Redundant. Update HMRC tax credit app? Or apply for UC for first time

[Bringringbring12]

I’ve been made redundant

Should I update my HMRC app to confirm that made redundant and await response OR cancel tax credit claim and apply for UC as a new claimant?

How much I will receive from either is irrelevant at this point.

Sorry please ignore the above, got threads mixed up.

Only some changes of circumstance will mean that legacy benefits stop and you would have to claim UC. The ones replaced housing benefit income related jobseekers allowance income related employment and support allowance, income support, housing benefit, child and working tax credits.However you can’t make new claims for those benefits.

Losing a job will not stop those benefits necessarily- certainly not child tax credit. What you can’t do (except a small group of disabled people) is make new claims. So for example if you become eligible for more help with housing you can’t claim housing benefit.

To clarify the job seekers above is low income not NI contribution based (new style) that anotheremma referred to.
Sometimes you are better off staying on the old benefits sometimes not. You need a better off calculation. Citizens Advice, possibly the help to claim team or general service may be able to help or other welfare organisations.

👍

Thank you for help
Really appreciate

Just been in the calculators and all agreed that I’m better off under YC, significantly

So.... do I change my tax credits Info to update that change in circunstance as now redundant

Or new claim with UC

But then do I cancel my tax credit if I apply for UC?! Or does that happen automatically?

It’s so complicated!

When you claim UC it will automatically trigger the end of your tax credits claim, but to be on the safe side you should probably contact tax credits to close your claim after you've done your UC claim.

@AnotherEmma and @Icare1234

Applied for UC. I can’t get through to book the appointment (I know not required to attend but you still are required to call and book). It’s engaged constantly.

I understand the process has been shortened given the situation. Any idea how long? Saying I’ll find out whether eligible and how much on 24th April but that would be usual the timeframe rather than amended.

Huge thanks for any assistance