Tax Credit Overpayment

ThompsonUrwin

My son did not go back to college due to health problems. In hindsight I should have reported this as a change in ciricumstances to the Tax Credits office but I didn't because I really hoped he would be able to go back.

His health problems and referrals are all documented and he would have been entitled to some form of sick pay (he is 19) but we did not make a claim.

I have received a letter from the Compliance Team (a random check apparently) to provide bank statements, pay slips etc, including proof of attendance from the College.

Do I just come clean and explain the circumstances and will they be able to offset the overpayment against alternative benefits that he could of claimed but didnt?

This is really stressing me out and I could kick myself for not contacting them sooner.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thank you!

ThompsonUrwin

Many thanks for your response. This is really helpful. As far as I am aware he was never formally withdrawn and we worked hard to complete the outstanding work for his first year for which we have received a certificate.


Our aim was to get him back to college, even if it was to transfer to another course, because due to his disability, he is very reclusive and it was a way of developing his social skills.


As I mentioned earlier, I have evidence of medical intervention and hospital referrals during that period. I also have evidence of communication with the College relating to his illness. He was suffering acute anxiety and panic attacks along with palpitations. The GP carried out a number of ECGs which were deemed to be abnormal and he was referred to a specialist and was diagnosed with arrhythmia.


I will document all this in my response to the Compliance Team and if we have to repay the overpayment then so be it. I just hope that they will allow us to pay back by instalments and, hopefully, not give a penalty.