To think unversal credit is a disaster *trigger warning*

[jnfrrss]

This just popped up in my feed. Talking about someone that had an abortion as they wouldn't be able to afford the child without credits. It's not just an isolated issue, a charity says they've had a huge increase in women contacting about abortions as now they won't be able to afford to have any more children. I'm not sure what the answer is but this is very worrying

www.mirror.co.uk/money/it-wasnt-planned-very-wanted-12480380

I am not on Facebook!

I can assure you not one single word of my story on Dispatches last night was false. Every single word was absolute fact.

I am also not Left Wong!

Er I mean Wing

Er I mean Wing

From what i can tell because the payments are all rolled into one....if you lose one you lose the lot............including the housing element.

Yes the Hardship advance is a maximum of £590 for the initial 6 week period (was 8 weeks for me) then it comes out of your subsequent payments at £100 per month!

As I am Disabled, after this 8 week period, I then had to wait a further 4 months to be assessed - despite having just been assessed for ESA, however I'd tried work etc etc (long story). During this period, they had me on the basic rate of £1,000 minus £100 per month for Hardship Advance repayment and a further £50 deduction for something to do with a tax credit error, so I was left with £850 for the month. My rent is £700..... That's £150 to feed, clothe & heat the house for my toddler and myself. It. Was. Hell.

UC is hell....

@HelenaDove Spot on. Absolutely correct x

Sick of

Your little girl is very cute btw.

Oh and to be clear - My child has NEVER EVER EVER EVER been fed Dog Food!!!!!!!!! I have no idea where the dog food story has come from?!

Thank you Helena!

I've had some horrific abuse since the show, it's been awful. Direct messages saying "and where's the Father?" and "You don't look like you're starving love! #Losesomeweight!!" When my weight is down to steroids and my Thyroid being almost entirely inactive. Been up all night in tears, wishing I hadn't done it... x

Choosing not to continue with a wanted but unplanned pregnancy is not isolated to those relying on universal credit. My husband and I both work full time and do not receive any benefits, however a couple of years ago I fell pregnant due to my contraceptive pill not working. At the time the financial impact on ourselves and our young daughter should I take maternity leave (on statutory entitlement only) for 9-12 months and then have the cost of childcare for a number of years, made having a second child unrealistic. You need to put the children you have first. Saying that, I remember the unborn child's due date every year and feel extremely sad.

@SickofThomasTheTank people who say things like that are horrible. They get off on belittling and demeaning other people because they’re so utterly pathetic it’s the only way they can feel good about themselves. I know it’s easy for me to say, but fuck em. They don’t matter and most importantly, they’re wrong

Sick of I had a nasty feeling ppl would have a go about your weight.

Ive seen a lot of fat shaming online including on this very board.

I had a feeling you would be on steroids.

Are the direct messages coming from posters on this site? You said you dont do fb.

Thank you @Smeddum xx

The "Where's the Father" comment happens regularly in day to day life.
I happened to mention being a single parent to a lady I was chatting with in the queue in Lidl once. This old lady behind us said "And where's the Father?!?!" In the most accusatory tone possible. I blew up. Why do single mothers get the stick when the father (and in my case, my carer too) cheats, disappears and doesn't ever come back or even get in touch? Why criticise the mother?! Just don't get it. This old lady in question looked at me like filth and said "disgusting" under breath! 😧

I think you came across well Sickof and as very articulate.

Thanks Helena, that's actually what my best friend said. She said I was very articulate also! Made me smile, thanks :) x

@SickofThomasTheTank ugh I’ve had those comments too. My usual response was “well if I hadn’t left he’d have killed me and if you have a problem with it I’d suggest you take your attitude and direct it at the deadbeat not the parent who actually stuck around!”

You don’t need to justify yourself to anyone, nobody has the right to make you feel like you do. It’s bullshit.

I will say though, that interview was an hour long and they've missed out some important points. When i was talking about cleaning floors and bath, I was talking about PIP and how the Carer/Daily Living element is there to pay for Carers and/or Cleaners to do jobs like that, that I can't do.
I also wanted to try get in, the fact that before I became ill I was slim and active. I didn't want people to think that being overweight was my main disability when it's actually not the case. It's not the cause, it's the consequence if you see what I mean? X

@HelenaDove No, direct messages on Twitter x

sickof

By the way sick, I've been on Pred since last November. I understand the weight thing!