Benefit fraud interview, please help

[busymumof4:)]

This is my first post so please bear with me.

On saturday I received a letter from the fraud investigation dept re my carers allowance that I receive for my son.

At first I thought that there must have been a big mistake, but then I dug out all my paperwork and realised that I shouldn't have claimed carers for possibly the last year and a half as I have been earning too much. I am now so worried at what is going to happen.

I thought that I could work up to 35hrs p/w, but didn't realise that I could only earn £95. I am so stupid for not reading my paperwork properly.

At the time I originally claimed, my son had just been diagnosed with Autism, Nystagmus, hypermolbility, I was filling in form after form for DLA, tax credits, carers and also paperwork after paperwork in appliying for a statement of special educational needs.And I was not working.

I started a part time job at the school my son attends, I let all the relevent people know, then I went full time for a while and told them. Carers took in my payslips and decided I still was ok to have my carers allowence.

I then went full time permenantly and didn't phone to tell them.

Now I am so worried at what is going to happen to me. I have phoned carers this morning and cancellled my payments and my interview is on Wednesday.

I phoned and spoke to one of the investigators this morning he has told me not to worry to much, but that hasn't helped.

I am planning on going to the interview and telling them basicly what I have wirrten here.What do you think the outcome will be?

I am guilty of being an idiot but not knowingly commiting fraud.

Any advice greatfully accepted.

[Woozel]

Hi busymum. I think all you can do is explain at the interview what you have here. I only have limited knowledge on this subject, but I think it highly unlikely it will go to court. Most likely, you will have to repay any overpayment and usually an arrangement can be made to pay this over a period of time. The fact that you have realised your mistake and taken action already (ending your carers claim) will work in your favour.

 

Hope this helps a little bit. Sending you hugs, best wishes and luck.

[haylz0809]

Hey busymum, I am in a similar situation as yourself due to not reading paperwork properly! I have an Interview Under Caution tomorrow pm and have been dreading it for 2 weeks!

 

Basically I have been overpaid housing benefit and council tax benefit for my previous address. They wrote to me a few weeks ago stating that I failed to notify the benefits office of my child tax credit award after I had my baby in Jan 2009. However looking through all of the paperwork that they have sent to me, it does note under the 'Information you told us about' section, that I was earning tax credits!? So they must of been told this information! (even though I dont remember telling them)

 

Also to add to this mess, they seem to think that I failed to notify my change of circumstances (address) when I moved in with my partner in October 09. They have now said that I owe them HB from June 2009!!! I know that I definetley phoned the benefit office on October 16th as I noticed that my HB had not been paid in and while on the phone I requested a NOC form. They told me that my HB had been suspended due to my tax credits.... and needed to be checked out.

 

As I knew that I would be moving out at the end of the month anyway, I basically thought that 'ill tell them im moving out' and that will be it. I would'nt need to show them my tax credits award as they would be changing soon too. So I just left it at that, moved out etc.

 

Now I have all these letters saying I owe them £XXXX when I havent even been for the interview yet? Plus If they think that I have been living in my new address since June 09 then how do they know to write to me here? I am very confused!!!!