Would I be better off changing to Universal Credit from Tax Credits?

Jobfromhome

Hi all

We are currently on Tax Credits at 170 pounds a week for 3 boys under 18, and a daughter reaching 18 so due to go down to 129 pounds a week soon.

My partner earns 25,000 a year

my question is would Universal Credit be better for us?

Did anyone make the change recently from Tax Credits to Universal Credits?

Cheers

Kristina

MovingForwards

Have you put your details into a benefit calculator to see? Remember UC has a temporary uplift of £20pw, which is being withdrawn later this year.

poppy12345

UC entitlement is based on earnings received during your assessment period (per month) rather than previous years earnings like tax credits is. Best thing to do is put all your details into a benefits calculator. Some are worse off and some are better off but it will depend on each person individual circumstances and you can't compare with anyone else.

You're excluded from claiming UC if you have savings/capital of more than £16,000.

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=29342358-bb0c-4b74-8bdd-cadfe6cff05d

Do be aware that the standard allowance of UC has increased by about £20 per week due to Covid and is due to return to it's normal amount from October.

If your daughter remains in full time non advanced education then tax credits can continue for her until she reaches her 20th birthday.

calcotti

poppy12345 said:

If your daughter remains in full time non advanced education then tax credits can continue for her until she reaches her 20th birthday. 

An important point. Support via UC may be withdrawn earlier than for a Tax Credits.
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/child-over-16

Jobfromhome

She is going to university so I think it stops is that right?

yes ive done the calculators but seem to throw out different amounts.

what is the most accurate one to use?

kristina

calcotti

Turn2us and entitledto are both reliable in my opinion, Policy in Practice has some flaws.

Spoonie_Turtle

If you're willing to provide information about your circumstances here, one of us could likely do a manual calculation for you.  Or you could give it a go yourself with the info here https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/new-to-universal-credit/how-much-youll-get/

Were the amounts significantly different between the calculators?

Jobfromhome

We currently get 233 a week in tax credits and child benefits. I did the calculator then asked it to show the award in universal credits and it threw out 389 a week?

surely changing to universal credits wouldn't give us 150 more a week?

have i done something wrong?

yes spoonie turtle that could be a good idea I dont want to come out of tax credits if its a bad idea, but it looks like we are entitled to more through universal credits.

kristina

calcotti

What did the calculator show as a Tax Credits award? Did it match what you actually get or was it different?

Jobfromhome

it was nearly the same it chucked out 188 a week but we get 170 so I changed it

Jobfromhome

we get 170 a week, plus child benefit of 62 pound a week. we have 5 children, 23,18,12,8,4.

two girls one works she is 23, one going to uni she is 18 then the three boys.

my partner is a postman and gets 25,000 a year

I dont know why universal credits is a bigger award, im worried we have missed out being on tax credits.