Can current CTC be changed to WTC? Or do I have to get UC? HELP!

DawnRose8

Hi. I've been on JSA and CTC but now found a job which is 20 hrs a week. I called the jobcentre a wk ago and they said they won't stop my benefits until I get paid from my new job.
However today I've been told my JSA & CTC will be cancelled from the day before my first day at work and I need to make a new claim for UC.
I'm horrified.
Firstly I won't get paid until the end of October.
I hoped to switch from CTC to WTC. Having done the Turn To Us Benefit Calculator, I will be almost £50 worse off a week on UC than on WTC. I will also only get a tiny reduction in my Council Tax. I'll be skint.
Do I have any chance of appealing this? As I'm already on CTC, it's not a 'new claim'.
What do I do with zero benefits coming in and no wages for a month?
Do I have to ask for an advance from UC, which will leave me short afterwards?
Will I still have to look for full time work and have contact with UC?
Any help or advice before I brave calling the tax credits helpline would be appreciated.
I'm a single mum with less than £50 in the bank and a tone of direct debits due on the 1st October.
I was happy to get back to work but now I honestly want to cry.
Please help.

poppy12345

Who ever advised you this is incorrect! As you already have a claim for CTC then you will just add on WTC. See this link. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/changes_that_trigger_Universal_Credit

calcotti

If it was DWP that told you CTC would stop bear in mind that CTC are administered by HMRC not DWP.

DawnRose8

I read that too!
But as I'm in a full UC area I've been told that's what I have to do.
I'll call HMRC soon as I can, I guess.
If anyone is in a full UC area and managed to change from one tax credit to another , I'd love to know!
So much easier getting it weekly and UC will be much less.

poppy12345

DawnRose8 wrote: »

But as I'm in a full UC area I've been told that's what I have to do.

That's not true, because you already have a tax credits claim active, you have a choice to add WTC or claim UC.

DawnRose8

God, I hope so!
Thanks for the replies. Melt down averted-for now.

Will post on here when I find out for sure, in case it helps anyone else.x

Nannytone

You won't switch from CTC to wtc, you will claim them both

DawnRose8

This us my favourite answer so far!
Haven't had a chance to call HMRC yet but will do it tomorrow. Fingers crossed.