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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Contemplating whether to be SAHM? Do Universal credits pay more?

83 replies

CarmineInWonderland · 02/09/2026 21:43

I am contemplating on whether to be SAHM.
There's hear say that it is better off being on benefits than working as wages go to childcare.

It would be a dream but it would mean one less wage and relying on my hubby's income which isn't enough to cover a toddler and a baby.

What are the thoughts of being a SAHM on universal credits after maternity leave?

OP posts:

ShanghaiDiva · 02/09/2026 22:06

Justthethingsthatyoudointhisgarden · 02/09/2026 21:44

Rage bait

Yep!

Ablondiebutagoody · 02/09/2026 22:04

Do it. They are only young once

cymruyespls · 02/09/2026 22:00

Yes, good idea. Quit your job and then contact the DWP to let them know you’ll be claiming benefits just because you fancy it.

sodoffbeforemycupofcoff · 02/09/2026 21:55

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/

mess around with it and see what you’d get if you worked/didnt work/worked 16 hours/worked 30 hours etc

Turn2us

Turn2us is a national charity providing practical help to those of us facing financial insecurity.

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/

sodoffbeforemycupofcoff · 02/09/2026 21:54

If you go into “turn2us” you can work out to the penny what you would get, if you could get anything. It’s accurate.

Original poster

CarmineInWonderland · 02/09/2026 21:53

sodoffbeforemycupofcoff · 02/09/2026 21:46

UC works out better for people who work because too many people weren’t working because they’re were better off.

I also don’t think you get much if anything when you have a partner. It is more beneficial when single

Thank you. I will see if I can reduce my hours so I can have an equal balance