Tax credit interview

EvePolastris

I had a letter requesting an interview in mid August about childcare costs for my eldest - which is essentially just after school club costs! It’s my youngest who hasn’t started school who I mostly claim for. 

A few questions

1. my tax credits are due to be paid on Wednesday, 2 weeks before the interview - will they still be paid? My online account still had them scheduled

2. Will they need me to send them proof of after school clubs? I could get a statement from the school but it’s closed over the holidays so probably not til September!

3. Are these checks random or there for a reason?

4. has anyone had on of these interviews? What are they like? I get quite anxious talking on the phone, is it friendly or more like shining a torch in your eye?!

Icequeen1

They do these renewal compliance exercises each year, so it is normal but it won't be entirely random, in that it sounds like they are specifically interested in childcare costs but it shouldn't be anything to worry about. Just make sure you have whatever information they asked for in the letter. It does however mean there will be a delay dealing with your renewal. 

EvePolastris

Thanks Icequeen, I’ve already renewed but does it mean my payments stop until the investigation is concluded?

Icequeen1

EvePolastris said:

Thanks Icequeen, I’ve already renewed but does it mean my payments stop until the investigation is concluded?

No, your payments won't stop until it is concluded. But even though you have done your renewal, you may not have received your final 2020/21 award and your initial 2021/22 award (you may have received a provisional award). They can't process the renewal until the investigation is complete. If it is only an investigation about the current year award, then that would usually be done after renewal (and after they had finalised). Either way, they don't stop payments while they investigate unless you fail to comply (and it is an investigation as part of the renewals exercise).