delivery and keep a copy.

If they ever come back and say they've paid you wrong, use "estoppel" to challenge any overpayment.

peardrops_2

I to have received £120 today but we get paid on Friday and are wondering whether this is as well as the usual monthly payment or instead of!

I've received changed my job with a slightly less wage and informed them. Would this be because of this?

Its worrying when you hear that they pay pay pay and then want it all back immediately because of their mis-accounting.

moo842

thanks guys, i will sort out a letter today and get it posted off. the system is just crazy though isn't it!!

DazzerG

You should've received an Award Notice that will show what information they have for you, and what your payment schedule is.

If the details held are incorrect, call them and have them corrected.

If they are correct, then you are receiving the right amount.