I have been incredibly careless and stupid and never properly checked my Child Tax Credit Award or renewal form. I found it all very stressful & all I did was fill in figures & sign, and all my partner did was sign. So it turns out I have been getting the Severe Disability Element of CTC for my child for several years when I shouldn't of (do get DLA so I do qualify for the first element) All I can say in my defence is that when I first notified Tax Credits I was receiving DLA for my son I was asked what level he was receiving. I said I didn't know gave them a reference number and was told "we'll check that out" What has happened now is I got a Compliance letter which quirried my child's elegibility for the Severe Disability Element for Tax Credit Award to 5 April 2012 saying their information did not confirm it. I was asked to contact them by 5 July 2012 if I disagreed and to finalise my Tax Credit Award by 31 July 2012. I contacted the Child Tax Credit Helpline earlier this week changed my details and did confirm income details for end of tax year. I am now totally terrified as to what I should do. I know the overpayment I have had will be huge, and it will take a very long time to repay. Will the compliance department have already picked up that my claim has be wrong for so long? Is it best that I ring them and admit my fault? My partner is oblivious to this, he has work issues at the moment and I am really worried that this will push our relationship over the edge and I will be homeless on top of everything else. I know I have been totally irresponsible and I am sick with worry as to how this might end up. Me in prison and my life over, my son in foster care and all the pain hurt and embarrassment I will cause my family. If it wasn’t for my son suicide would definitely be my answer. I know contacting CAB would have probably been a good idea, but circumstances meant it was difficult. Please help any advice will be gratefully received