Clients submitted claim to CTC nearly 2 months ago providing details of refugee status, child benefit ref and NI nos. A month later were sent a decision saying they did not qualify as they don't live in the UK. On trying to challenge this Mr I was told by a helpline adviser that 'We don't pay tax credits to foreigners'.
Told by different helpine adviser that decision was sent in error, that claim had been accepted and that he could go to local office for emergency payment. Emergency payment declined as clients on system as having had claim rejected. Helpline and local office say they are unable (unwilling?) to communicate with each other.
Despite being reassured several times that claim is awaiting calculation clients have now been told claim is on hold again awaiting appointee details. They have not nominated, or indicated that they intend to nominate, and appointee.
Advised client to contact MP which he did yesterday. MP's secretary called today to say payment being sent out tonight and was even able to give a complete breakdown of backdated and future amounts.
Now, if only we knew how to get hold of that MP hotline number!!
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