A SINGLE mum says she cannot afford to buy her five children an Easter egg because she has been left so out-of-pocket by delays in processing her tax credit application.

Amanda, 30, from Barlby, near Selby, has four daughters and a son aged between six and 12-years-old, and she works for the Civil Service.

She spends a large amount of money paying the three childminders who look after her children while she works.

She filled in her application form online last month and was recently contacted by the Inland Revenue who said they were sending her a letter to sign.

"I told them my pay had just gone up by £2,500 and would they need to adjust my details, but they said that could not be done until I sent the signed form back.

"It will be weeks before I see any money."

Amanda has been told she will receive £42 in Child Tax Credit on May 2, but is still in the dark about her Working Tax Credit.

She is applying for council tax and housing benefits to tide her over.

"To be fair, the lady I spoke to was really nice," she said.

"But it has come at such a bad time, what with it being the Easter holidays.

"After I pay my childcare and bills I have just £60 left.

"Two of my children have birthdays coming up and I won't be able to buy them presents. I can't even afford an Easter egg.

"The kids are going to be the ones who lose out."

Tax helpline:

- The Tax Credits Helpline on 0845 300 3900 is still extremely busy but the Inland Revenue says 700 additional operators have been recruited and people should be able to get through

- Anyone who is desperate can arrange to receive an emergency payment at the Inland Revenue Enquiry Centre, 23 Piccadilly, York. The office is closed for the Bank Holiday, but will re-open on Tuesday at 8.30am. The telephone number is 01904 526600

- In exceptional cases where children are in danger of going hungry, social services can make a special payment to families

- Another possibility is a Social Fund Loan from the Department of Work and Pensions, although this is not a quick-fix solution

- Council tenants should contact their estate manager immediately if they are falling behind with rent payments as a result of the problems

- A special line has been set up for complaints about the Tax Credits Helpline. We are advised that it is best to send a fax on 01772 239420 if you want to get through.

Updated: 10:29 Friday, April 18, 2003