HM Revenue & Customs has my date of birth registered wrongly, so I can’t claim tax-free childcare top-ups for my toddler. Months ago, I requested they amend their records, but I’ve heard nothing back. I have asked what date they hold, but for general data protection regulation reasons, they won’t tell me, though I’ve been advised it is “in the right ballpark”. This is costing me about £160 a week, which we can ill afford.
JS, Wantage, Oxfordshire
You are not the first reader to be denied benefits because of an error with a birth date. The implications are serious. HMRC uses the information on at least 16 systems, and it can affect entitlement to a state pension. One man faced losing out on thousands of pounds because an erroneously logged birth date prevented him applying for a lifetime Isa. The problem also locks you out of the government gateway portal that taxpayers have to use to manage their accounts online.
HMRC’s apparent indifference is troubling, as is its alacrity in response to a media nudge. It says: “We’ve spoken to JS to apologise, and inform her we have corrected her date of birth so she can now apply for tax-free childcare.”
Anyone unable to apply for top-ups due to technical problems can apply for compensation to cover the weeks they have missed out on.
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