Overclaimed for childcare - please help

[Sleepyhollow]

I'm so ashamed admit my guilt I can write so much. But just going make it easy to read. I have been claiming child care cost last 6 years but not used them at all. When I first did it was told by a friend it's something I'm intietled to. As I just started work I first claimed for three kids. And then 2 years later clamied for two. I new at that point what I was doing. I'm truly ashamed and every time tried ring them stop it. I was so scared could not pick up phone.

I am single parent that was struggling big time so the extra money helped me provide for my kids. Even that I had that extra money I still was always overdrawn and in debt. I new I had stop needed help. I even had nervous breakdown twice because of the worry. How to stop and if I got caught

 

I need some advice help please what is best way for me do this. I got a letter from childtax credit asking me show proof of childcare receipt which I don't have. They asking for April 2011 and April 2012. Now what shall I say I want own up but so scared going to prison as what will happen to my kids. This is the thought that has kept me in this mess. What shall I do next please help me

[Sleepyhollow]

Thank you but where is that thread I can't read reply on ?

[honeybee13]

Hello again. You replied to someone else's thread about tax credits. you have your own thread now and hopefully people will be along with advice for you over the course of the day. PM sent with a link.

 

Please bear with us though, as weekends tend to be quieter here.

 

HB

[Sleepyhollow]

Thank you so much hb

[Annette1973]

I'm sure that someone who knows about these things will come along and help you soon. I do know that it is extremely unlikely that you will go to prison for this. Usually, they say that you will have to pay it back in small installments from your benefit money. Try to keep calm and not worry too much, it will prevent you from seeing things too clearly.

[Sleepyhollow]

Thank you so much Annet I'm reading this with tears rolling down my eyes. I feel like it's judgment day. Such bad person.

[Sleepyhollow]

You see they asking for one year shall I just tell them iv not used childcare at all that year. Or shall I admit going back to when I started never used it. I no it's mo excuse I was so disparate to feed my kids.

[maroondevo52]

Hi, Sleepyhollow.

 

I have merged both your threads on this subject,and unapproved your duplicate post, please continue to post here regarding this issue.

 

Many thanks.

 

Scott.

[Sleepyhollow]

Thank you Scot

[Annette1973]

Thank you so much Annet I'm reading this with tears rolling down my eyes. I feel like it's judgment day. Such bad person.

 

I am sure you are not a bad person, just someone who is desperate to keep their children fed and clothed. Best thing to do is to try and not get too stressed, it is bad for you and for your children. Take care xxx

[Sleepyhollow]

Thank you Annet I'm going own up to it all going see cab officer and get advice. So scared make phone to tax credits might ask adviser to do it for me. I feel better as truth be out and I can get out the mess. As I tried before but could not do it. I shall keep you all posted what happens Tommrow. I'm worried now how I'm going cope pay my bills feed my kids with little money I might get. I truly am

Remorseful and have learnt my lesson.

[Annette1973]

Thank you Annet I'm going own up to it all going see cab officer and get advice. So scared make phone to tax credits might ask adviser to do it for me. I feel better as truth be out and I can get out the mess. As I tried before but could not do it. I shall keep you all posted what happens Tommrow. I'm worried now how I'm going cope pay my bills feed my kids with little money I might get. I truly am

Remorseful and have learnt my lesson.

 

I would advise you to not do anything until you speak to the CAB. I have used their services in the past and have found them to be very helpful and non-judgmental. Good Luck.

[Sleepyhollow]

I'm at cab now. I must admit they are fantastic I rang in morning as you need make an appointment before you go. A lovely man tock my details and told me come in 11.30. Adviser spoken to me she as lovely and did not make me feel bad but symphysis with me. She has gone out find out more from me how to approach them and what to say. She said she would even make that call to tax credit for me. So I shall update you when iv left cab

[shadow2007uk]

Hi

 

How did u get on?

[Sleepyhollow]

Hi

 

How did u get on?

 

Hey shadow.

 

It was not bad as I thought the lady at cab was helpful did not judge me but understood me. She rang them up for me while I was in the room. She said to me that in my letter it just ask for that year so that's all she tell them unless they ask more. I told her truth about everything and saud if they ask just tell them everything. The guy that was reviewing my case was nice to. He asked only for one year and we told him I never used the childcare provider but my friend. Who I have no proof I gave money to.

He said that's fine they will amend my payment and in few weeks send me new tax credits for this year. She asked them if I would have to pay penalyty he said i might not not sure about that yet. But they are going take money back from me for overpayment.

 

I can't seem worry still this can't just end here why are they not looking back dates and cab adviser said I should be happy that's all they have asked for. So let's see what happens next two weeks

[shadow2007uk]

Thank god for that .

Wish my CAB advisor would of rang for me i would of known weeks ago my fate lol .

Im glad thats sorted for you and im sure it will be no need to worry now . Wish me luck lol

[a21269]

i am in the same position and feel so ashamed I dont have the courage either to phone or visit cab, what kind of details do you put in a letter to them I dont want it sounding like a total sob story but know that I must admit my guilt!

[nosoclever]

Hi,

I am in the same position as yourself, I have claimed for almost 4 years and it amounts to around £16,000. I haven't been able to eat, sleep or think since getting the letter. They are asking me for the year 2011-2012, however I do not have anything to give as I only used the childminder on an irregular basis in that year possibly only two or three times when I was stuck. I did use the childminder initially for just over a year and then it was different times over the other years until 2010, however the Childminder nor I have a record of dates and times and just found out that she was claiming some other benefit so getting her to put down on paper exactly what hours she looked after the kids is going to be impossible. Have you heard anything back since from the HMRC regarding your payment? and when you mentioned to the Tax Credit advisor that you had not used a child minder for the year they had in question, did he not ask when you stopped using a childminder? Once they notice that you have made a false claim in one year are they not likely to look into the others?

 

It's a real mess and I hope to get out of it in one peace, have an appointment with CAB on Tuesday about my case

[shadow2007uk]

. I said i was naive and stupid for not telling them and admitted he had moved in here 5 weeks ago but as we were not together i didnt see at the time why i had to inform them . ( i wrote that in a nicer way ) . i also said its his home and he has credit on this address as he owns this house i couldnt stop him .

Also ive applied for a council house as he wants me to leave now . I have not claim council tax relief as a sole occupant since he moved in .I said i cant prove to your satisfaction we are not together and would like to resolve this matter asap. Lots of sorrys because i truely am . Also stated i didnt want to make joint claim as we are not together . Hope my rambling helps u ladies x

Good luck to both

[shadow2007uk]

UPDATE -

Just to put your mind at ease i am in the same situation . I couldnt prove we wasnt together so had to say that in a letter . I sent it 15th may and did not hear anything until two weeks ago saying my money was being stopped . I called the case worker yesterday as i hadnt heard anything else and he comfirmed i would end up paying back what i was given in 2011-12 . He would send me letter comfirming amount . I asked if they would prosecute me and he said no we just want the money back . Phew they could of gone back 10yrs . Please dont worry people if anyone was going to court i would of if they were doing it . Keep the faith x

[MrsVC]

How did you get on? I have had the same letter and am terrified as I think I have been over claiming by about £20 per week (which is nursery fees for food which is billed seperately) Did they look into previous years?

[shadow2007uk]

Hi

I owe £10.000 WOW . could of gone back 10 yrs but only asked for 2011-12 . Im not sure how i will pay it back but im no longer a nervous wreak . They only look at yrs on letter but depends if you admit it or try to argue . Good luck luv i know the stress your going through plz update us x

[lis79]

Hi

I owe £10.000 WOW . could of gone back 10 yrs but only asked for 2011-12 . Im not sure how i will pay it back but im no longer a nervous wreak . They only look at yrs on letter but depends if you admit it or try to argue . Good luck luv i know the stress your going through plz update us x

 

 

Hi shadow2007uk,

 

Just wondered, did you ask them directly whether or not they will look into previous years?

xx

[shadow2007uk]

Hi Lis79

 

No i asked if that was matter closed and he said yes. Also had letter comfirming this that 2011-12 was the years they had reviewed and matter was closed there end i just need to pay .

xx