To ask if anyone has any universal credit success stories?

[msjessica]

I currently receive child tax credits, however when looking at the calculator on the entitled to website it says I'd be better off.

Under tax credits I will receive £25per week for tax year 19/20 but UC would be £60 per week. Seems like such a big difference!

I've just heard a lot of negative things about UC so feel hesitant to switch.

Any expert advice out there?
Thanks

Are you getting any housing/council tax benefit. As universal credit includes this in your award same with child benefit.
Also if you work you get to keep only 63p per £ instead of 72p per £ as on tax credits.
Basically unless you are not claiming benefits you are entitled to you are going to be worse off on universal credit.
The figures are misleading on purpose to make it look better than it is

No

I have a few friends on uc and they have had no problems with there claim.
one friend gets more than she was before uc and the other gets the same as she did before.
so both people i know have not had any horror stories

No, I only get child tax credits at the moment. I pay about £50 a week childcare.
No council tax or housing benefit.

I would suggest applying for housing benefit/council tax benefit
Also is your childcare registered childcare and have you put an average or exact amount down?
You should remember that with universal credit you have to claim any childcare costs back after you have paid them and you get paid in arrears to so basically if you started a claim tomorrow ie the 25th April you would have to pay all your childcare costs in advance and provide proof of this payment before the 25th of may to be paid on the 1st of June and you would have to do the same every month so realistically you need 2 or 3 months of childcare costs upfront

I wouldn't qualify for council tax or housing benefit.
I just get child tax credits.
My childminder is ofsted registered etc. I pay my childminder in arrears. For example I am billed at the end of every month for care used.
Why does it have to be so complicated???!!!!

I suppose I was just thinking if I was better off by £35 per week it would be a good idea.

Because the Tories made it to punish the poor for being poor and stop people from claiming or if you prefer the party line to make people better off in work and to encourage people to work harder 😣
Also not £35 per week £20 atleast is your child benefit

No I didn't include child benefit in that calculation. Total UC would be £81 including CB. I was comparing like for like.
Current TC £25 week, £20 CB

I suppose best not to risk it then, it doesn't sound straightforward at all!
Thanks for the advice.