Trainee or not

horsi

Hello everyone,

I hope you can help me.
I received my award for my Tax credit claim this week, which is good, but I am confused.
While I was waiting for the reply of my claim I did a lot googling: who is entitled who is not, and eventually I thought that I am not eligible. Although the very reason for my application was that one of my colleague told me to apply, because he is receiving WTC.

So my problem is: we are so called trainees. (I have read that a trainee is not eligible for WTC.)
My colleague helped me to fill out my claim form and he said that we are not really trainees but fully employed workers. (I have a contract of employment and not traineeship, so I guess that would be true.)
Is it possible that the HMRC can make this big of a mistake (not once, twice) and give money for those who are not entitled to? I have heard about overpayments, so I know that the system is not without fault, but I would never think that after I give every details of my job they don't check the details.
I do not want something that is not in my right, so if someone could help me that would be greatly appreciated.

horsi

Yes, less because they provide free accomodation.

But if they have my employer's details, I assume they check that I work for the company, my income etc.

horsi

So basically it means that I cannot get WTC unless I pay tax, right?

horsi

I have a salary.

(And btw thank you for your help, much appreciated. :j)

horsi

Oh... Good news.

Can you tell me in which case I am not allowed to claim?
If I a have an allowance or hourly rate?

tomtontom

Is your accommodation classed as a benefit in kind? Do you have a different tax code to reflect the benefit?

horsi

My accomodation is part of my payment, so my salary is less because of this. I would not say that it is a benefit in kind.