OMG Stress how do i fight an overpayment of tax credits above the tax Credit office!!!?

Question

I have been disputing an overpayment of tax credits that occurred whist I was living with my ex partner. We were overpaid £5,610 due to a computer mistake recording that I was working 37 hours a week and that I was unemployed and receiving benefits. I have disputed this, appealed and complained to no avail. The debt is on hold with the ''Hardship department'' and has been since September. I have been told that they have not made a mistake even though I have recorded calls that they sent me detailing the times, dates, person I spoke to recording all the information that I had given was correct. Still they say they have not made a mistake, every letter I send is not received even though I have recorded delivery receipts and scans of signatures of the people receiving the letters. I have now written to my MP as this has been ongoing for 2 and a half years and they have told him they have no record of any complaints made by me. Help what now?

Answer 1

my daughter had same problem,they took no notice at all they almost lost their house over it,still they had to pay it back in one go,no instalments or anything,

Answer 2

Not by yourself is the basic answer

Visit you local advice centre, social service or citzens advice where a welfare rights advisor experienced in this process can assist free of charge.

This is especially important in your case as there are specific rules about appealing and offical error, which look applicable to you. this should be straight forward to a trained advisor to action quite quickly