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Policy in Practice: Better Off Calculator reviews

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4.68
Based on 206 reviews, last reviewed 17th Jan 2025
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Latest highest rating:

5

great customer service i've used them more than once. multiple times in fact. the webchat feature is brilliant, you can get answers to your questions straight away by the ac... Read more Reviewed on: 17th January 2025
fez's avatar
fez

Latest lowest rating:

1

Can’t understand the results, trying to work out if... Can’t understand the results, trying to work out if I cut my hours Reviewed on: 1st August 2024
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Southam
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About this product

The Better Off Calculator is a tool that quickly calculates your benefit entitlement and shows you what money you may be missing out on. It shows you what steps you can take to strengthen your finances with a focus on actionable advice.

You can use the free calculator to see what help you are eligible for, and see clearly how changes in earnings or hours will impact your income.

If you're an advisor you can get more features in our professional calculator so that you can work out the exact amount of next Universal Credit payments, and create personalised action plans and smart budgets for customers.

With the Better Off Calculator you don’t need to be a policy expert to understand what changes to the welfare system mean for you.

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Policy in Practice Better Off Calculator reviews (206)

The best benefits calculator out there

5
The calculator questions allow you to deeply explore the clients background and circumstances. The questions are not one size fits all. For example, when exploring council tax you have the different options for monthly payments over 12 months, 10 months and annual. The questions are easy to read to clients and are written in layman terms. For example, Does anyone in your household have a disability which means that they struggle with everyday activities or getting around? This allows the client to understand the question clearly and opens up a dialogue. There is a drop down box to explain what benefits are available if the client answers yes. The explanation is clear and concise such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP)/ Adult Disability Payment (ADP): This is for adults who have needed help with daily living or mobility tasks for at least 3 months and are likely to need help for a further 9 months. To qualify you must be awarded sufficient points at a PIP assessment. Application is through the DWP. It hits every basic point. This is especially true for their explanation of Contribution-related ESA which is difficult to explain to clients who do not have benefits knowledge. There are a wide range of options for if the client is not a UK National or is a Student - the process of explaining these difference options is simple, clear and easy to explain. The expert calculation breakdowns allow clients to see their entitlement or potential in greater detail, adding further to their understanding of the benefits system such as the benefits cap. The calculator allows you to see the weekly and monthly payment amount as this can differ depending on the type of benefits received - for example state pension and the clients circumstances. The calculation provides a simple explanation regarding the different frequency of benefit payments such as PIP and Pension Credit and how this will effect the figure of the calculation. Using the calculator benefits the advisor and the client. It is simple to use, understand and has improved my time efficiency. The clients have been able to review their current situation and understand clearly the benefit system and how this can effect their entitlement. Reviewed on: 20th March 2024
Mary's avatar
Mary

A really useful tool

5
A really useful tool which I've used myself and recommended to colleagues. The interface is very user-friendly, and it provides clear and concise results. Reviewed on: 20th March 2024
Andrew R's avatar
Andrew R

Better Off Calculator - Housing and Homelessness

4
I work within the Housing Department of a LA. I use the Better Off calculator regularly, and am always recommending clients use the calculator themselves to ensure they are receiving all that they are entitled to. The calculator is also a really great way of checking the ways in which a change of circumstances might affect someone's entitlement. It provides a really tangible, visual demonstration of what this impact is going to look like. This can give clients the confidence they need to make a change to their housing situation, as the unknown is now far less scary. Reviewed on: 20th March 2024
Yas K's avatar
Yas K

i use the calculator in my line of work

5
i use the calculator in my line of work as a housing law caseworker. fantastic knowledge and easy to use to give the best up to date considerations. Reviewed on: 20th March 2024
stefani t's avatar
stefani t

A real desire to help those disadvantaged

5
A real desire to help those disadvantaged Reviewed on: 20th March 2024
Nigel D's avatar
Nigel D

The Better Off Calculator helpful and accurate tool...

5
The Better Off Calculator helpful and accurate tool for assessing people's Universal Credit entitlement, and demonstrating how their financial circumstances would change in part-time and full-time work. This both motivates them to return to work and enables them to make informed decisions about their hours of work. Reviewed on: 20th March 2024
James H's avatar
James H

A must have tool

5
PiP have actively identified so many thousands of people who can claim extra support in multiple areas, making their lives so much easier. I am an employee of Anglian Water who use Policy in Practice's Better off Calculator and have personally helped hundreds of people get discounts on their water bills and told them of any benefits they are eligible for and may have missed. The response I have received form these customer have been amazing and them taking the time to complete the Calculator has changed their lives for the better. Reviewed on: 20th March 2024
Jakews's avatar
Jakews

Employment Advisor

5
As an employment advisor, the Policy in Practice Better Off Calculator is invaluable to me for helping individuals to see how much better off financially they would be in work. Reviewed on: 20th March 2024
Katie J's avatar
Katie J

Fantastic way to help customers look at their financ...

5
Fantastic way to help customers look at their financial situation. I have only just started and I have helped lots of people find out that they are due other health benefits and also how much better they will be doing when they find either full or part time employment. Reviewed on: 20th March 2024
Jacquie C's avatar
Jacquie C

Never had any issues.

5
Never had any issues. Training was thorough, really good customer service. The product is a really great tool for supporting our customers. Reviewed on: 20th March 2024
Erik's avatar
Erik

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