Tax credits or universal credits?

[littlebeebop]

Hello,

I have just done a calculator online and universal credits are calculating that I should be getting £20 more a week.

Does anybody know how accurate this is? I don't want to swap over and end up with less however with the rising gas and electric plus my rent increasing £100 a month soon it really would make a big difference.

I'm a single parent, working full time in a job I love, however it's low income. I'd really hate to have to leave but struggling to make ends meet at the moment.

Thanks!

UC benefits the working people (it’s a great top up for low wages) so you probably would be better off.

Speak to CAB and ask them to do a calculation. Best to be certain, as once you change you cannot go back.

@Dottychickens

UC benefits the working people (it’s a great top up for low wages) so you probably would be better off.

I thought they were the same as tax credits so never even thought of looking until today!

@CorrBlimeyGG

Speak to CAB and ask them to do a calculation. Best to be certain, as once you change you cannot go back.

That's what I'm concerned about! End up losing out! Just can't afford it at the moment!

The Gingerbread helpline can also do a calculation for you - many single parents aren't better off transferring.

Tax credits are better if your income varies month to month as Universal Credit changes automatically based on income within a "test period".

This is a pain in 5 week months if you get paid 4 weekly as it assumes you've been paid twice and end up with nothing the following period.