Is it possible to check out a 'point of law' or whatever it would be called about Tax Credits

[KatyMac]

I just wondered, is it easy to read? Do I need to depend on them getting it right? Should I pay a solicitor to find out (what sort of solicitor?)

You'd need a solicitor specialising in Welfare Rights.

Have a look on the law society website, or ring you local Legal Services Comission office and get a list of local solicitors (or charities) who have a contract to provide this service.

(I'm assuming you have a problem with TCs rather than you're a law student needing to do some research!)

Yes - they keep wanting to give me money & I am sure we aren't entitled to it.

This is the third time they have done this & paying it back gets boring

I think I kind of resent having to pay to provide evidence that I'm not entitled to any money

I'll wait a while & see what happens this time - Thanks at least I know where to get help.....if I decide to

Damn they paid me

Use it to make overpayments on your mortgage. That way it's working for you, and when they realise their mistake and ask for it back you'll be able to access it by making underpayments (check with your mortgage lender first that you can do this).

It's better to keep it in a high interest savings account. If they ask for it back, you can give it to them in one lump sum and you get to keep the interest.

If I do nothing, how long to I have to keep it before they can' ask for it back any more?

Don't know. Usual limitation is 6 years. Whether that would apply to your case I couldn't say.

My parents had a huge overpayment many years ago (TC ommitted my Dad off a joint claim), were told the usual we'll take it out of your future entitlement which was nil so they put it in a savings account. TC finally asked for it back nine years later when my Mum died.

This is 'apparently' a head office decision

I'm going to have to spend money aren't I?

Oh poo!

I rang them, & it's mine, all mine and I can spend it all, right now

Yeah right as if I'd believe that - do they think I'm stupid?

actually it really could be

Be careful as I was repeatedly told that we were entitled to as much as they were giving us despite us being unsure. We had to pay back £2000. We did put the cash towards our deposit for our house and paid it back monthly over a year so we did make it work for us but it was annoying as we were assured we were entitled to it.

I rang the Tax Credits people last Sept when I changed jobs and reported details of the change. Oh no, they said, we will write to you if your payments are going to change. I heard nothing. Until after completing my assessment form this year, after which I got a letter saying they'd overpaid me by £900 and I have to pay it back, at best, by 12 monthly instalments. I can't afford the instalments .

I thought I had done what was necessary to avoid this situation.

Whether the amount is right or not, I don't know

But I am entitled to something for sure

Mexxo - You may be able to dispute the overpayment. Assuming the overpayment arose entirely as a result of you changing jobs, you fulfilled your responsibilities by informing them promptly of your change of circumstances. It sounds like they simply failed to act on the information you gave them. If that is the case they should write off some or all of the overpayment. See here for more information.

I still reckon that despite checking it's mine and re-ringing & checking it's mine they will still be able to ask for it back