Tax credit

[Help45]

I’m looking for help I posted on a old thread that was similar to my issue last night as I’m new to all of this.....I’ve got myself in bother and I’m going out of my head with worry..I’m being investigated for tax credit fraud and yes I have done wrong I know that but I’m feeling like my only way out is too end it all and spare my family and partner who all knew nothing the embarrassment that I’ve caused....my stomach is in knots I can’t afford a solicitor and I’m petrified I will go to prison or end up in court where everyone will find out about me I can’t bare that for my kids or family..I honestly feel ending it is the only option...help please

Another post?

Speak to a debt charity. They'll give you some guidance on your debts generally to help ease your mind a bit. Stepchange, National Debt line and CAB all work with people in debt.

Be honest about your TC situation with hmrc. Tell them you've got mental health issues.

And Google the Law Society to find a solicitor who will give you a free 20 minutes.

I’m so worried I feel like life is over for me I’ve ruined everything my family have got because of my stupidity...I’m so bad at talking to people directly I tend to keep things bottled up hence the situation I’m in now.....I’m a mess

Hi again Help45,

Well done for starting a new thread of your own.

We're just going to add the support links we placed on the previous thread, in case you missed them.

Firstly, here's a link to our Mental Health resources. You can also go to the Samaritans website or email them on [email protected], or call them, any time, free of charge, on 116 123.

We've also compiled a webguide on dealing with financial difficulty which has links to organisations which may be able to offer some help with your current situation, such as StepChange and Citizens Advice.

Support from other Mumsnetters is great and we really hope you'll be able to take some comfort from your fellow posters, but as other MNers will tell you, it's really a good idea to seek real-life help and support as well.

Sending good wishes.

OP, I understand how hard this is. But you can get past it and have a brighter, stress free future.

You need to talk with someone. Absolutelely's post above gives some good suggestions. They will not judge you. They hear stories like yours every day. You are not alone. Best of all, they are experts in helping people to deal with these sorts of situations. Try to make it a priority to call one of them today.

Thank you 🙏🏻 I feel like life is over 😢😢

Thank you I know o need to pluck up the courage and talk to someone I’m such a closed book I’m not good at talking about things,I want to be.x

Maybe it would help you to talk to the Samaritans? They are trained to listen, even when you find it difficult to talk.

Your life isn't over. You've got a problem that is solvable.

Your life isn't over. The OP on the last thread, in the same position, was told she would just have to pay it back.

I know it must be very stressful, but try and remain calm be honest.

Thank you I’m trying to remain calm but I feel sick to the pit of my stomach.x

I have called tax credits and they wouldn’t speak to me today but I have managed to bring interview forward to Monday

Well done! Now, spend a bit of time getting all the info together. Have the facts to hand. Know what you want to say. Write this all down. Then put the piece of paper away until Monday. There's no point dwelling on it over the weekend.

I admire you for making the call, it can't have been easy.

Thank you it was very difficult but I know it needs to be done I just hope it all goes well on Monday xx

I’ve had such a bad night everything going round in my head I really can’t cope anymore

Pm sent xx

I’m here if you can’t sleep and want to talk

Thank you I can’t sleep I want to but as soon as I close my eyes my head is racing and all I think about is going to court/jail what’s going to happen with my life,how do I face people....I want this to be over I really do and I know it’s all my fault.xx

I can’t breath feel like my chest is going to explode .....I can’t do this I really can’t....

Sorry you are struggling. Have you confided in anyone , could you have someone with you at the meeting? Legal advice? Unless it is a large and systematic fraudulent claim you are over imagining the consequences.

It’s a telephone interview I’m thinking 20k at least I’m a mess

I see myself in prison with no one to help I keep thinking run away

Your best bet is to own up , if you are guilty. Have someone sit with you during the call. Was it deliberate or by mistake?

Mistake to start with but then just got harder to deal with and I kept wanting to sort it but just kept putting it off and to the back of my head......IM A IDIOT AND I KNOW IT......I’m in such a mess I really can’t cope

@Help45 The worst. It will be the waiting, when is your appointment?

I think you need an advocate to help you with this. Can you tell a friend / family member you trust so you can have someone to confide in during this process, as it is going to be stressful and because you are feeling so anxious you may catastrophise more which could spiral you mental health wise.