Don’t switch

Hermann

hmc said:

This is what I’m worried about single-parent get tax credits, self-employed cleaner no work, not sure what I’m supposed to live on who should I ring up today do I just try and stay on the little bit of working tax credit? So if I ring universal credits I would automatically be switched over which I didn’t want to be until late as possible

Go through a benefits calculator such as entitled to, there is a tab on the results page that allows you to compare Tax Credits to UC.

Bear in mind the effect of the minimum income floor being reinstated, it could wipe out any UC payments and there is no way back to Tax Credits.

Also bear in mind that by claiming UC you would lose your current right to Transitional Protection. 
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/Transitional-protection-Universal-Credit  

bigbill

I suspect that the amount of claims against Councils / Jobcentres and advice agencies will dwarf the PPI scandal as this poor advice to claim / swap to UC has been going on and happening for years.

latinaid

I have seen the following info elsewhere - does anyone know if it's true?  I understand the theory of what's being said and it makes sense - just don't know about the 22 weeks bit?

If you have children and receive Child Tax Credits, do not apply for UC as they will stop.  Best thing to do if you receive Working Tax Credit is to log online and go to ‘change in work circumstances’ and change work hours to 40 and pay as £1. This will cause your award to be re-evaluated and you will get full WTC and CTC for up to 22 weeks.  This is a grace period HMRC give you to find work.  If you leave it at £1 after 22 weeks, any payments after the 22 weeks you will have to pay back.  This is information given to me by the Working Tax Credit office itself.