Appealing Working Tax Credit decision about relationship status

timma

Hi folks,
I'm turning to you, the wonderful community at MSE for some advice. I'm in a situation I don't quite understand and you've always been a big help when I've been stuck in the past.
A couple of months ago, I received a letter from HMRC about my WTC claim that asked me to prove I wasn't in a relationship with my housemate. I phoned the number given for advice and spoke to someone who said he would be the one conducting the investigation.

According to him, they wanted to investigate me because - in a claim for housing benefit made a few months previously (due to illness and being off work), I had named her as someone that I lived with. However, he told me that - as long as I could show that we had been sharing the cost of bills and rent over a specific time period that would be fine.
This took some time to sort out, but was quite straightforward to do - I highlighted the transfers between our accounts on various bank statements and sent these off, along with assorted bills and a detailed explanation showing how the various sums had been calculated.
As I kept receiving my payments, I presumed that all was well, and so largely forgot about it...
And then today, I received a letter that told me that:

I have considered the information that you let me have. I am sorry, but I cannot accept this information. This is because we have numerous associations between your household and Miss J_____ to cast sufficient doubt over your single award entitlement.

I'm very confused, and more than a little worried by this. Which is where I'm hoping you guys come in.
- If I appeal this, is it quite common to be successful (as with the ESA appeals) or am I likely to be wasting my time?
- How long is an appeal likely to take? I know there was a lot of problems earlier in the year, is there still a significant backlog?
- What might the 'numerous associations' mentioned be? This is so vague it feels almost threatening. The only thing I can think is that my housemate has been named on various housing benefit claims I've made over the last 6 years at two addresses (I suffer from acute illness which means I regularly have to stop working for a while).

As I say, I'm quite worried about this, and though I am now back at work, am concerned that the stress arising from this dispute is going to make me sick again.
As an aside, my flatmate - due to a change in her financial circumstances - has actually now moved out and got her own place. This has only happened recently - do you think that would be worth mentioning in any appeal?

Thanks in advance for any help that you people might be able to offer. Is much appreciated.
timma
PS I've just found a page at "Tax Credit Casualties" which helps a lot (as I'm quite new here I can't post the link unfortunately). If people are able to help with the specific questions I have above that would still be really appreciated though.

Darksparkle

Was the investigation by HMRC or Concentrix?

Are there any children involved?

You mention housing benefit so do you rent? Is it a joint tenancy?

You may want to check your credit report for any other financial associations?

Alice_Holt

This site may be helpful:
http://revenuebenefits.org.uk/tax-credits/guidance/how-do-tax-credits-work/understanding-living-together/

Your local CAB may be able to help if an appeal is necessary.
http://revenuebenefits.org.uk/tax-credits/guidance/how-to-deal-with-hmrc/appeals/starting-an-appeal/
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/problems-with-benefits-and-tax-credits/challenging-a-tax-credit-decision/appealing-against-a-tax-credit-decision/

May be worth contacting your MP if HMRC aren't reasonable

Good Luck

FBaby

They've looked at your bank statements and bills, and considered transactions you would expect from couples compared to those expected from flatmates.

Was the tenancy in both names or only yours? Are the bills in one name or both? Does your grocery shopping looks like what would for two people (assuming there are no children) rather than one? Do you receive a fix amount from your housemate to pay the bills and the DD states something like 'half pay towards bills', or is it irregular amounts.
Is there anything that would hint towards payment for two, ie. cinema tickets for two, meals for two, flights for two etc...

NYM

The only thing I can think is that my housemate has been named on various housing benefit claims I've made over the last 6 years at two addresses

That might have caused them to believe your relationship is more than just flatmates. Why didn't you just apply in your own name? She could have applied for HB in her name separately.

As an aside, my flatmate - due to a change in her financial circumstances - has actually now moved out and got her own place. This has only happened recently

Have you notified your landlord and had your co-tenant removed from your tenancy agreement?

timma

Hi all - thanks for all the advice and feedback.
I've just spoken to HMRC and apparently all my evidence got separated from the letter I sent through, so they assessed my response as if there was no evidence attached. Hence the decision.
Is really annoying but they were pretty confident that an appeal would be successful - especially if I confirm that my flatmate has since moved out. So I just need to find a way to deal with a couple of months without WTC - which will be fun with Christmas coming up!
Thanks again for all the helpful advice though. tim