A COMPUTER meltdown at the Inland Revenue has contributed to the tax credit fiasco crippling families throughout Worcestershire.

Now Inland Revenue staff fear, due to the high volume of claims and the near collapse of the computer system, adequate checks will not be made and "chancers" will move in claiming benefits to which they are not entitled.

Warndon mother-of-two, Sharon Callahan, was amazed when she was handed a giro for £621 when the tax credit computer system was off-line at the Inland Revenue inquiry centre in Whittington Road, Worcester.

"Staff couldn't get through on the tax credit system because it was down, so asked me for my salary, did an estimate and gave me the money," said Miss Callahan, who has a 14-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter. "I'm delighted, but I could have been anyone really.

"How did they know I was eligible?" All they had asked for was her name, address and salary.

"I filled in my claim form, sent it off in October, but didn't get my money in April as promised," said Miss Callahan. "I called the Inland Revenue helpline. They suggested I go to the inquiry centre. I'm glad I did."

Desperate parents are still waiting for their cash from the new system, which has been dogged by delays and miscalculations ever since it was launched last month.

The Evening News has been inundated with calls about obtaining tax credit and working tax credit payments.

According to the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), which represents Inland Revenue staff, the overburdened computer system is down "five days out of seven".

"Staff are often on low incomes and eligible for tax credits. They are experiencing the same delays. It's very stressful," said Tim Crumpton of the PCS.

Maria O'Keefe, for the Inland Revenue, said: "We are aware that there have been some problems with the computer system. We're trying to improve system stability."