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Original poster

Universal credit fears.

23 replies

Graphista · 23/04/2017 21:15

I am possibly being transferred onto UC this week. I am worried sick.

I have used both entitledto and turn2us calculators and both give different amounts but both are giving amounts that are hundreds less than I get now and would leave me really struggling.

I have read swathes of info on UC and think I understand latest info but the calculator results are terrifying!

Has anyone got experience of being moved onto UC and how was it? How long were you without money? What did you do in the meantime? Has it since settled down for you and if so how are you finding it?

Very worried about this.

OP posts:
Monkeydust · 23/04/2017 21:19

I have sent you a pm =)

GlitterGlue · 23/04/2017 21:23

Universal credit doesn't include all benefits though, does it? Won't things like child benefit, PIP, carers allowance be paid separately? Could that be the difference?

Monkeydust · 23/04/2017 21:28

It only replaces.
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Child Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit
Housing Benefit.

Original poster
Graphista · 23/04/2017 21:44

monkeydust just replied thank you

OP posts:
ChickenBhuna · 23/04/2017 21:52

We've had problems with the system. We were without our TC for four weeks (we previously recieved weekly payments) then we were severely underpaid due to an error.

It took two further weeks to pay us in full , then they cocked up by paying us twice. I've had to phone offer them their money back. It's been a ridiculous amount of hassle and I've also had to make trips to my local JC to verify identy etc , which is tough when you work full time.

Original poster
Graphista · 23/04/2017 21:52

The same link on gov.uk website says on one page 'replaces income related ESA' then on next page says under 'not eligible for uc' that this includes income related ESA!

OP posts:
Original poster
Graphista · 23/04/2017 21:54

See?

Universal credit fears.
Universal credit fears.
OP posts:
Original poster
Graphista · 23/04/2017 21:54

www.gov.uk/universal-credit/overview

OP posts:
Original poster
Graphista · 23/04/2017 21:56

And to clarify

Universal credit fears.
OP posts:
KateSpade · 24/04/2017 19:00

I've lost hundreds of pounds per month, It's been tough, left me in debt, but I've come to terms with it for the time being - hoping it doesn't last forever.

If you have any questions or want help with anything, I've been on them for about 18 months, feel free to PM

Good Luck OP

Original poster
Graphista · 24/04/2017 19:28

Thanks Kate I'm out just now will get back to you once home

OP posts:
AndNowItIsSeven · 25/04/2017 22:32

Op it is saying you can't claim ESA and UC because UC replaces ESA.

Original poster
Graphista · 25/04/2017 22:48

Ah rightyo got it, confused myself. It also occurred to me today - does the move to UC mean I lose access to free healthcare stuff too? I wear glasses and am due an eye test and don't know whether to book it or not.

OP posts:
AndNowItIsSeven · 25/04/2017 22:59

You will still get the same eye tests etc just make sure you tick the correct box.

Original poster
Graphista · 26/04/2017 12:48

Gah! why does it have to be so complicated?

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 05/05/2017 11:29

I really don't think people should be losing hundreds per month, unless you are disabled and losing the severe disability premium that UC does not have.
The only other group that might possibly lose a lot of money are households that have over £16k in savings and therefore can't claim UC. So some families may previously have had large amounts of tax credits which weren't affected by savings ( although interest had to be declared), wheras now they won't as the capital rules mean you cannot claim UC.

AndNowItIsSeven · 05/05/2017 13:30

Transitional protection will allow current TC claimints to claim UC with savings.

Original poster
Graphista · 05/05/2017 14:23

I've finally managed to speak to someone. No definitive answers as yet. I apparently am likely to get SOME transitional protection on the disability elements due to my own personal circumstances. Guy said he couldn't guarantee but he though it unlikely I would lose 'too much'. Losing any is difficult so I need to start thinking where I might be able to cut back. Not easy. I don't spend on frivolities, I rarely go out at all certainly not nights out, cut own hair, rarely buy new clothes, don't have sky/virgin etc tv, non-smoker, very rarely have a drink (special occasions only)... I think I'll have to review food and fuel costs.

OP posts:
AndNowItIsSeven · 05/05/2017 14:39

Are you already in receipt of tax credits op? If so you can claim with savings.

AndNowItIsSeven · 05/05/2017 14:43

e) People with capital of £16,000 or more who are entitled to Tax Credits before migrating to Universal Credit will receive transitional protection to protect their cash income. Capital limits are not changing for claimants of out of work benefits or Housing Benefit.

AndNowItIsSeven · 05/05/2017 14:44

<a class="break-all" href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/ucpbn-3-capital.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/ucpbn-3-capital.pdf

Original poster
Graphista · 05/05/2017 15:36

I don't have savings that was another poster.

Yes currently get child tax credits.

OP posts:
AndNowItIsSeven · 05/05/2017 16:25

Sorry posted on the wrong thread.

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