Universal credit vs child tax credit/ working tax credit - help pls!

[EmeraldIsle81]

Hi Mumsnet
Just trying to understand the support that's out there.
Seems to be if you don't ask you don't get, but you need to know what to ask for in the first place!
Working tax and child tax credit are now part of universal credit - but what are these and how do you know if you can apply for them/ are likely to get them?
Limited google info as just says been replaced by universal.
Any advice will help a lot, thanks!!

Working and child tax credits aren't really part of UC. If claiming UC there is a child element if you have children, there is also a rent element if you rent and a standard single or couples element depending whether you are single or a couple. All these elements are added together to make your total Uc award but then if you have earnings this amount is reduced on a taper. Some people ( those with kids or limited capability to work because of illness) will get a work allowance which is an amount that is disregarded from wages before wages reduce the Uc amount.

If you have existing working tax (WTC) or child tax (CTC) claim in then these will continue, however if you are making a new claim for WTC and CTC then you will have to claim UC see here www.gov.uk/universal-credit.
If you want to check on what you are eligible for use one or more of the online free benefit calculators. These can be found here www.turn2us.org.uk/Get-Support and www.entitledto.co.uk