Thanks for that Silverfox. I just spoke to my dad, he rang the number on the letter which put him through to an automated line, this stated that the amount outstanding on his account is £0?? My dad then got through to an asian man, and when he questioned the payments, and stated that he was told the account was clear, the man said he couldn't tell my dad anything and that he should put it in writing. My dad asked if the man could tell him what was going on, he said 'No'. Something smells fishy here to me. I have told my dad to go into Santander in our local branch and get some advice. I intend to go with him and help him sort it. Is there anything we should be asking when we go?

Hi, I'm asking this on behalf of my dad. He recently purchased a new fridge and washer for my brother (who has autism, he lives independently) which he got on credit, they gave him a Santander curry's card, of which they added just over £300 pound of credit charges!! Anyway, he decided to pay off the price of the fridge and washer and was told that this would clear the balance as he had paid early, and they would hear no more from them. Fast forward to 2 weeks later and my dad got a letter this morning saying he had missed paying the first instalment of £12.37 of the remaining £300 and this would affect his credit etc etc. Dad has tried to ring them to get it sorted but he struggles as he is very hard of hearing, my mum is currently in hospital having had a major op so he doesn't want her worrying. What should he do? Would they deal with me? Many thanks D x

Anyone?

Hi, My husband has very recently gone self-employed, and we are in receipt of housing benefit. When do I need to inform HB of this change of circumstances? We are being underpaid at the moment as his wages have reduced dramatically, but as we are very new I don't have books etc to prove his earnings as we are still in the early stages of the business. My question is how do HB work when you are self employed, do we have to provide receipts etc? I'm scared of losing the little we receive by declaring this change, but I definitely know we are being underpaid. Also, I am due to start doing some voluntary work at my sons school 2 mornings per week in September (to try and get off benefits and gain work experience) do I have to declare this to HB? Thank you for any advice D xxx

Hi MissSparkle, Try not to worry, I'm sure someone will be along with some good advice soon. I had a problem and posted on here yesterday, the people here are lovely and very supportive. Hope you get things sorted. D xxx

Hi, just to update you. I have just rung the office in Preston where the letter was from, and spoke to a lovely lady. I told her that I had given the wrong information when renewing. I apologised profusely, managing not to cry and told her the correct details. She said my claim would be amended as advised in the letter and thank you for ringing to confirm and that lots of people get information wrong (I think she could hear my wobbly voice) Panic over, lesson definitely learned. Thank you for your help xx

I'm really sorry if that's how I have come across, I do want to sort it out having spent a sleepless night worrying. I am going to ring them today to confirm the details and apologise for my mistake. Thank you for your help:-(

Thanks Annie, I feel sick with worry. The letter I got says they already know the correct salary and that it is different to the declared. It then says 'What to do now?' and goes on to say that if I disagree I should ring then and send my P60, but if they don't hear from me my award will be amended with the info they hold. I assume they will lower my payments this year to claim back the overpayment.

Any help at all would be apprecaited, I've been so stupid and am terrified of what might happen

Hello, I'm new here and hoping for some advice. I'm not looking for sympathy as my situation is my fault. I have received a letter today from tax credits saying the household income I stated for renewal is incorrect to the records they hold for my 10/11 award(I declared 2500 less). The letter isn't threatening as such it just says that I should ring them if I disagree, if they don't hear from me before the end of this month they will amend my award. Obviously, I have been overpaid and will have to pay this back in my next tax credits year, but my question is, will I be prosecuted? is it likely to go further? I feel so sick to my stomach and so angry at myself for cheating like this. I will be devastated if this is made public and my children are hurt. I'm so ashamed of myself, but things have been very tough for my family over the past year, no excuse I know