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

Claimants can apply for a hardship load to see them over the initial period.
That's your reply, not shock that people are expected to manage on nothing for five weeks, not disgust that people are given nothing but are may have a loan? Not worry on their behalf that the so called safety net can't kick in for five to six weeks.
Oh, and it has been stated by DWP workers that they're encouraged not to point out to new claimants that the hardship fund exists. Do you support that line too?

but may have...
Apologies.

UC increasing risk of domestic abuse...........Financial Times.

www.ft.com/content/aaaaf2fa-4c63-11e8-8a8e-22951a2d8493

Smeaton good luck with the job hunt. Something will come up. Is there no hope of you getting back into Engineering?

Thanks for explaining the reason behind the wait. I guess they have taken the logic that people will have their last payment from work to tide them over the first month and monthly is cheaper to process. But I can see why it causes problems for people who haven't been paid monthly or who are coming off other benefits that were paid weekly.
I've only ever been paid monthly, even as a teenager selling pies at football, I was paid monthly. I can't imagine that there are many jobs that still pay weekly.

I don't agree with sanctions or the severity of them. It is awful to leave people with nothing for months. Seriously what were the government thinking.

Seriously what were the government thinking

That they’d roll this out and their voters would be delighted because they care not one jot about anyone on benefits and just want to hear propaganda and soundbites which suit them.

@Smeaton I'm not entitled to UC due to where I live and my dp so I'm not overly sure how it works or what it covers.

Is there any way you can get help with housing benefit or a council tax reduction? We have around the same each month from child benefit and DP's jsa claim. Apparently according to the letter dp had "600 is enough to live on" isn't it ridiculous. :( hope you get something sorted.

If you have been on JSA or UC, you know that every person your speak to at the Job Centre tells you something different.

Smeaton that housing element can’t be right , I bet they missed out the fact you have a child.
Sickof glad you claim pip was going to message you about that.
You told your story very, well I am so sorry for what you and your dd went through.
How are things now?

If I'm right here with the benefit calculator our housing benefit should be 450 of 550 rent. I sent off the forms this week so I'm waiting to see if I can actually get this. I'm sure that's not right, especially when you have a child. I'd query about that. But definitely go to citizens advice. They really helped me

I second crunchy mint too! Ridiculous! I was told we would be allowed DP's jsa claim and my maternity allowance. Now apparently we can't and we're fucked for money. Our backdated payment was 75 pound over 3 months due to work mucking up my payslips. Not only were we screwed for 3 months, we are also now in debt as my work couldn't pay me properly. An jsa did nothing for us

Twounder1 Maybe you should take in some ironing?

Not a serious suggestion, just that is the level of some contributions here.

@Smeaton

smeaton That sadly is what I have found. There are rigid rules in place, and absolutely no leeway. Which leads to ridiculous situations and people like yourself being in very real poverty.

I feel sad for the woman who felt she was left with no option but its not overly expensive having a baby? I buy milk and nappies from aldi, i can get both for £10. The milk is £7 and the nappies £2.99. Primark is dirt cheap for clothes and i've been gifted a pram in the past, found other bargains on freecycle sites, i even buy the odd thing from a charity shop.

Granted children get more expensive as they grow but in the baby months/years there really isn't too much expense.

I wouldn't have aborted in her position, if you want something bad enough you make it work.

I'm planning on going back to work soon but even so for the people who can't/don't want to so soon, by the time the child is 4/5 they're entitled to some free childcare freeing up time for the mum to go back to work by then.

Each to their own but i'd never abort just because the state wont pay for the baby.

To add, UC is a major fuck up and that is undeniable

I just don't think its reason enough to abort a much wanted baby

Could you contact Christians against poverty Smeaton? If you're in debt/overdrawn?
I really wish I could help you out :(

But the choice between abortion or hardship is still a choice and not one confined to UC.

It's something that as an adult you have to make the decision.

Contraceptive failures and abuse make up a small part of this.

Both me and my OH earn more than average wages. However, a pregnancy right now would financially cripple us due to childcare costs. So we have made the decision to put off having (very much wanted) kids until we are more financially secure.

If I got pregnant now we would have to abort.

It's about taking responsibility for your own circumstances.

Rawhh If you earn above average wages you would be making a choice, based on what you decide to spend your money on. Very different from not having the actual money in the first place.

That's good Smeaton, least they're understanding. I really wish there was more I could do to help.
It's shit having no money. I don't know where these strange ideas that people on benefits have the life of luxury bollocks came from.
Bad times are just times that are bad, I hope it improves soon for you and your little one