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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be worried about Universal Credit

968 replies

idiuntno57 · 23/03/2013 20:21

I am in the lucky position of not needing to claim this but I am so worried about its implementation.

Its coming in in the Autumn and is going to be an online only, monthly, postdated payment. It will be paid to one adult in the family unit.

All well and did if you are god at managing your money, internet literate and in a stable relationship. But in the real world....

How are the most vulnerable in society going to have a chance with this?

Already the council tax changes are coming in and as far as I understand people are confused and shell shocked by it. UC is much bigger and no one is prepared.

OP posts:
TheSecondComing · 24/03/2013 21:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

wannabeEostregoddess · 24/03/2013 21:16

It really gets to me tbh.

This govt are doing nothing to boost employment. They are fixing the figures and in doing so they are reducing the amount of jobs available.

Yet its always the individuals fault. The poor are poor because they are just shit people. Shallow people who are financially inept.

If you cant see that your view of people on benefits is ridiculous then I hope you have to claim one day. Because thats the only way you will learn.

FasterStronger · 24/03/2013 21:17

never sign up for a 36 month deal. that's just credit, hidden as something else.

ours are at most 1 year deals (or less as the year passes). and when the deal expires, instead of getting a new phone, ask for money off the bill.

and we have savings because it make life cheaper and easier. and less stress.

bochead · 24/03/2013 21:17

Home equity equals capital though.

Under UC as I understand it, if you have any capital over £16k you won't qualify? I can't spend my shoebox, and rent would be higher than my mortgage, (don't forget moving costs too!) so this worries me A LOT. Homeowners already have far less HB than other forms of housing (interest only up to a certain amount after several months). If homeowners can't get ANY help from the state, not even the derisory current JSA coming in each week then huge numbers of middle-aged newly redundant workers are going to find themselves in real trouble. This is the group being expected to support the young adults in their family group under UC who no longer qualify for much assistance (under 25s).

I need to find a link that clarifies things quickly in relation as to what qualifies as "capital" under UC. Surely things aren't going to get as bad as this?

FasterStronger · 24/03/2013 21:18

TheSecond you sound incredibly unlucky. I am sorry it happened. but don't you think its a very rare thing to happen?

wannabeEostregoddess · 24/03/2013 21:19

Faster

You are deluded. Absolutely deluded.

Booyhoo · 24/03/2013 21:20

"and we have savings because it make life cheaper and easier."

you are so right. anyone who hasn't thought of saving deserves to be starving and homeless really, dont they? Hmm

Viviennemary · 24/03/2013 21:22

I think people have to ask themselves why this government is in power. I don't think it's because everyone who voted for them is selfish and doesn't care about other people. But more because they don't want the UK to go the same way as Greece.

KatieScarlett2833 · 24/03/2013 21:22

Faster, shit happens to good people every single day.
In my place its several times a day times 9 times the number of Jobcentres taking new claims. Our register is through the roof due to redundancies and no new jobs.
But hey, having an inexpensive mobile seems to be the solution...

trustissues75 · 24/03/2013 21:24

Anyone interested in growing their own stuff but have hit a brick wall with allotment allocation, here's another avenue worth exploring...

www.landshare.net

wannabeEostregoddess · 24/03/2013 21:25

I would like to believe that Vivienne. I really would.

But people seem to be rubbing their hands with glee at the prospect the scroungers might be out in the cold.

I depair for humanity.

FasterStronger · 24/03/2013 21:26

wannabe I have managed my money sensibly for decades so I am not in the same place as most people.

they have probably has more holidays aboard. more clothes. many things... that don't interest me... so I don't need state support unless some catastrophe e.g. I break my neck which obviously could happen but I am insulated from the more likely problems.

your whole 'The poor are poor because they are just shit people. Shallow people who are financially inept.' is just silly. I haven't said that and its just a bad argument.

TBH if I were you, I would look at what I could change in my life to make my own finances more robust. but that's my view. others can do what they like - but their finances will be less robust and that is their choice.

that's how money works. you can buy now or later. but not both.

trustissues75 · 24/03/2013 21:27

Faster - what happened to thesecond is not that rare...

crashdoll · 24/03/2013 21:27

LOL at people on NMW managing to save! Faster you need to step into the real world.

KatieScarlett2833 · 24/03/2013 21:28

This reply has been deleted

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FasterStronger · 24/03/2013 21:29

If anyone wants to sort out their finances, Moneysavingexpert.com (especially Debt Free Wannabe).

if you want to continue as you are, then continue as you are...

Booyhoo · 24/03/2013 21:30

"they have probably has more holidays aboard. more clothes. many things... that don't interest me... so I don't need state support unless some catastrophe e.g. I break my neck which obviously could happen but I am insulated from the more likely problems.

your whole 'The poor are poor because they are just shit people. Shallow people who are financially inept.' is just silly. I haven't said that and its just a bad argument."

you have just said that people who haven't been sensible like you have probably had more holidays abroad, clothes etc and then say that you aren't saying they are shallow or financially inept! which is it?

Booyhoo · 24/03/2013 21:31

oh FGS! i give up. you have no clue faster.

PeneloPeePitstop · 24/03/2013 21:31

Absolutely what Katie said.
As a former higher rate taxpayer and homeowner now relant on benefits in social housing.

Darkesteyes · 24/03/2013 21:32

From what ive seen of the MSE board their forums are posted on by a lot of people with right wing views as well as a lot of financially abusive husbands.
It can be quite a helpful site but its not the most friendly place to people on benefits.

wannabeEostregoddess · 24/03/2013 21:32

Did you read any of my posts? I can manage my money well. We are in no debt at all.

We were still made homeless twice last year through no fault of our own. DP cant find a job and we are on our arses.

You can budget all you like, but if theres £0 in the pot no amount of budgeting can change that.

trustissues75 · 24/03/2013 21:33

And those of us who are good at managing our finances but have still ended up in complete shit (me myself, my husband dumped me and my son with a medium sized suitcase of clothes - we were living in South Korea at the time - he fucked off to America after cutting me off from the bank account) what about then? And I'm pretty good at budgeting - my point is, good on you for doing what you've done, but dont' be so quick to judge. I had zero debts because those were left with he who did a runner to the USA...but even then I was completely up shit creek.

TheSecondComing · 24/03/2013 21:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Darkesteyes · 24/03/2013 21:33

Agree with the others Faster. You are gaslighting.

KatieScarlett2833 · 24/03/2013 21:34

The only debt we have is our mortgage faster, yet my views are the polar opposite of yours. Why is that do you think?
I think it's because I know what I'm talking about. Unlike you.
But please keep posting, it keeps me amused Grin