Christmas now unaffordable

Your UC sounds wrong. You should have an Lcwra element and a carer element on there. Maybe check your journal and see if they are included. What are the deductions for? You can request that these are lowered or paused if they are causing financial hardship.

Your husband needs to get a pip application in asap.

You can apply for a discretionary housing payment to bridge the gap between your UC housing element and your actual rent cost.

Why can’t you get a food bank voucher? Many charities can provide a voucher. Most communities now also have food pantry’s where you can get a couple of bags of food for 2 or 3 pounds.

I would still have the family round and just say we are skint this year so can you bring the crackers, then can you bring some veg and can you bring a chicken (to each of the children.)
I say chicken as I’m going to cook a chicken this year as it’s cheaper.
My teens are looking forward to Christmas as it’s a family event. I’ve told them I can’t get them big presents and I’m just making a cheap version of Christmas dinner and they don’t care. My 18 year old lives away from home so if I make frozen veg from the freezer and a chicken he will still be pleased to have a home cooked meal!

We will play some games. Actually, this sounds rubbish but we are going to play guess the road sign as we are trying to get my youngest to revise for his driving theory test. We have a pack of flash cards so we will do that for half an hour. Then just chat. Maybe go for a walk. I have put up some decorations that I had in the loft. They look old and tatty but my teens don’t care. I know it’s much harder with less money but I sometimes think it makes it more of a laugh with the kids.
I took mine on holiday for a week once and something broke in the house before we went so we had to literally eat supermarket versions of pot noodle and a bag of apples and bananas for the week whereas we were going to eat out a few nights. It wasn’t ideal but we did still have a nice time on the holiday.

On a separate note I agree with other posters that you need to make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to.

Child element UC is paid up to August 31st after the child’s 19th birthday

It is terrible that so many people are in this type of situation, and yet gas, and electric prices just keep on rising. What are people meant to do, who cannot afford to eat, and heat their homes properly? It is so widespread now.

Unless you’re being deducted very heavily, it doesn’t sound as though you’re receiving all the UC you’d be eligible for, as two disabled people with limited capability to work. Your DH certainly needs to apply for PIP: there’s no point being proud or trying to avoid perceived nastiness (as a previous poster said, nobody needs to know you’re receiving it), if there’s money he can claim due to being disabled. Does your LA have a welfare advice service? Is there a local law centre or similar? Somebody who could help you navigate the system could be an enormous help here.

Cancelling Christmas is going to be miserable. Can your older adult children chip in for food and treats? I imagine they are worried for you, too

It's a typo for twice a day I imagine.

Which isn't at all ideal for two people grappling with illness in a cold house in the middle of winter.

I am sorry you are having such a shitty time. No one with half a brain believes most people on benefits are living the life of Riley, never mind if you are also managing disabilities.

On a practical level, your husband does need to apply for pip asap. Could you go and talk to citizens advice to get help with this.

Can your GP give you a foodbank / food larder referral?

No she won't as it's already included in UC, but only at the local housing rate. The LHR might be (for example) £600 per month, so if your rent in £1200 per month you have to pay it yourself from the rest of your UC that's meant for bills, food, etc.

I find it hard to believe you're only eating twice a week.

How old is your son/is he at tertiary college? You should still get uc/cb until 20

We’re down to 2 meals a week...

Is that a typo or are you really only eating twice a week?

I'm so sorry to hear this. Your husband should be entitled to pip and you should also get assistance with rent. I don't think you're claiming everything you're entitled to.

Sending warm wishes to you.

Are your older children working? Are they able to help out, with food, if you are finding it difficult to access from the food bank?

Get onto a charity such as the citizens advice and ask them to help you claim for everything you are entitled to.

Have just googled Universal Credit and I think you can still claim UC on your claim for a child who is at college plus child benefit.

all you see in the news is all about how those on benefits are so better off and living a life a luxury…

Don't believe the hype, would be my advice to you. Why has your Husband not applied for PIP? If he is awarded anything, the DWP do not make people wear a sign letting everyone know, that they are claiming.

Have you looked on entitledto.com - you answer all the questions and it lets you know all of the benefits you are entitled to. Might be some things you didnt realise you could get

That sounds very hard OP. What deductions do they take off every month? Would you not be entitled to Housing Benefit. Your husband really should apply for PIP if you're struggling. Can you make an appointment at the Citizens Advice to make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to?