Tax credits letter about working hours and WTC

Orangesandlemons77 · 2023-01-16T20:26:28+00:00

Does anyone know what this is about? Had this letter about WTC and hours worked and how there were changes due to covid and need to update them if it is different etc

BCSurvivor · 18/02/2023 12:59

Hi, @Orangesandlemons77
I got one yesterday, about WTC and whether I was still single/self employed/income change.
I've been on WTC for years and single for even longer.
My income never really changes.
I spent all yesterday stressing about it, and then I saw your post.
I can't decide whether it's a random letter or a check - on the one hand it said to contact them if there were any changes - there aren't - but the next paragraph said ''what will happen if I don't contact'' and said they may be in touch again to talk about my tax credits claim!
I did try phoning but the wait was huge so I gave up.
It said it's looking at my current tax credits award, from April 2022.

Babyroobs · 18/02/2023 15:13

They relaxed the rules during covid when some people couldn't work. I guess now they are just wanting to check that people are working the correct number of hours to still qualify for working tax credits. 16 hours for lone parents and 24 hours for a couple I think.

Original poster

Orangesandlemons77 · 18/02/2023 18:49

I'm a bit confused over it as I thought because I'm on PIP and ESA that DH didn't have a work requirement for extra hours, not sure what to do. I mean he does more than that anyway usually.

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Singleandproud · 18/02/2023 18:58

Try the live chat on the website, I've found that quicker and more useful than trying to ring through.

They do do random checks occasionally, many people put notifying them of change in circumstances off and forget to altogether (others are true benefit frauds of course) and it's a way of prompting them I suppose.

BCSurvivor · 18/02/2023 19:17

My gut feeling is that it's just a random prompt letter sent to 1000s of people, but it doesn't stop me stressing about it.
It's the sort of letter that makes me feel automatically guilty even though nothing's changed!
I'm guessing there are lots of prompt letters checking circumstances haven't changed going out at this time of year as it's just 6 weeks or so before the new tax year?

Original poster

Orangesandlemons77 · 19/02/2023 08:19

BCSurvivor · 18/02/2023 19:17

My gut feeling is that it's just a random prompt letter sent to 1000s of people, but it doesn't stop me stressing about it.
It's the sort of letter that makes me feel automatically guilty even though nothing's changed!
I'm guessing there are lots of prompt letters checking circumstances haven't changed going out at this time of year as it's just 6 weeks or so before the new tax year?

I have contacted them in the past via the chat or phone and they have been pretty helpful,

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BCSurvivor · 19/02/2023 11:23

I'll ring them tomorrow.
It seems generic and random, but the line ''once we have up to date information about your circumstances we will be able to tell you what happens next'' is the bit that is worrying me - I don't have any changes in circumstances and am definitely still single and self employed.
I also wondered if that line may be referring to a change in circumstances triggering a move to Universal Credit?

Tax credits letter about working hours and WTC

Allornothing234 · 20/02/2023 13:45

Hi,

I have just received the same letter about working hours asking me to call if I have had any changes but that they might call me if they don't hear from me.
I don't have any changes to report so technically no need to call.
Just wondering how you got on today?

Thanks

BCSurvivor · 20/02/2023 16:51

Hi!
I called them this morning, was on hold for 30 minutes but did get through.
The lady I spoke to didn't say in so many words that it was a random check, but she did say thousands have been sent out and marked on my notes that I had rung and had no changes.
She also said the letters were being sent as Universal Credit is being rolled out, so any changes may have meant being moved to Universal Credit.
So to me, it looks like they are looking for ways of moving people over earlier to UC, rather than a natural migration?

Original poster

Orangesandlemons77 · 20/02/2023 16:59

BCSurvivor · 20/02/2023 16:51

Hi!
I called them this morning, was on hold for 30 minutes but did get through.
The lady I spoke to didn't say in so many words that it was a random check, but she did say thousands have been sent out and marked on my notes that I had rung and had no changes.
She also said the letters were being sent as Universal Credit is being rolled out, so any changes may have meant being moved to Universal Credit.
So to me, it looks like they are looking for ways of moving people over earlier to UC, rather than a natural migration?

Oh I see, sneaky!

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Chaosandmadness · 20/02/2023 17:11

I received this letter as well today. It confused me slightly as I update changes through the HMRC app whenever I need to. I did wonder if I had been sent it because I have had quite a few changes over this year with changing jobs, hours and salary. I checked on the app and all the info seems correct so don't really want to have to try to call them (I lose the will to live whenever I have to call them)

Original poster

Orangesandlemons77 · 20/02/2023 17:20

I may try the online chat tomorrow.

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Original poster

Orangesandlemons77 · 21/02/2023 10:13

I have decided to leave this for now. Partly as our situation is a bit different, lower working hours as one of us is on PIP / ESA so we get an extra element in TC due to this.

I think this changes things a bit but not sure. there aren't any changes anyway.

Also they don't seem to do the webchat anymore and I can't face ages on the phone only to tell them nothing has changed.

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