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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel completely overwhelmed with a UC review

54 replies

Itsmeeee888 · 08/12/2025 22:14

I’m really really in a state of panic . Basically UC have asked for 3 years of bank statements from me by next week ! I have 4 children and life is stressful enough especially before Xmas . It seems they have info I had “inherited “ money from my mother when she died ( almost three years ago ) I did have money off my mum while she was dying as she was worried my step father would take it (10k) with this I bought a car . My mother died within a week of us finding out she had cancer, I was heavily pregnant , moving in to a council house and dealing with a very abusive partner . I spent most of my money on a car , carpets , furniture, white goods etc admittedly also a holiday . My brother has also been helping me over the few years financially ( one large amount towards items I needed then drips and drabs ) I’ve checked and yes a few months I may have gone over the 6k but once was from the money off mum and once off my insurance when my car got written off a year after I bought it . I know I should have declared it and I regret it now but I genuinely was in such a bad place . I suffer from severe panic disorder and anxiety and the thought of this call Monday is making me extremely anxious . Am i going to jail ? Will they cut my payments ? I can’t feed my kids etc . And it’s ruined my Xmas I can’t stop crying 😭 I can barely afford to live on the amount I get now without help from my dad and brother every month let alone lose lots of money on top of it ! And does it sound like I’ve been reported ? My ex always threats to report me

OP posts:
HarbourClankCat · 08/12/2025 22:37

Get a CAB appointment - or have a look for a local group/charity offering benefits advice? I think you need to establish what your actual financial position is/has been, whether you have not been entitled at times and what your next steps may be.

I can imagine it’s a huge worry, but hopefully local groups will provide you some clarity.

professionalhomebody · 08/12/2025 22:36

prison? No. But if they deem you have had an overpayment then yes the could take money from you each month to repay it.

Itsmeeee888 · 08/12/2025 22:25

bluejelly · 08/12/2025 22:22

Sorry I have no advice but wanted to send support. There’s no way they would send a
mum of 4 to jail for such a minor thing. Can you call the CAB tomorrow for advice? They are free and impartial

Thank you !! I think I’m feeling extremely overwhelmed and stressed out and that’s even before all this 😭 that’s a really good idea thank you ! I do need some support xx

OP posts:
bluejelly · 08/12/2025 22:22

Sorry I have no advice but wanted to send support. There’s no way they would send a
mum of 4 to jail for such a minor thing. Can you call the CAB tomorrow for advice? They are free and impartial

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