Has anyone come across this? I have a client who was claiming Income Support for herself including Personal Allowances for her children. She was taken off Income Support, but was not advised that she should claim Child Tax Credits. When she eventually did, was awarded Child tax credits with three months backdate, but this leaves a gap. Should we appeal tax credits decision not to backdate further, or ask for an Income Support payment on grounds of official error? Ruth Knox, RAISE Benefits Advice Team, Liverpool

Hi Ruth

Why was she taken off IS and what benefit did she go on to (if any)?

Victoria

In one case, client failed (for good reason) to attend a medical and went from IS to JSA as a result. In another, client's IS was stopped because she was claiming as a single person but had started to live with a partner who was earning but on a low income.