Tax Credits/Wife no NI

Hello
I recently got married and put in a new claim for tax credits as couple
I received the form TC1120 from the tax credit office preston asking my wife to fill and also requested documents which i did send to them with the exception of my wifes passport which is with the home office.On the form it asked for whether my wife has an NI and if not whether she has attended an interview for one which i ticked yes b'cos she did go on the 3 april 2012 since the local council set that up due council tax benefit.
We received the uk passports for myself and my 2 kids back togather with the reference i added showing the IN interview.
It is 13 wweks since i put in the claim and everytime i call the help line i get different answers like claim being process,claim rejected due to no NI for wife,claim reffered to specialist trace unit to look into.
I am in a very difficult situation b'cos i lost my job in 2010 and have been doing agency until recently when i got a 6 hours a day job on a minimum wage.My income droped to 817 per month and have a mortagage to pay which takes the whole of this income.I am struggling with other daily necesities like utilities and even food.
I would appreciate it grately if i could get any quidance on what to do.
Thank you to everyone.

have you spoken to a benefits advisor for example at your local citizens advice bureau?

Hello Greenie
Thank you so much for taking tht time to reply.....it means alot
I have been to my local citizen Advice Bureau but there wasn't any help than they said i can send in a complaint to the tax credit.
I was this morning at a taxoffice in london just for me to be told they cannot do anything since tax credits can only be dealt with on phone.
I have sent a letter recorded delivery this afternoon to the name shown when my wife was sent the form TC1120 but i doubt very much if that would be acknowledge at all though on letter received with the documents back stated him as the processing officer.
Just to mention my wife got refused the NI and does that mean i we would not be awarded tax credit though my circumstances are bad
I apprecaite your help.....???
Thank you

Why was your wife refused a Nino?

Hello
Greenie
My wife was refused NI b'cos she doesnot have leave to remain and her application with the home office hasn't been decided yet.
The is what the letter from DWP says:
'''Unfortunately we have been unable to allocate you with a NI on this occasion.This is because i am unable to confirm that you have leave to enter/remain in the United Kingdom(UK) and therefore do not qualify for an NI number.
Thank you

they shouldn't refuse the tax credit claim due to her not having an NI as the regulations state that an NI is not required where the applicant is not entitled to one, however they have to be satisfied as to her identity. You say the UKBA have your wife's passport - did she have any other form of identity at the interview?

If the CAB weren't any help then I can only suggest either sending a complaint letter as you have done or seeking advice from another service - whereabouts do you live?

Hello Greenie
Thank you once again.
My wife attended the interview with proof of address and EHIC card and copy of her passport.
I live in north london-Enfield
Thank you

what is your wife's nationality?

Hello Greenie
My wife is from Ghana.
Thank you

Hi
Just spoken to tax credit help line.
Been told the TC154 sent to me.
DCI 1 sent to glasgow.
Does anyone knows what these are and what it means....
My claim is already 14 weeks and have different things said each time.
Thank you