Tax Credits - Should I risk applying

[becksmummy]

Our household income is about 1200 per month and I am sure we would be entitled to something , but am scared of applying because of all the horror stories

What does everyone else do about these credits?

is there a good way of making sure the Government can't come back clawing at the door for money back for alleged over payments because of the poor way the system works??

could do with the money, but being debt free, i don't want to get into trouble with this as well

my DD is 6 months old, should i have claimed already?

claim - you are entitled to it!

Just make sure you dont estimate anything you tell them. Give exact figures only.

Then if they say it is wrong and they have overpaid you you are in the position to say they have only ever had the correct information.

Work out roughly what you're entitled to (use entitledto.com), apply. If it seems very wrong - put surplus in a high interest instant access account and then advise that claim seems incorrect. Certainly claim if you can. You only hear about when it goes worng, it doesn't for most people.

I'm sure you will get something. Could be loads - put it on that list of things to do. DOn't be put off by horror stories.

Agree with others - claim and don't be scared of the horror stories.
We've never had any problems.
You get extra for the 1st year of a child's life - I'm not sure if they will give you 'back pay' for the 1st 6 months or whether it starts from when you apply.

Another cry of CLAIM! Update them of EVERY change in income (no matter how small) as soon as it happens (don't wait until april or whenever they say) - I find that way I am completely sure that it all adds up.

Hi BM
Our household income is very similar to the figure you have stated. It is definately worth applying. We've never had any problems, they only overpaid us once, but that was DHs fault for not telling them her'd gott a better paid job.
It's nice to get some money to call my own every week in my bank account (not much, but it all helps!) and it eases the burden on what goes out of DH's wage.
Definately apply, you'll be entitled to it. You should've had a claim form in the bounty pack you received after the birth of your DD.

always always put evrything to them in writing and send it recorded mail and keep a copy.

CAB told me the reason they have a "helpline" phone no. is so people naturally phone them up to change details/ send in details and then when the TC people make an arse of it and you put in a claim against them they have "no record of your call".

this is how they get away with murder, I should know I've been fighting them for a year and have asked them to re-read phone transcripts but they refuse!!

so plse put anything in writing!!