Is the benefit calculator here really accurate?

nublue1

Hi, I am self employed.  My work has all but dried up and certainly doesn't now cover my business costs.  My partner is a teacher so didn't bother applying assuming we wouldn't be entitled to anything.  However, out of interest did the MSE calculator today, and found we are entitled to quite a lot - around £1000.   So, I went through the process of applying and now waiting to have our identities verified (which looks like it will take a day or so to reach the front of the queue!).  

Out of interest I also went through the entitledto calculator and it says we are entitled to nothing.  

I'm assuming that nothing is the correct amount, since that was what I assumed because my partner works, but shocked that the MSE calculator is so far out... it seems like it didn't take my partners income into account... 

calcotti

nublue1 said:

...shocked that the MSE calculator is so far out... it seems like it didn't take my partners income into account... 

Did you put your partners income in?

poppy12345

A benefit calculator is only as accurate as the information you put into it. Whether you're entitled to any UC will depend on your household earnings each month.

pmduk

They've always been spot on for me. well within a few pence.

nublue1

icalcotti said:

nublue1 said:

...shocked that the MSE calculator is so far out... it seems like it didn't take my partners income into account... 

Did you put your partners income in?

Yes I double checked it was there afterwards too as it was still open, it was definitely still there.  

nublue1

poppy12345 said:

A benefit calculator is only as accurate as the information you put into it. Whether you're entitled to any UC will depend on your household earnings each month.

Absolutely, understand this, but the same information went into both calculators... and I double checked it. 

calcotti

Can you see how the answers are calculated to see where the difference lies?

nublue1

calcotti said:

Can you see how the answers are calculated to see where the difference lies?

that's a good idea, I have closed the other one, but can go back through the process again, might help me pick up any mistakes that side too.  Generally speaking though, a family on a single teachers wage wouldn't normally be able to get universal credit I assume?  

nublue1

calcotti said:

Can you see how the answers are calculated to see where the difference lies?

I've had a look through and I just can't see where the difference is.  They both list my partners income as being included and have this different result.  Hoping that the gov will release some other thing for self employed tomorrow as expected... 

calcotti

Without knowing your circumstances it's impossible to say which result is more likely but if your partner works full time nil does not more plausible.