Working Tax Credits and Universal Credit.

Bill_And_Ted

I have been receiving Working Tax Credits for the past 8 or so years (£157 per 4 weeks). I applied for UC at the start of the year due to my local council cocking up my ultimately loosing) housing benefit (that's another story). I applied, my Working Tax Credit stopped on Jan 5th due to not being able to claim both at the same time (no problem so far). So on  Feb 6th I get a notification of the award, I find I am not entitled to any benefit what so ever.
So, I am asking should I at least be getting the working Tax Credits element of UC as I thought the government stated that claimants won't be any worse off than before and (after some research) Tax Credits are a protected income??

I need some advise on this as  I'm getting conflicting messages from web research and talking directley with the people at UC. I intend to appeal. As you can appreciate £157 per 4 week is a lot to lose. Any advice on this would be greatley appreciated.

Thanks

pmlindyloo

Have you checked that your UC award is correct?
Use a benefits calculator: www.entitledto.co.uk

Bill_And_Ted

Yes I've used a number of online calculators including "www.entitledto.co.uk" and they seem to have no real consitancy  between them. "www.entitledto.co.uk" seemed to indicate I should get £240 per 4 weeks. I can't believe what I'm reading. So I need somone to tell be one way or another what I need to do / know.  Thanks

pmlindyloo

There is no working tax credit element to Universal Credit.  The system does not work that way.
Your working tax credit award would not be protected on transferring to UC.  Transitional protection (so that you are not worse off) only applies to those who are migrated to UC when asked to do so.  Your change of circumstances means that there is no protection.
It is extremely difficult for anyone to work out whether you are entitled to UC without knowing all the facts about your circumstances.
You could ask for a benefits calculation from Citizens Advice.  You would need to take your bank statements/wage slips, tenancy agreement, any benefits award letters with you.
One thing that does catch people out is that there is a savings limit of £16000 after which UC is not awarded.  This savings limit would not applied to working tax credit.
As I said without further details of your circumstances (personal and financial) it is impossible for anyone to work out whether you have an entitlement.
What does your UC award say?

calcotti

The transitional protection only applies to people who are moved by the DWP from ‘legacy’ benefits to UC. This does not apply to you.

Have you looked in your journal to see how your UC award has been calculated? Does it include all the elements you expect to see from the benefit calculators? If the calculator is giving you a different answer can you see where the difference lies?

If if you want to post some more information about your situation we can confirm what you would expect to see included.