I'm so worried and upset and horrified this is ok

[pinkrosebuds69]

HMRC have just cut my working tax credits completely . I am self employed,.
I don't understand I sent them all the paperwork for the necessary checks . All early and renewal early along side my tax return 6 months before the deadline .

Apparently they "don't have enough evidence to support my hours ) and have cut them completely .
I only know this from calling up myself to check .
This decision was made with no call to me. The decision was sent out last Tuesday but I've still not received ( apparently it can take 7-10 days )
Until I have the letter apparently I can't appeal or even question it .

I am in tears , I need my tax credits to pay child care and for food I don't know what to do or where to turn or what I've done wrong. I can't buy any food now tomorrow for the week .

That's good news OP the expenses will go to show how your profit is lower. I would still inform Housing Benefit though for extra help with rent as HMRC have 42 days to look at reconsiderations so it may take a while and if the decision does not go your way it will take longer.

In fact, as a pp mentioned Housing Benefit should get an electronic message from HMRC to say your wtc has stopped and they may suspend your claim while they make enquiries so pre-empt this by contacting them.

Also consider paying your class 2 NI contributions, many small businesses choose not to but it's a tiny amount and entitles you to claim some benefits. If you are sick again ESA can help bridge the gap and is classed as income for Tax Credits.

2 weeks ESA is the same as a whole years class 2 NI so any more than 2 weeks sick and you are actually gaining IYSWIM.

You can also find out if your local authority has a crisis scheme which could help with utilities, food shop etc. This is in addition to the food bank, some of these also have extra schemes.

On another note the conditions for Universal Credit are tougher and is another reason why some small businesses are going to struggle.

That's right Nanna50.

OP, I am sorry you have felt so panicky about this.
I do think posters have been trying to help.
Anyone hanging on a phone for hours trying to get basic answers to whether they can avoid a foodbank scenario is going to be really stressed.

In other news, good to know the current govt can find 1bn from down the back of the sofa to prop up their majority

Hoping everything will work out very soon OP. People who have safety nets don't have to live hand to mouth like this often don't comprehend the huge stress this kind of thing can bring.

Hoping you can either charge more money for your services - or develop a side hustle to make your own small safety net OP. Even if it takes a while.

Worship- appalling re DUP :(

Cocaloca, people who have safety nets now, may well have had to live hand to mouth in the past.

anyone who has lived hand to mouth, or even had a very thin safety net, can surely understand the panic the OP is feeling.

and lots of good practical advice is being offered.

incidentally, i am on ESA and want, as a single parent, to become self employed. I have had the 'guidance' of a 'workplace mentor' for 9 months now. Despite my asking I've had one meeting and no advice as to current criteria to qualify. I was sent to the CAB as the Ingeus guy said he had 'no idea' what hours / rates of pay I'd need.

Getting up to date correct info is not easy. Often, even if you can get through, you are given incorrect information. And many of the CAB's have closed.

I hope you get it resolved OP but it's probably a good idea to reassess your business plans and think about whether it is sustainable as a source of income subsidised by tax credits. As PPs have said, HMRC are coming down hard claims from small self employed people so it's precarious to rely on this continuing.