tax credits error

alison01

Hi

Im looking for a bit of advice. Its a bit long winded, sorry.

I completed my tax credit renewal online in june. Recieved a payment few days later, but no paperwork.Finally managed to get round there system and speak to someone 6 weeks later. To be told letter was sent the day after i renewed. But when i confirmed my address and previous address i was told they didnt match on the system, so my address and previous address had somehow been wiped of the system, and my details sent to someone else. Finally got the award letter 10 days later, and they had the income wrong,completely random figure. So yet another phone call,explained it all. Adviser explained it would have to be reopened as it had all been finalised ( not my fault at all ) I explained that this was there error, and i shouldnt have to pay anything back. Said she would note all of that, and i should hear something back in 4 weeks.

Here we are 6 weeks later, and after another phone call,theyve told me they cant do anything,because its been finalised, by law they cant change it, even though its not the information i provided. I can appeal if i dont agree with it. There will then be a huge overpayment ( also 6k of a difference ) which i will also have to appeal come next year.

Is there anything i can do, or where do i stand. This is no fault of mine, there system has completely messed things up. :mad::mad::mad:

stevemLS

Put the money you know you are receiving incorrectly in a savings account. Then when they ask for it back, you will have it so no need for appeal.

You can't knowingly spend the money you know you should not have and then moan when they ask for it back.

Others know better than me, I know nothing about tax credits, but I have read hear that they can do in-year changes.

olgadapolga

alison01 wrote: »

Hi

Im looking for a bit of advice. Its a bit long winded, sorry.

I completed my tax credit renewal online in june. Recieved a payment few days later, but no paperwork.Finally managed to get round there system and speak to someone 6 weeks later. To be told letter was sent the day after i renewed. But when i confirmed my address and previous address i was told they didnt match on the system, so my address and previous address had somehow been wiped of the system, and my details sent to someone else. Finally got the award letter 10 days later, and they had the income wrong,completely random figure. So yet another phone call,explained it all. Adviser explained it would have to be reopened as it had all been finalised ( not my fault at all ) I explained that this was there error, and i shouldnt have to pay anything back. Said she would note all of that, and i should hear something back in 4 weeks.

Here we are 6 weeks later, and after another phone call,theyve told me they cant do anything,because its been finalised, by law they cant change it, even though its not the information i provided. I can appeal if i dont agree with it. There will then be a huge overpayment ( also 6k of a difference ) which i will also have to appeal come next year.

Is there anything i can do, or where do i stand. This is no fault of mine, there system has completely messed things up. :mad::mad::mad:

They can change it if they really want to. I don't know how their systems work so this is anecdotal, based purely on my own experience. I had one changed but had to go through my MP to get it sorted out. I was repeatedly told by the TCO that it couldn't be changed as my award had been finalised - it took my MP one phone call to get it dealt with. My "finalised" award was recalculated and a revised final award notice sent to me.

I also had problems the following year (completely the fault of the TCO) - in this instance I demanded to speak to a manager and filed an official complaint. It was escalated beyond the call centre and a lovely person investigated it, found in my favour and got the award put right. And I was kept fully informed, even ringing on a Sunday to let me know the outcome.

It can be done. You may have to go through disputes/appeals first though. As I said, I really don't understand their processes.

alison01

Ive asked for an appeal form to be sent out. I may speak to my local MP and see if they can help also. I dont know how much i should be recieving and how much is incorrect, to try and work out how much ill need to keep to give them back. And i cant afford to put it all aside.

Horseunderwater

Am sure if you post your income for the years 2012/13 - 2013/14 & the expected one for this year along with how many kids work hours etc tghen the lovely blondbubbles will be able to work it to give you an idea.

Icequeen99

You need to appeal 13/14 final and 14/15 current awards. It may take sometime but they will suspend recovery in the meantime.

Make sure you complete an appeal form and not a dispute.

IQ

alison01

yes there posting me out an appeal form at the moment,to have the income changed. they wont do anything about the over payment,because as far as they are concerned,there isnt one.