I’m a single mum claiming a UC top up AMA

[cadburyegg]

There’s a lot of negative press and misinformation about benefit claimants so thought I’d start a thread. I work nearly full time and have 2 children. Ask away.

That isn’t what OP is doing, she works, pays tax and gets a small amount of UC.

The person I responded to admitted playing the system to pay less tax. The OP isn't playing the system.

You can vote any way you choose but Universal Credit props up low salaries (remembering couples are entitled too, it is not just single parents).

However, more related to this thread none of what you have said relates to the OP or others who are in receipt of UC - we work, we pay tax, and we cut out cloth accordingly.

In addition, by us budgeting and then paying for services such as a swimming instructors we are also reinvesting in our economy.

Swimming instructors are not top rate tax earners from my knowledge (London) - the less people that use them could and would enable them to rely on Universal Credit.

The system wont change as too many private landlords and similar whom benefit from the system (benefits system) would be worse off.

Exactly - ‘hiding’ as much as they can to pay less tax.

And the poster has the gaul to be disparaging towards hard working single and two parent families who work, pay tax and budget.

What an absolutely disgusting attitude to hold.

(Forget migration and immigration, people like this poster (Notreallywhynot) are the people I would like to deport so that our country and society are great again.)

Could you find the post you are referring to? Ive gone through and cannot see where anyone is ‘playing the system’?

Parents never claimed a thing (other than what what was called "family allowance" back in ye olden days),
Both my sibling and me claimed working tax/child tax credits
DD went to uni, got a degree and now works in a job she loves and has worked since she was able to do a part-time job aged 16 (she's in her 30's now).

@Frannieisnthappy

Yep right up there with suggestions on another thread for the OP to put more into their pension pot to avoid paying for childcare. It's funny how the OP on that thread was encouraged to find ways to save at the taxpayers expense, but anyone on UC daring to save what little is left after all expenses are paid is lambasted on here. MN is a funny old world.

Perhaps you can ask him?! i can’t control what he chooses as morally acceptable.

Besides regardless of what he chooses to pay in child maintenance, I would still be able to claim universal credit.

@Seasideresin Forgive my ignorance here, but if Dad were to pay CMS, would the amount of UC paid be reduced?

Nope. You could get thousands a month for example and it’s not counted.

I should add it’s because so many men will not pay maintenance consistently which has a knock on effect of the resident parent not being able to then pay bills etc.

@Seasideresin Wowser. That's crazy.

No it isn't. Men have shown themselves to use CM as a form of control. That kind of power was taken away from them.

@gamerchick Yes but surely there should be a cap? Otherwise separated parents could be living a life of luxury AND claiming UC. In other words, more lucrative from a financial pov to split than to stay together?

You currently pay £54 a month in childcare Op. your children are 10 and 7

and working an extra few hours is going to have that much of an impact? @cadburyegg

Op on another thread a few days ago

. I am significantly better off working full time than I was part time. The UC system is designed to make sure that people are always better off working and working more.

Claimants tactically work less than full time hours. 30 hours is not full time.

Actually claimants have to earn a certain amount unless there are certain circumstances.

She’s not working as few hours as possible, she’s on 35k so she could work a lot less hours if she wanted

Another example of things that need to be tightened up.

I have no mask. I do object to paying for certain benefits, not all of them.

I see it as defending my own position. I have always worked hard, have done many jobs people wouldn't do. We have a system whereby too many people rely on the state . With a gov like this then yes I will take whatever steps I can . I already pay masses of tax at a high rate.

Are you talking about me? If so you are wrong. I wouldn't advise anyone to put extra cash into their pension currently. Please do get your facts straight. Are you stalking me?

I was replying to that poster's comment not yours so not sure why you would think I am stalking you or even talking about you.

You didn't phrase it well but glad to hear it was not me you were referring to.