To ask how accurate the entitledto calculator is?

[jaseyraex]

Have been considering switching to Universal Credit in the new year just to get it over and done with. So I filled in the calculator this evening and apparently I'll be almost £200 better off each month on UC
What on earth do they calculate that I don't already get? I feel like it can't be right even though I've filled it all in accurately. Has anyone experienced it being way off? Or is it always round about right?
I didn't think anyone was better off on UC!

Watching with interest x

We use the Turn2us to give benefit calculations at work.

Also watching with interest

Allroads have you found it accurate?

Not very. However, worked out in my favour!
Found I was entitled to £40 working tax credits. Calculator said I wasn't entitled at all!

I volunteer with citizens advice. I find that for really straight forward cases entitled to is quite accurate. All benefit calculators are an indication not a guarantee. There are a few groups of people who work (though not all) that could be financially better off on universal credit.

If your circumstances have not changed think very carefully before applying. You will not get a first proper payment for five or more weeks so might need to take an advance which will reduce you amount. Also have a look at what requirements you may have to look for work. This includes if you already work because of “in work conditionality” which may mean having to look for more or better paid work. Look out if your pay is erratic or seasonal or you are paid 4 weekly as these can lead to much less or no universal credit for that assessment period. If you are self employed rules are tighter especially after the first year of self employment.

If you have a disability and have premiums on your benefit you are better off waiting to be transferred over in managed migration. The government have said that when they start moving people across managed migration claimants will not lose out - so claimants will not lose the money from a premium at least at first. If you apply now due to a change in circumstances (or choosing to) there is no transitional protection so people can be worse off.

AllRoadsLeadBackToRadley Thanks. I've just used that as well and it's about the same.

Bagadverts Thanks for the advice. We're fairly straight forward in that my DH works full time. I don't work, although planning to study next year, and we have 2 children under 3. DH is paid on the same day every month, income very rarely varies. No disabilities or anything.

I found it accurate. I’ve found universal credit ok.

Probably right. It has been with my family. We're about 160 a month better off on universal credit

We switched in may and have found it a heap easier. Better for us financially and also you cant get into debt due to miscalculations on their behalf like the old tax creds system (im still paying that off)

Ive heard the UC is a complete nightmare unless you can afford to be without the payment for 5 weeks or more ( which I don't think many people on benefits are )

I have used all the calculators and told we are entitled to nothing at all and the amount of times people say..oohh you are silly, you should be getting your hubby to claim working tax credits, he's not classed as a high earner, but we still show as entitled to zero.

Yes, I find it mostly accurate.

PP are right about thinking hard before you switch voluntarily. Be prepared to:

-be without money for five weeks.

-Deal with the fact that they regularly fuck up with payment amounts.

-accept that, depending on how often you get paid (weekly, fortnightly, etc) from your job, you may get nothing some months.

-pay childcare costs up front, and have to claim them back.

Sorry about the rant. I come home most days drained, having seen the affects that the stupid system is having on people. (Like a PP, I work at the CAB)