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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I want to get off benefits

109 replies

peanutbutterjelly563 · 30/03/2026 12:18

But how?

I work full time. I went to university. I ended up a single parent.

I get a universal credit top up. 2 children still fairly young so still paying childcare.

I am nearly 40.

Since getting universal credit, I feel like a criminal sometimes. I’ve just had to pay £50 for a letter from the GP (which I can’t afford) to prove one of my children live with me because they were doing a compliance check. All of my children have always lived with me, and do see their Dad but I’ve always been the main carer and I have a lives with order from the court. They wouldn’t accept that as it’s over 3 years old. They wouldn’t accept child benefit letter either.

I don’t want to be getting any benefits anymore, but I can’t afford to live without them. I earn about 30k a year. I’ve tried applying for other jobs. Most with my skill set pay the same or less than what I earn now.

Any ideas. AIBU to think this is possible?

OP posts:
Ilikealltings · 30/03/2026 12:32

How much benefits are you in reciept of?

Ilikealltings · 30/03/2026 12:31

It makes me so mad. Why is he only providing £200 measly quid!! The government left having to step in and provide for his children!!

Overthebow · 30/03/2026 12:30

peanutbutterjelly563 · 30/03/2026 12:25

I studied social work but I couldn’t cope with the work, I now do safeguarding in schools. I don’t know what other careers I could do with my skills which pay more.

If you already work in school what about training to become a teacher? Teachers start on £33k so you wouldn’t have to take a pay cut, and salaries go up to £45k even on the main pay scale with opportunities to go higher with the upper pay scales. There are on the job training options for it too.

MajesticWhine · 30/03/2026 12:26

What job do you do? Are there any opportunities for moving into a managerial role or doing some further training within the workplace?

Original poster
peanutbutterjelly563 · 30/03/2026 12:25

TMFF · 30/03/2026 12:23

Does their dad help with the childcare costs?

He pays £200 a month CMS.

OP posts:
Original poster
peanutbutterjelly563 · 30/03/2026 12:25

I studied social work but I couldn’t cope with the work, I now do safeguarding in schools. I don’t know what other careers I could do with my skills which pay more.

OP posts:
SevenYellowHammers · 30/03/2026 12:23

Sounds like the experience of the letter made you feel guilty? If so, DON’T! You’re educated, working hard and parenting. You’re very entitled to your UC. I’m sure some high flying types here will offer some good advice about CVs and linked in and what-not but I think you’re doing just fine.

TMFF · 30/03/2026 12:23

Does their dad help with the childcare costs?

Overthebow · 30/03/2026 12:21

What did you do at university and what is your job now? £30k is below the average wage, especially for a 40 year old, so maybe there could be opportunities to go in to something else?