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GULP! I have no proof.
bookend
Posts: 15 Forumite
Please help.
I used to be a single mum to three children. I work part time too.
In September my youngest started school so I called tax credits and told them that my nursery costs had stopped (approx £60 pw). My tax credits amended immediately and the childcare element was withdrawn. In November I called again to tell them my partner was moving in. Again, my claim amended immediately and my tax credits stopped completely.
Then a month later I receive a letter saying they want proof of my childcare costs etc.
My childcare had stopped over 4 months previously so I wrote back and explained that I did not receive any form of tax credits and hadn't received childcare credits since August when my son had left. Therefore I had no proof for them.
Today they have written to tell me that as I have no proof I have to pay back all the childcare costs between April 2014 and August 2014 totalling £1461!!!
They are basically saying that I need to prove he attended nursery. I threw all the receipts away three months after he left. They were handwritten on plain paper with no name of the nursery etc. The nursery only accepted cash so I have no proof that way either. To make matters worse the nursery sadly closed for business the day my son and his friends left for summer.
But surely there is a record of this?
I know I threw the receipts away but they looked like anyone could have written them anyway.
All they said was my son's name, the date and the amount I paid each week.
Any ideas where I should go from here?
I tried calling this morning but was on hold for 1 hour 20 minutes before I gave up as it was coating a fortune.
Any help greatly appreciated. I just don't have that money. Each day is struggle for money. I'm actually worse off since my partner moved in!
I used to be a single mum to three children. I work part time too.
In September my youngest started school so I called tax credits and told them that my nursery costs had stopped (approx £60 pw). My tax credits amended immediately and the childcare element was withdrawn. In November I called again to tell them my partner was moving in. Again, my claim amended immediately and my tax credits stopped completely.
Then a month later I receive a letter saying they want proof of my childcare costs etc.
My childcare had stopped over 4 months previously so I wrote back and explained that I did not receive any form of tax credits and hadn't received childcare credits since August when my son had left. Therefore I had no proof for them.
Today they have written to tell me that as I have no proof I have to pay back all the childcare costs between April 2014 and August 2014 totalling £1461!!!
They are basically saying that I need to prove he attended nursery. I threw all the receipts away three months after he left. They were handwritten on plain paper with no name of the nursery etc. The nursery only accepted cash so I have no proof that way either. To make matters worse the nursery sadly closed for business the day my son and his friends left for summer.
But surely there is a record of this?
I know I threw the receipts away but they looked like anyone could have written them anyway.
All they said was my son's name, the date and the amount I paid each week.
Any ideas where I should go from here?
I tried calling this morning but was on hold for 1 hour 20 minutes before I gave up as it was coating a fortune.
Any help greatly appreciated. I just don't have that money. Each day is struggle for money. I'm actually worse off since my partner moved in!
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Comments
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Did you originally send them proof for your childcare costs?0
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Simply contact the childcare provider that you had used and ask them for proof of your weekly costs. Then send it to HMRC with a letter explaining that you were under the impression that they wanted current childcare costs not those from April to August.
It should then resolve itself.
If fr some reason you cannot get proof directly from the childcare provider, then there are other ways. Did you pay in cash or by card/electronic transfer/direct5 debit etc etc? If the latter you should be able to use bank statements which highlight the name of the business/person paid and the amounts.[SIZE=-1]To equate judgement and wisdom with occupation is at best . . . insulting.
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Was your child placed with a Registered childminder ?0
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That doesn't mean that they can't get the information. Contact the person who owned/run the childcare service. Even though the business has ended they still have to keep hold of the records for the required periods.blondebubbles wrote: »OP has said, childcare provider has closed down and payments were made by cash.
HMRC would have already tried to contact the provider.
The information is there it's just a case of working a little harder to get it.[SIZE=-1]To equate judgement and wisdom with occupation is at best . . . insulting.
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Receipts on 'plain pieces of paper' and only accepting cash.
Sounds a bit, well, it sounds a lot, iffy to me.....make the most of it, we are only here for the weekend.
and we will never, ever return.0 -
Thank you for Replies
I've no idea how to contact the people who ran the nursery. It was Our Lady Of Gillingham Playgroup and they closed last summer. I knew the names of his key workers there but not last names. They were OFSTED registered and at the time of my claim I provided all the relevant details. I just don't stupidly have them now.0 -
It's not iffy at all. Lots of small playgroups run that way. Accepting only cash and cheques cuts costs. And not having headed paper does too.
They were attached to my church but had to close as our new priest wanted the hall back.0 -
Receipts on 'plain pieces of paper' and only accepting cash.
Sounds a bit, well, it sounds a lot, iffy to me.....
I wouldn't leave my dog with an establishment that was all cash and hand written notes if you know what I mean...We’ve had to remove your signature. Please check the Forum Rules if you’re unsure why it’s been removed and, if still unsure, email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com0 -
A piece of headed paper really doesn't make your child any safer.
This was a small OFSTED registered church nursery. It was a wonderful place with a good reputation but simply had no money.0 -
Is this of any helpThank you for Replies
I've no idea how to contact the people who ran the nursery. It was Our Lady Of Gillingham Playgroup and they closed last summer. I knew the names of his key workers there but not last names. They were OFSTED registered and at the time of my claim I provided all the relevant details. I just don't stupidly have them now.
http://charities.findthecompany.co.uk/l/89063/Our-Lady-Of-Gillingham-Playgroup-in-Gillingham-England
There is a list of trustees for this playgroup on this link.
Do a search on Google and you may find the details you are looking for.[SIZE=-1]To equate judgement and wisdom with occupation is at best . . . insulting.
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