A YORK victim of the tax credits fiasco was born in Britain and has never spent more than ten days out of the country on holiday.

But she claims that when she got through to a helpline dealing with tax credit problems, she was told: "The computer says you're not a UK citizen."

Sara Farah, 33, of Lindley Road, Clifton Moor, is just one of numerous people who have contacted the Evening Press to say they are still waiting to receive their new Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, and even to hear what they will be entitled to.

Sara, who has a 12-year-old daughter, Helina, and 11-year-old son, Campbell, says she previously received about £115 per week in Working Families Tax Credit and relies on the money.

She tried to call the Inland Revenue Helpline last week but, like many others, experienced great difficulty getting through. When the phone was eventually answered, she was placed in a queue.

"It played music for ages and ages, but I was determined to hang on until I got to speak to someone."

When she did, a woman told her the computer had her down as not being a UK citizen.

"I couldn't believe it. I was not very happy about it," she said. "I was born here and have only been away on holiday for up to ten days."

Sara said the woman asked a lot of questions, and then said the mistake would be rectified, but still could not tell her when she would get her money.

"I have got the rent to pay, and it's Easter and I can't treat the children. I was going to take them to the pictures but can't do that now."

Updated: 10:08 Monday, April 21, 2003