HMRC has issued an update after a taxpayer was concerned at a two-week delay in receiving an important letter.
The person asked the tax authority over social media: “I got a response from HMRC last month that a cheque will be sent in next 14 days for the Tax Credits, it’s been a month and I haven’t received it yet. Is there anyway I can track the shipment?”
The tax group responded to ask if the person lives abroad. They responded to confirm that they did as they had recently moved to India.
In response, HMRC explained: “If we are sending a cheque abroad it can take slightly longer to arrive. You’ll need to speak to the team to check for an update as we can’t access records.”
HMRC also directed the person to a contact page for queries about tax credits. You can manage your Tax Credits online on the Government website.
You can also call up HMRC about the matter on 0345 300 3900. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
The person responded again to say they couldn’t call HMRC as they were living abroad. They also said they had tried to chat or email the team but couldn’t get in touch, asking if there was any other way to contact the group.
HMRC responded to say that they didn’t have any other contact details for the team. Both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit are being replaced by Universal Credit, with tax credits set to end on April 5, 2025.
The DWP is sending out letters informing people they need to move over on six legacy benefits that they need to move over to Universal Credit.
These are known as migration notices and usually give you three months to get in your application for Universal Credit, after which your old benefits will stop.
DWP data shows that from July 2022 to December 2024, out of those who received the notice, 355,940 people “did not claim UC and have had their legacy benefit claims closed”.
Of the households that received a migration notice by the end of August 2024, 76% submitted their claim, while 24% failed to do so, leading to their legacy benefits being ended.
A DWP spokesperson commented: “We support millions of people through Universal Credit every year, and it remains a top priority for us to ensure they get the support they are entitled to.
“Claims are only stopped as a last resort – we write and follow up with eligible households to encourage them to apply for Universal Credit, and offer support throughout the migration process to ensure customers feel confident and well-informed.”
The DWP project to move people over is focused at present on those on ESA, who may have vulnerabilities making it more difficult for them to apply. Neil Couling, the senior official overseeing Universal Credit, provided an update to MPs recently on the work.
He said: “We absolutely must do everything we can to ensure that claimants on ESA who typically are more vulnerable than the previous cohorts we’ve been working through, make their way safely onto Universal Credit.”
If the DWP cannot contact a person, the can arrange a home visit to offer them assistance with getting their application in.
