I think I am going to jail.

Skint_yet_Again

I think that's a bit harsh - im here to help (it seems you are not here to help at all) - especially when you don't know the OP's mental health issues only the small amount they have told us.

OP - I cannot bring myself to call you by the name stupid. I sympathise - you are not alone - and you are not the only one not to inform HMRC of a change of circumstances and end up overpaid on tax credits - so don't feel stupid.

Taxaid have some guidance on tax credits and mental health here

http://taxaid.org.uk/situations/struggling-to-cope/dealing-with-tax-credits-problems

Follow the advice given by others - get help from somewhere maybe MIND or CAB or a doctor or mental health nurse. Get together all the information about your change of circumstances, new job and health.

If you decide to contact HMRC tax credits yourself write down all the facts before you call them. If you do phone HMRC tax credits tell them straight away that you are suffering with mental health issues and how you are feeling -I know its hard to tell people at times- but ask for someone on the "vulnerable customer support team" to call you back. They are specially trained to help in these circumstances

HMRC do have guidance on Tax Credits and the effects of mental health here:

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/dmbmanual/DMBM555610.htm

I don't know what decision will be made but would suggest you take steps as soon as possible to move forward and get this sorted.

Stupid2015

I am sorry for the late reply.

RE: I am here to help :- Well, thanks very much. I left school at 15. I have worked continuously none stop since I was 15, paying tax at a higher rate in my early 20's for 6/7 years.
June 14 - my hours was reduced as a temp measure. I whistle-blown abuse, I was bullied for this - as the manager informed the person (a more popular work colleague may I add) that I made the complaint. I saw physical and verbal abuse against a 98 year old dementia man. A punch in the head and a slap. I reported this to CQC and my union at the time. I was going home to further abuse. A domestic violent relationship, which is colourfully documented by the police (I had a CID police officer from the serious crimes unit), social services and women's aid. It was a a terrible cycle. I go to work - I was barged in the hallway, talked about, nobody talked to me - I go home, for a beating. I have no family or friends nearby. I was alone.

I had to fled and leave my home as it was not safe anymore, and start all over again somewhere new. I am returning to work in 2 weeks time, despite not being fully well. I could of sat on my bottom and claimed IS (my child is under 5), PIP allowance, full rent and council tax pay which would of been a lot more then WTC in the grand scheme of things.

I have contacted HMRC, I have to write a letter - with proof of my mental health and numerous MARACS (High risk of being murdered/serious harm). I am actively looking for loans to take out to repay immediately.I will also look into contacting Mind too. Thanks for everyone else for their advice.

Bear_time

I wouldn't look into loans, that eill only pull you into further debt. Please, please get some advice from a professional. Do you have a local CAB you can access? MIND? What about calling your GPS surgery and asknf what services are available?

I think you just need to not jump so far ahead, yes I know you are suffering with anxiety but I feel the outcome will be far better than what you are imagining.

Everything always seems better in hindsight though, doesn't it?

1234mas430

This may have been said before but you have mental health issues & your hours went down below 24 hrs ?
Ok so you should be entitled to receive W/tax credits etc as you are classed as disabled. Apply for the disability for tax credits.
I have a friend with similar issue's as yourself & they work 16 hrs & receive W/Tax credits plus a disability credit from them, so in theory they owe you money ! Wish you well & well done for trying to work !!

bloolagoon

Stupid2015 wrote: »

I am sorry for the late reply.

RE: I am here to help :- Well, thanks very much. I left school at 15. I have worked continuously none stop since I was 15, paying tax at a higher rate in my early 20's for 6/7 years.
June 14 - my hours was reduced as a temp measure. I whistle-blown abuse, I was bullied for this - as the manager informed the person (a more popular work colleague may I add) that I made the complaint. I saw physical and verbal abuse against a 98 year old dementia man. A punch in the head and a slap. I reported this to CQC and my union at the time. I was going home to further abuse. A domestic violent relationship, which is colourfully documented by the police (I had a CID police officer from the serious crimes unit), social services and women's aid. It was a a terrible cycle. I go to work - I was barged in the hallway, talked about, nobody talked to me - I go home, for a beating. I have no family or friends nearby. I was alone.

I had to fled and leave my home as it was not safe anymore, and start all over again somewhere new. I am returning to work in 2 weeks time, despite not being fully well. I could of sat on my bottom and claimed IS (my child is under 5), PIP allowance, full rent and council tax pay which would of been a lot more then WTC in the grand scheme of things.

I have contacted HMRC, I have to write a letter - with proof of my mental health and numerous MARACS (High risk of being murdered/serious harm). I am actively looking for loans to take out to repay immediately.I will also look into contacting Mind too. Thanks for everyone else for their advice.

I hope you consider carefully if you feel able to work 40 hours a week.

I'm also confused as to whether you had a single or joint claim that year and therefore what your entitlements were.

TRAVELMAN_2

Good morning! Firstly I'd like to say WELL DONE for wanting & actively getting into work with Bipolar Disorder & your other issues. My G/F has had similar episodes (thankfully pretty stable after a recent minor blip). I'll break down what you need to do in bullet points so it's clear (didn't want that to sound patronising but I know even small doses of anti-depressants/mood stabalisers can make it 'a bit harder' to see the wood for the trees).

First thing to say.....'Im here to help'-go troll someone else who has not got a diasability/mental health issues...people like you make me sick.

Rant over...

1)-Get FREE advice re: the debts from Step Change Debt Charity. DON'T get loans-get advice from them. They have teams who specialise in mental health/debt-they might even be able to get a representative or an advocate for you.

2)-Contact your CPN/GP-find an advocate who can speak on your behalf to take the pressure off-most services are free-google 'mental health advocacy' for your particular area as well.

3)-You have kept the lines of communication open-even when ill-to try & sort this out. Mental Health & Debt are a BIG policatal hot potato-as mentioned in previous posts its 99.9% sure you WON'T go to jail. My feeling is they won't even prosecute-if you get proper Debt Advice from step Change & you (or better still-an advocate)-presents this to HMRC they'll in my opinion work out a repayment plan...why waste money prosecuting you if you were clearly ill at the time & are now looking to pay it back?

5)-The stress of this is NOT WORTH it......your own mental health versus a small £3k debt.....speak to Step Change-you'll feel so much better.

6)-Get proper advice from your local welfare/benefits advisor (google it or get number from Council)-with the best intentions posters on here whilst super knowledgable can offer differing views. A trained Welfare/benefits advisor will guide you through the really complicated ruels re all the benefits. If your illness affects you more that 50% of the time you 'may' be eligable for PIP (A benefit that you can keep even if you work-not taxed)-again an experienced benefits advisor will assist you with this. We used one when my partner was 1st diagnosed in 2009-absolutely brill & a big financial lifeline.

I hopethat helps. Ignore the saddo keyboard warriors & trolls.....if that's all they have to do to get their kicks then they truly are sad. I think you're doing brill. NO JAIL!

whitewing

OP - what is your health visitor like? She should be able to help you (at least to point you into some services that can help you).

Don't take out a loan at the moment. This can be sorted out if you keep calm and chip away at the problem bit by bit.

Good luck with it. Focus on being a great parent, taking each day as it comes. Everything else can be sorted.

Stupid2015

It was a single claim. I have split from my ex since Sep 13. The abuse occurred as he was coming around, and perfectly legal to do so.. He also had his name on the property. Therefore, was able to have a set of keys. The main argument was over our child and access. He would still put me down whenever he was here, and was physically violent throughout. He has received no ends of cautions then sent on his way, or case was dropped due to lack of evidence. Numerous times things was not reported to the police.

No, on paper I am too mentally unwell to work :- I see my GP every 2 weekly as I am in a low mood/suicidal. I see my psych every 5/6 weekly too.. And my cpn whenever I can get hold of her. But I would rather work then be at home. Yes I sound very hypocritical but I have always worked. On the other side, my hours are night shifts. 13.5 hour shifts x 3 a week.. I just want to pay it back and get on with it.

I know, this used to be a lovely forum, and I am so appreciated off the replies from nice people. Just a bad few eggs it seems to be on here. People can judge, but in my position I could of milked the system with everything and had a hell of a lot more money. I could also have a funded support worker but I choose not to.

TRAVELMAN_2

Hi! Deffo call Step Change & contact a Benefits Advisor. IF there are other forms of benefit you can get-you're not milking the system at all. I really really strongly feel that if you are up to it at least call Stepchange ASAP. They will need details of debts, income/expenditure so have that to hand. They have trained staff for people with MH issues & if you can't complete the 1st call (which takes a bit of time-to gather all the income details etc) due to stress, etc they'll arrange a call-back. You will feel much much better when you've spoken to them-it really really will put your mind at rest.

whitewing

Should you really be doing night shifts if you have mh issues? I am asking this kindly. I know I would not be able to cope with night work.