AIBU to be angry about the benefits system

[Daffodilsinfebruary]

I have recently discovered by using a free, independent benefits calculator called entitledto that had I applied for Universal Credit over 2 years ago, me and my family would be over £16,000 better off.

I had assumed that benefits were for either single-parent families or people unable to work due to disability.

The majority of our savings would have been from claiming 85% back in childcare costs. We also would have had a payout of over £200 each month in addition.

For context, we bring in just shy off £4,000 a month. I thought this was a very reasonable income and we would be entitled to nil.

I feel angry that we did not know about this. A friend of mine who I met through our children attending the same nursery told me she claims 85% back in childcare costs during a conversation in which I complained of my childcare going up £150.

I did further research and 19 billion pounds apparently goes unclaimed every year.

I’ve never claimed benefits in all my life and worked hard to get on the property ladder.

should I be angry that we didn’t claim, or take it in my stride.

I wonder how many other families who could have claimed but haven’t.

You can, in some circumstances, but it is a loan and I don’t think you are eligible if working.

It’s either a wind up or the OP is woefully misinformed

Don't read the post about the second house owner applying for UC from tax credits.

Yes for the loan you need to have been on Uc with no earnings for at least 3 months. they also put a charge on your house so you pay the money back so no something to be claimed lightly, only for those desperate to save themselves from repossession during a difficult time- illness/ redundancy etc.

I have 2 Children with SEN and had to give up work when they were little, we struggled for years before I found out about DLA. I think most people just assume they're not entitled to anything. And although I wish I had applied sooner I'm grateful that it's available now. ( Still feel bad about claiming it though!)

I think OP is on the wind up, the figures don’t make sense. And she wouldn’t get that loan unless there was a job loss or similar either. Even if it is real she’s just jealous she didn’t realise she could claim sooner, and so is mad other people did better research. The whole thing is daft.

Well manage on your £4,000 then.

I help people to claim benefits every day for my job and absolutely do my best for people in difficult situations but that thread, I have to admit has made me furious. how can this have gone on for years and years. and it is not just that thread on MN but I'm seeing it on other benefit forums that I help on also - people upset that they won't get benefits after 12 months on UC because their second rental homes will be considered as capital. It is madness.

Benefits advisor here.

I sincerely doubt you would actually be eligible for the benefits you think you would unless there is PT work/disabilities youve not mentioned. We all hate entitledto and the only benefits calculator worth it's salt is the one used by DWP that the CAB have access to.

BabyRoobs-YES 🙌🏼. I have seen so many moaning about the fact they won’t get it after the transitional protection because of significant savings or whatever and I’m like fuck me-the only reason I’ve fed my kids is because of tax credits…and you fuckers are claiming it with that amount of savings. It’s all shades of wrong. And because of it we’ve now got to spend 5 weeks waiting for our UC claim to go through (we were on weekly TC) and hope above hope we make it through the month.

If she's not winding us up I think sadly she is going to be disappointed but then again at least she won't have missed out on so much unclaimed money which may make her feel better.

Just did the calculator again on entitled to again and it’s more than I thought
total a month we are entitled to is £1,140 not including the 85% childcare we can claim back)

If you have 2 dc and bring home £4k a month then sorry to burst your bubble but you won't get anywhere near that - and certainly nowhere near 85% of your childcare bill paid either 😂

It honestly makes me furious, especially when so many others struggle on UC. i hope your claim goes smoothly.

Our area started UC in 2018 so they have had six years maxing savings etc. It is rediculous.

I am extremely tempted to swear on that thread! 🤣

You don’t struggle and have plenty of disposable income yet you’re getting aggy over the fact that you’re apparently entitled to a system that most people use to just get by. I’m saying this as a disabled single parent who has to rely on ‘benefits’ to get by. I have no luxuries and the money goes on basics - yet you’re moaning about not having more money to go towards your vast disposable money pot

I really don't see how those figures are correct. I am a single parent bringing home £1600pm and I get £500 a month UC. There's no way you'd get more than I would with your income if you're saying that doesn't include childcare costs and you have a mortgage so you wouldn't get the housing element either.

As a very rough guide, an example I just tried.

• 2 x DC, born in 2019 and 2021
• Mortgaged home, council tax band E
• 2 x salaries of £28k (circa £4k net per month as per op)
• Childcare bill of £1200 a month

Total UC award £262 a month.
Nowhere near op's figures.

There is no way you are entitled to anything OP especially on that wage.

That isn’t correct. See the calculation:
Standard allowance. £578.82
First child. £269.58
2nd child. £269.58
Childcare. £1,630.15
Total = £2,748.13

Earnings minus work allowance
£4,000 - £631 = £3,369

x 0.55 = £1,852.95

Total - earnings deductions = total UC
£2,748.13 - 1,852.95 = £895.18

Even if OP doesn’t receive the full childcare amount she could well still receive UC especially once the elements and work allowance increases for the 24/25 amounts.

The UC amount includes the 85% childcare

The amount towards your mortgage is a loan which is repayable when you sell your house

Okay. That is mad. We earn less then half that yet they can get the UC and their wages. They will be rolling in it whilst others genuinely struggle.

Is the £1630 85% of the childcare costs?

it’s the maximum anyone can get towards childcare costs for 2 children

Hard to calculate when we don't even know that op's kids ages, whether they have any savings over 6k or what the actual childcare costs are.

£1,630.15 is the maximum amount claimants can get for the childcare element for 2 or more DC. Not all will receive that because it is 85% up to that amount, but many do receive the whole amount. My point was the pp assuming someone on £4k wouldn’t get UC was incorrect.