How long for single tax credits claim and is there a form?

kirei

I claimed single tax credits a couple of weeks ago but tried to ring the helpline and it said put in the date of your claim, then it cut me off because it hadn't been 5 weeks since that date. I'm struggling as my husband was providing childcare, he has now left us so I am having to pay childcare and have borrowed from friends in order to pay it as I literally earn about £500 a month less than my bills, I need tax credits. I don't want to give up my job and claim IS, even though I might be better off, I want to work but I really need the childcare element of tax credits.
Another thing I'm worried about it when I made the claim I gave my joint bank account to have it paid into. My OH left and he left me his bank card and has no access to our joint account, I'm using it on my own as it's connected with the mortgage and bills. All the bills except mortgage are in my name. They said is that account in your sole name and I said yes, because I thought they meant am I allowed to operate it on my own, then she said are you sure it's not in joint names and I said oh yes, it is in joint names but he no longer uses it and doesn't have access. I said is this OK as I haven't managed to set up my own account yet (my husband had literally left me with no warning and I had a toddler to suddenly find childcare for). I said is this a problem and she said no, we just want to make sure he can't access the money, so if you're sure he can't access it it's OK. I'm so worried it looked like I was dodgy or something and my claim won't come through! How long is it that you have to wait normally?
Do I have to fill in a form because I haven't received one or is it all done on the phone? I think they said for single it's done on the phone but I also have a vague memory of her mentioning some form.
I have since got a sole account in my own name as I would like to use this eventually but is it worth ringing them and telling them this or should I wait for it to be set up? I did ask her and she said it's simple to change the account.
Thank you for helping!
PS childcare is all arranged now and things are settling down, but I really rely on the tax credits x

kirei

blondebubbles wrote: »

Did you have a joint claim originally?

Yes, should have mentioned that. They cancelled the joint claim and have already written asking for some money back which I was going to repay when the single one came through.

kirei

Thanks - I was wondering if changing the bank account might get them to say how long it might be! I think she said something about Id have to fill in a form but she must have meant the renewal. Is it likely it could be held up due to having a joint account still? It was my only account so I just gave them that as I'm the only one using it. I'm really worried about it being held up or is it more likely they'd investigate in a few months time as by then obviously that account will be closed and we'll have properly changed everything over from joint? x

kirei

My ex isn't working and hasn't got any proof he's living there, he's living with his mum so isn't on any bills or anything, she is just supporting him at the moment until he starts looking for a job so could that cause a problem. He's got a single account but he hasn't used it in a whiel (he will when he gets a job) and I asked him to change the address on that but dn't know if he has yet. I have changed the bills all into my name and also made a single account.
I understand why they have to investigat but it's crap if you're left with no money - I had to pay up front for a month of childcare. It's been 2 weeks so I guess I shouldn't worry yet then?

kirei

Thank you and I know I've not lied or done anything wrong so if they do investigate it hopefully it should be fine anyway! I haven't taken him off the electoral roll because they said he has to write and do that and I don't think he has bothered yet but they can't expect after a long marriage to do all those things instantly?

kirei

blondebubbles wrote: »

Yeah so they will just do that over the phone. You don't need an application form. You would have if you hadn't already claimed.

The forms they were probably referring to are your annual review forms. They are sent between April and June and you'll need to complete both your joint and single form. You can do this by phone when you receive them.

I don't know off the top of my head what their timescales are just now (they are updated regularly) I'll find out and tell you tomorrow unless someone else comes on.

You can change your bank account at any point.

They did the change of account for me over the phone but wouldn't tell me how long it would be just that it's processing and nobody knows how long that takes! I worry that it looks weird I change my bank details so soon as I was going to explain why but they didn't give me chance. It's been 2 weeks now so should I start worrying?