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Original poster

Tax credit

134 replies

Help45 · 12/03/2021 09:28

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

OP posts:
Gazelda · 14/03/2021 23:09

OP, hang on in there.

This time tomorrow, you'll probably be feeling so much better. It'll all be out in the open, the fear of being discovered will have gone. You'll be back in control and the investigators will support you to solve the situation. You'll now what you're facing and be able to speak with the right people to resolve.

Get your notes together.
Have a glass of water next to you when you're speaking with them.
Try to be sitting undisturbed during the call. Don't pace, or have your eye on the dinner cooking or whatever.
Keep calm, be totally honest.
Remember to breath, ask for a minute to gather your thoughts if you need it. They won't be interrogating you, it's a conversation.
Make notes of everything they say and ask them to confirm everything in writing.
Come back to this thread after the meeting to let us know how you got on and we can help you think about next steps.

Nat6999 · 15/03/2021 00:51

First of all try to stop panicking, the worst that will happen is that you will have to pay the money back & a small surcharge. Depending on your income you may only have to pay back £7 a week, before your phone call do a budget, list all your incoming & outgoings, include everything, even haircuts, toiletries, birthdays, anything that you pay out for. Are you still eligible for tax credits as a couple? If you have been eligible to claim as a couple for all the time you continued to claim as a single person the overpayment might not be as bad as you think. I was overpaid ESA as I hadn't thought to tell them I had been given an ill health pension & was overpaid just over £5000, I pay it back by a deduction of £7 a week from my benefits, it will take until I'm 70 to pay it back but they are happy to do it that way. If the amount is very large & you will struggle to pay it back, speak to a debt charity like Stepchange, they may advise you to think about bankruptcy, I know that is something that sounds horrifying but it will mean that your debt is written off & you can have a fresh start. Ask for everything in writing & don't be afraid to ask questions if there is anything you don't understand.

Original poster
Help45 · 15/03/2021 07:02

Well that’s the worst night I’ve had paced the floor all night,had a panic attack aswell I honestly want to cancel today I want to sleep forever,IM SO SCARED I REALLY AM!!!!
I don’t know how to settle my nerves 😞😞😞

OP posts:
youvegottenminuteslynn · 15/03/2021 07:10

@Help45

Well that’s the worst night I’ve had paced the floor all night,had a panic attack aswell I honestly want to cancel today I want to sleep forever,IM SO SCARED I REALLY AM!!!! I don’t know how to settle my nerves 😞😞😞
Do not cancel.

The longer you put this off the worse you will feel and the less cooperative they will see you as.

Keep posting on here if it's helping. Maybe also post on here right after so you can get some support instead of spiralling once you've spoken to them.

Do you have anyone with you?

TheQueef · 15/03/2021 07:12

Who is supporting you irl?
Is this interview under caution?

Original poster
Help45 · 15/03/2021 07:30

No no one with me I’m alone,My partner is very quiet today he went to work I think it’s hitting him now and he needed to be away,I get that.
No letter doesn’t say it’s under caution so I’m not sure

OP posts:
TheQueef · 15/03/2021 07:40

Bloody hell.
You really could use an advocate.
You don't have to say anything you can attend, listen to what they suspect you of and still say nothing. Don't incriminate yourself if you can help it.

Keep in mind the DWP aren't acting in your best interest they are trying to reduce fraud.

I said on the other thread and it's worth repeating try and get CAB or other legal advice.
Good luck lass it'll all be over soon enough.

youvegottenminuteslynn · 15/03/2021 07:40

@Help45

No no one with me I’m alone,My partner is very quiet today he went to work I think it’s hitting him now and he needed to be away,I get that. No letter doesn’t say it’s under caution so I’m not sure
What time is the call and can you maybe post on here after so that we can help you calm down as you'll be wired from the adrenaline, panic wise.

You will not go to prison. You won't, so take that off the table in your mind.

Do you have any paperwork in front of you? Have a pen and paper handy too.

Original poster
Help45 · 15/03/2021 07:47

It’s not DWP it’s HMRC,yes I’ve got pen and paper and what paper work I can find........I’ve never felt so ill.x

OP posts:
TheQueef · 15/03/2021 07:51

Sorry HMRC, same situation though. Their job is to reduce and recover fraud.
It isn't their job to be fair or reasonable to Help45 I'm not saying they will trick you or be untoward it's just good to keep their goal in your mind.

Can you eat a bit and write down any important points you need to get across?

Original poster
Help45 · 15/03/2021 07:53

I can’t eat I haven’t been able to eat dined Thursday

OP posts:
youvegottenminuteslynn · 15/03/2021 07:55

@Help45

It’s not DWP it’s HMRC,yes I’ve got pen and paper and what paper work I can find........I’ve never felt so ill.x
Well done, that's a good start. And sit somewhere quiet and comfortable with no distractions.

Paperwork wise, do you know the exact amount you've been receiving each month and the dates it started / date your circumstances changed and you should have informed them? Having this information to hand will help you feel less flustered on the call.

I agree it would be ideal to have someone with you, partly to remember stuff you may forget and partly (more so in fact) to help calm you down afterwards as I'm worried you are so fraught that you may spiral.

That's why it might be a good idea to pop on here afterwards for some moral support.

What time is your call?

youvegottenminuteslynn · 15/03/2021 07:56

Cup of tea and biscuits now, big glass of water for the call. Not eating will be making you more shaky and panicky. I know it's easy to say but you need something in your system.

Original poster
Help45 · 15/03/2021 08:06

Yeah I know dates dont remember exact date it changed o know the year.
I can’t eat a thing the thought of any food is awful it really is.

OP posts:
Original poster
Help45 · 15/03/2021 08:07

I WANT TO SLEEP FOREVER

OP posts:
Coolerthanapolarbearstoenails · 15/03/2021 08:12

Op are you going to use your mobile for the call? Could you record it? (tell them you are doing this) It may help being able to look back as you are going to be on your own.

Have a pen and paper. Take notes.

You need to talk to someone professional. I know it's scary and hard but the only way that this is going to be rectified is if you deal with your issues as a whole. You have a lot of debt - paying back 20k on top of whatever you have already is not going to be easy.

I know it's hard and you don't want to deal with this but the best thing you can do is deal with this head on. When you do the relief will be huge.

StellaDendrite · 15/03/2021 08:57

OP, getting some calories in would help. Even if you can't eat can you have a soup or some really sugary teas or coffees.
The meeting will be over soon. The people interviewing you are just doing their job and if you are honest with them and show that you want to work out a way to pay the money back then you are making their job easier.

You mentioned that you weren't sure when your boyfriend moved in? Can you scroll back right through your social media or emails and try to work it out. If you have any 'evidence' then keep it to show them. That would be less stressful for you and less irritating for them. If you genuinely can't remember then so be it but i suspect they will think you are lying if you say that.
Good luck. These people deal with this all day long. They are just doing their jobs.

cactuslover1992 · 15/03/2021 09:01

Sorry I havnt replied sooner op , own up straight away and show remorse . Say you suffer with your nerves and it all got too much for you to deal with after a while so you just tried to forget about it .because it's your 1st offence you might not go to court so please don't worry about that . Let us know how it goes xxx

Keeping2ChevronsApart · 15/03/2021 09:36

The first thing they will say is you will have to pay it back, and will arrange an affordable payment plan. They don't ring you to tell you you're going to prison xx

Original poster
Help45 · 15/03/2021 09:40

Thanks everyone it’s awful it really is I wish it was over in one hand in the other I don’t want it to come round.........my life is such a mess it really is.

OP posts:
cactuslover1992 · 15/03/2021 10:25

In a few weeks you will be looking back at all this and feel relief I promise you , I suffer so bad with my mental health and I have been in your position and I promise that you won't feel the way you do forever ❤️ this afternoon after that phone call youl feel like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders xxx

TheRedBalloon · 15/03/2021 10:43

I used to do voluntary work as a debt caseworker. Please believe me that they will not prosecute you... Admit everything, its really important to be completely honest. How much is your partner earning? You may still have a notional entitlement to tax credits which would reduce what you owe them. Arrange a sensible and affordable plan, and please get some advice about your other debts. Don't go down the bankruptcy route if you can help it, it has far reaching consequences. A lot of debts may accept a token amount of a few £ per month depending on your income & expenditure.
Stay calm during your interview and if you can't record it, write as much as possible down for your records.
Good luck op.

Original poster
Help45 · 15/03/2021 10:51

I’ve watched the clock counting the hrs all night I’m so tired I want to sleep......I’ve honestly never felt like this...I’m dreading the phone ringing I really am...I just want some strength.

OP posts:
Chewingle · 15/03/2021 10:54

Have you done any planning and prep at all op?

StellaKowalski · 15/03/2021 10:55

Thinking of you OP.

Remember, the woman who's thread you posted on ended up, after all the worry, speaking to a lovely woman who simply organised a payment plan for her.