Child tax credits

[angrywoman]

Have been claiming these since I split with the childrens father. I have 3 children and am a f/t student.
I have a bf who stays over 2 nights a week. This morning I received a letter from revenue and customs about my CTC asking me if I'm sure I am still single...!?! In a very accusatory tone. I am sick to death of these letters. The I.S. overpaid me because THEY made a mistake and continued AFTER I informed them (twice)that I was a F/T student. I get a letter saying I MUST pay it back.I was too f*ing busy to keep checking bank statements...! And - duh- I thought they would at least make sure they didn't OVERpay me by mistake.
I just think the wording should be less accusatory and they should admit to making mistakes.
quote from todays gem: 'you are claiming as a single person but we know that a lot of people don't tell us about their partner'
It makes me think my ex, who hates my bf being around, has tried to give me some extra stress. He would: I am about to finish degree and our final contact hearing is the day after my dissertation goes in. Has any one else had this letter? They 'check thousands of claims' Apparently.

It's nothing to do with your ex. Search the boards, a lot of people have had these letters, it will be to do with someone related to the property from a credit search, most likely your ex himself.
And really, it's your fault you didn't notice the income support going in. I know I'd notice it!

ok well I hope so.
Yes, I know I should have checked my statements but life is extremely stressful when you have 3 children, a full time course, an abusive ex and absolutely no free time ~ I got a bit lapse and just kept an eye out that I was in the black. When I.S. offer a telephone line the info they get TWICE should be processed. Infact, when I realised I was still getting payments I called them AGAIN.

Sorry, I appreciated the response... also did a search for child tax credit and yes, there have been lots of these letters sent. Phew. Will sleep better now. Thankyou.

Actually it's not the claimant's fault if the DWP makes an overpayment through their own error. There was a test case recently which meant that the DWP can't take legal action against the claimant in a case like this. They will try to insist that you must pay it back, but in fact they have no legal grounds to force you to do so. Go to a CAB and ask for advice.