Thu 27-Nov-08 01:17 PM by pipkin

Does anyone use this system.

We are an RSL looking at a new benefit system for all staff (rent officers as well), and looking at their site they seem to focus on how their system can assist with maximising income and helping tenants get the correct benefit from the outset of their tenancy to help avoid the build up of rent arrears.

I personally currently use LGQB... And find this great, but people with no benefit knowledge at all, may struggle with this, especially on the tax credit section.

So, does anyone use Ferret and do they find it a good calculator, bearing in mind its needed for non specialists..?

I think it's fantastic

And while on the subject does anyone use 'Entitled To' and, if so, what is their opinion of this web-based product?

Ive always found "entitled to" easy to use and correct.

**** WITH HUGE DECLARATION OF INTEREST ****

I could point you to a number of errors within that, and other online systems, but why should I do their testing for them?

No system is bug free, fixing them when they're found is one measure of quality, finding them during testing is another. We, and others, spend a lot of time and money with several full time, expert staff monitoring legislation and cases, understanding and analysing the rules and producing and supporting our systems. We've been doing it for almost 30 years so we probably do something right.

We also charge for the systems and for the support line but would argue that it's value for money. If you choose not to use a paid service then that's up to you but don't use any system, for your clients' sake, without looking at it critically.