To expect to be able to get Tax Credits

[Ryoko]

My son was born 3 and a half months ago and I still don't have Tax Credits, it's all a scam.

Oh every parent is entitled to it, it should be easy to get, you should just phone up and get a claim pack sent or be able to apply for one online, well I've phoned em 18 times, they don't even put you on hold like any sensible system it's just sod off and try again later, the website is useless whats the point in spending all that taxpayers money on a web site that just tells you to fuck off and phone that damn number?.

Laughably the two times they did answer the damn phone they told us to sod off because they where too busy dealing with people wanted to re-new them and couldn't deal with new claims at the moment.

Is this how the sodding Tories are saving money? tell people you can still get Tax Credits and then sack all but one of the staff to make damn sure no one can apply.

I think you can get the forms from your local job centre

I know I read that on the website, I think it has to be a job centre plus not a normal job centre, our nearest one is two buses away so it's going to be a last resort.

you can get them from local tax office too

very difficult to get through to - though ensure you take the £100 pw disregard on SMP on this years estimate..

managed to get thrpough this morning. got cut off 3 times yesterday though...

"I know I read that on the website, I think it has to be a job centre plus not a normal job centre, our nearest one is two buses away so it's going to be a last resort."

They are all jobcentreplus now! However I would ring and check before they have some before you make a special trip.

Have you got a local inland revenue inquiry office nearby? They will be able to help you.

I think they only backdate 3 mths - not sure.

Have you got child benefit sorted?

aaaarh, same thing, cannot get through been trying for the last two days!

alternative numbers here

Lots of people have been moaning about the tax credits website - apparently it's been nearly impossible to even get in the holding queue in the last few months, because of the renewals. You'd think they'd anticipate the rise in call volume (renewals same time every year!) and hire more staff for those few months.

Anwho - there is another number for them, gets answered right away. It's the number for people calling from overseas which they prefer you not to call, but if you say how urgent it is they will usually deal with your request there and then. The number to call is: 01355 359 007

If that fails, surely getting 2 buses isn't that much hassle? If you leave it too long you may not be entitled to get it back dated to get the full amount you are owed.

YANBU

We claimed in Dec, finally got our first payment in May... Luckily we had savings to fall back on (as DH was out of work at the time), I don't know what they expect people to do who haven't got that option...

BTW - They will normally only backdate a claim for 3 months

thanks lesbianmummy1, will give those numbers a go

good luck with that hundreds of us had the renewal forms 'lost' so are having to reclaim, real helpful when you really rely on the money each week.

YANBU they are twats.

If you call the alternative number you are placed on hold I had to do this today was on hold for 30 minutes though!

YABU, and also incorrect, not every parent is entitled to tax credits. Please see direct.gov for details.

thesecondcoming. I have the same problem, my dd was born in November and I hae written to them and phoned them numerous times and left numerous answer-phone messages to which they are supposed to phone you back within 48 hrs and they still havent add my dd on! sooo fustrating.

I waited 25 mins to tell them about changes and then they wouldn't deal with me for security reasons as my partner and I have separate claims, we both have to call separately, it is ridiculous

They are the bane of my life! Had ds in November so being on mat leave my income changed at certain stages, also chilcare costs altered throughout the year as dd didn't always go. These changes told tax credits people about every time. This morning had a letter saying had overpaid us.......how? We told you everything and didn't lie so how? So now will have to waste my time when the kids have their afternoon sleep being on hold for three hours trying to get through to them. Grrrrr.

YANBU (although not every parent is entitled to them)

Terrible time of year just now because renewal deadline was 31 July. Most people can't get through by that deadline (I phoned almost daily from May - July and couldn't get through) hence phone lines still stupidly busy

I remember a few years ago you could get through without too much bother

They must have less staff, or maybe more people are claiming now, in which case they should surely get some more staff moved onto this at busy times?

(bit soon to blame the tories, the system has always been total shite)

Go into your local tax office they have a speed dial system direct to speak to someone at tax credits. All the termination letters are going out now so the phone lines are very busy.

I had a letter yesterday saying they are going to stop our tax credits as I haven't sent in the annual declaration. I BLOODY WELL HAVE!! I had to send it by post as I couldn't get through on the helpline and now I can't get through to them to tell them this. I'm so annoyed and frustrated What's the point of asking you for information by post or by phone when they ignore what you've posted to them and don't answer the phone!!
I want to make a complaint, but you probably have to ring the helpline for that too!! Aaaaaargh!