Tax credits fraud.

waffledog30

I’m in a right state. 

I live with my partner and 3 kids. The older two are from my previous abusive marriage. 

I have claimed as a single parent. My defence is that I left an abusive marriage in tens of thousands of debt and have borderline personality disorder and can not be safe with money. The tax credits I was getting was for my debt and my older two children. I have a spending addicted and I can’t be trusted to pay bills etc so absolutely everything is in my partners name. The house is his. 

He has no idea. He gives me an “allowance” once a month and he thinks I live on that. He will leave me if he finds out, Iv already had bailiffs to the house. My mental health has been awful the last few years and my psychiatrist is fully aware of my spending problem. 

I stopped claiming tax credits last month as I started a part time job. I earn £300 a month. 

I had a letter today saying that they have linked my partner to his house. They want a telephone interview next week but also all bills etc that are in my name. Nothing is. Literally nothing apart from my bank account. 

I’m so scared. The letter has asked for details from March 2019 - July 2019. Why only these dates? !!!!!! do I say. If I admit everything surely they will look further back? I honestly feel like this is the cherry on the top and I’m not sure can survive much longer. I have so many debt collectors after me. Partner refuses to help as it’s technically ex’s debts. 

I’m so nervous about the interview. I don’t want to go to prison. I don’t even want to go court. I’m so scared. 

poppy12345

If you were claiming as a single parent before those dates and you shouldn't have then you will need to honest. If you're not honest, they will find out and the whole situation will be even worse. You will of course need to pay back the overpayment and there could a fine on top. Just be honest.

You should also speak to stepchange regarding your debts because they won't go away. Hiding from people knocking at the door isn't helping your situation. Stepchange will give you the advice you need. https://www.stepchange.org/?channel=ppc&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrrKJtOf16wIVh8_tCh2NGwYDEAAYASAAEgKsPPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

John_

If you admit it it’s very possible that you’ll be able to make an arrangement to pay it (plus fines) back.

You should get your facts lined up here, and make sure that you have some proof that you were diagnosed with your condition before the fraudulent claim began.

Yes, they are likely to go back further, but no, it’s not likely that you will end up in jail. The best policy from here is to be open, apologetic, and to try to work with them. There is nothing to be gained from worrying, but plenty to be gained from ensuring that you are able to detail all of the facts and show that you are able to make amends.

waffledog30

I’m so scared. I really am. It will be around £15k. I dont know if I can deal with this !!!!!! life anymore.

poppy12345

The first thing you should do is tell your partner because they will find out sooner or later. Have you spoken to your GP about your problems? They will be able to give you the help you need.

xylophone

I’m so scared. I really am. 

You can get help.  Put your facts together, contact your psychiatrist as soon as you possibly can and speak to  https://www.stepchange.org/how-we-help/debt-advice.aspx

Don't despair!

waffledog30

Just my psychiatrist. Money was one of the reasons I seeker help regarding my mental health. My partner trusted me to use his credit card in emergencies and I maxed it out behind his back. He’s having to pay it back.

waffledog30

I’m so scared about having to go court. 

poppy12345

If you be honest with them then you will most likely not have to go to court.

tomtom256

It will be a compliance interview over the telephone, during which you will be asked when he moved in with you etc.

There may be an overpayment but no court action, you would only be taken to court if it was an interview undercaution and that would take place face to face in an interview room.

waffledog30

But he obviously didn’t move in, the house is his. I moved in with him in 2016.