We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that dates on the Forum are not currently showing correctly. Please bear with us while we get this fixed, and see Site feedback for updates.
Disability tax credit claim

Downgirl
Posts: 2 Newbie
Hi there,
For three years until November last year I was only able to work part time due to a long term condition/disability. I qualified for working tax credits on the basis of having been on ESA for a while before then, and not being able to work full time hours. I was/am not in receipt of DLA.
My health improved in November and I decided to try and return to work full time. As soon as I went full time I contacted working tax credit to let them know that I was no longer eligible for tax credit and wanted to close my claim. They told me that instead, my claim would be reassessed for the whole year and therefore I would earn too much to be eligible for any aware for 16/17? They said that there was nothing I can do until I get my end of year notice, and even if I appeal, it's not likely to be successful. The guy on the helpline was so rude I ended up in floods of tears......
They are currently reclaiming the amount I received from before my health improved but I was wondering is there really nothing I can do about this? I really don't understand how I can be basically penalised for not scheduling my recovery in line with the tax year! I was eligible during the first half of the year on the basis of not being able to work full time. Surely when my health improved and this was no longer the case, my claim should have ended?
I'm trying to avoid having to phone them again as I know it'll upset me. I know I can dispute the overpayment online which I plan to do. I was in no way expecting to still receive tax credits from November onwards but I worked so hard to get my health to the stage that I was able to work full time and come off benefits, and it feels like I am being punished for it.
Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone has any experience of this/advice? I can't be the only person whose eligibility ceased mid-year?
Thanks for reading x
For three years until November last year I was only able to work part time due to a long term condition/disability. I qualified for working tax credits on the basis of having been on ESA for a while before then, and not being able to work full time hours. I was/am not in receipt of DLA.
My health improved in November and I decided to try and return to work full time. As soon as I went full time I contacted working tax credit to let them know that I was no longer eligible for tax credit and wanted to close my claim. They told me that instead, my claim would be reassessed for the whole year and therefore I would earn too much to be eligible for any aware for 16/17? They said that there was nothing I can do until I get my end of year notice, and even if I appeal, it's not likely to be successful. The guy on the helpline was so rude I ended up in floods of tears......
They are currently reclaiming the amount I received from before my health improved but I was wondering is there really nothing I can do about this? I really don't understand how I can be basically penalised for not scheduling my recovery in line with the tax year! I was eligible during the first half of the year on the basis of not being able to work full time. Surely when my health improved and this was no longer the case, my claim should have ended?
I'm trying to avoid having to phone them again as I know it'll upset me. I know I can dispute the overpayment online which I plan to do. I was in no way expecting to still receive tax credits from November onwards but I worked so hard to get my health to the stage that I was able to work full time and come off benefits, and it feels like I am being punished for it.
Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone has any experience of this/advice? I can't be the only person whose eligibility ceased mid-year?
Thanks for reading x
0
Comments
-
As tax credits are worked out on your income for the whole year then a change such as yours which increases income can lead to an overpayment. There is nothing you can do presuming the amounts are correctLost my soulmate so life is empty.
I can bear pain myself, he said softly, but I couldna bear yours. That would take more strength than I have -
Diana Gabaldon, Outlander0 -
Unfortunately the overpayment is likely correct. It's no different than someone getting a payeise or a bonus during the year. As tax credits is based on income for the full tax year, additional income earned later in the year can cause an overpayment of earlier payments.0
-
Ok thanks everyone. Seems terribly unfair but what can I do.
Thanks again0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 348.4K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 452.4K Spending & Discounts
- 240.9K Work, Benefits & Business
- 617.3K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 175.7K Life & Family
- 254.1K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards