I have received a letter from tax credits saying I have been overpaid £600 for year ending 2018 and I have a month to repay it. I rang them first thing this morning after not sleeping a wink to dispute it and they are adamant I owe it
The circumstances are thus: I was a sahm for many years but eventually needed to go back to work. After applying for dozens of job I was over the moon to get a temp job for 6 months as I thought it would be good for experience, references etc. DEF temp as it was to cover a particular project.
I notified tax credits of the 6 months salary and I continued to get some tax credits albeit a reduced rate.
After the six months I got another contract unexpectantly as they were impressed with my performance etc etc so I notified Tax credits and my benefits ceased.
Their argument is that the extra six months pay took me over the threshold and therefore I shouldn't have had any TC at all. My argument is that my estimated salary for the first 6 months of the job was under threshold- I had no indication I would get another contract as my employer was adamant it WAS only for 6 months
not sure what to do next- I don't have much spare at the end of the month and certainly not £600. Can anyone advise please?