*** update *** I got through to the tax credits just now and they were brilliant. I told them everything and they said they wouldn't look back over any of the years just the period they were looking at 1st Nov 16 to 31st Jan 17. They ended the joint claim and said to apply as a couple. I will have to pay back the overpayment for this time. Thank you everyone for your replies and advice. I'm so relieved. To anyone going through the same thing. Just call and be up fronts you feel So much better for it.

Hi Carly I am going through the exact same thing. I received my letter on the 8th. I have not been able to get through on the number either. I am going to spend the whole day on the phone and try and get through. Your post has reassured me some. Did they ask you to send any documents? Such as council tax bill, bank statements etc?

I just wanted to know what outcomes people had after something like this. What process they went though etc. Thanks honeybee I will have a look around.

Does anyone have any experience of dealing with something like this that they can share their experience with me?

I've been ringing the number on the letter for most of the day but no one answers it . I am thinking of going to the CAB tomorrow for advice. I read somewhere that they have different numbers to what we are given and are more likely to get through. .

It hasn't been this much the whole time we have been living together as I was maternity leave for some of it. So wasn't claiming child care until I went back to work until oct 2015

Thanks for replying £277 per week .

I have also not told my husband. He doesn't know I've been making a single claim. He believes iv been making a claim as a joint couple. We don't have a joint bank account so he was never aware of what I was receiving. I know there is no excuse for what I have done and I am deeply ashamed of myself. I know I should just own up to everything but I am worried I will turn this from a civil matter into a criminal one!! I am worried sick!! Don't know what to do??

Please help. I have made a horrible mistake in not informing tax credits that I resumed a relationship with my partner in early 2015 and started living together. I had every intention of doing so but I became dependent on the money I was receiving and it's become harder and harder to admit to them What I've been doing! I have recieved letter asking whether I am living with mr .... (my partner) and to send documents such a bank statements, mortgage statement, car insurance, council tax. My husband is on my council tax as I always intended to tell them he was living with me again. He is also a named driver on my insurance. They want information and docs dating between 1st Nov 16 to 31st Jan 2017. Do I just send them Ono for those dates and see what they say? Or should I come clean about everything straight away. I have already updated my status online yesterday as I wanted to make sure I stopped receiving anymore payments. But instead of giving the actual date he moved in I said he moved in 6th Jan 17. I am now regretting this as I think I've made things worse. I am terrified that I will be sent to prison for fraud and that I will give birth in prison (i am due 1st may) I also have a 2 year old and a 15 year old. Please tell me what to do. I can't sleep eat and I have been physically vomiting all day!!