Universal Credit and Food Banks

[Unicornfeathers]

I probably am being unreasonable but am I right in thinking that the rise in the use of food banks and UC has gone hand in hand?

Basically I became a carer in November, not the first time but first time I have had to apply for UC. Fast forward 7 weeks and I’m in my overdraft for first time in many years (I have no debts, not even a credit card) and I’ve been referred to a food bank.

Feels very weird and I am just wondering if there are others in the same boat?

I have been overpaid tax credits so owe them money which they will deduct from my UC

Have you challenged this because it seems very common for people to be told they've been overpaid but for the DWP to back down if people are sure this hasn't happened and have some evidence of their communications. Someone on a similar thread said that the claim of overpayment was withdrawn after she made a Subject Access Request to check that she had been overpaid.

Beyond that, it seems odd that some people have to pay substantial amounts whereas in other areas it seems that others are allowed to negotiate a much more moderate term for repayment.

Thank you everyone

I am going to call them about the overpayment today - I was always really careful to let DWP what my up to date income for tax credits was and thus wasn’t working on figures a year behind like they seem to do. I’ll consider doing a SAR too...

Re: food bank - you lot are so lovely and I feel reassured that it will be ok. I’m still waiting for the referral to come through but should come just at right time.

I am waiting also for council tax support and Carers allowance (tho they take Carers off you £ for £) but it seems delayed by the holiday period

You're right that the benefit changes gave rise to food bank usage. It started with the bedroom tax.

My DD challenged an overpayment and eventually got it worked out.

Her Carers allowance came through quicker than her UC and she opted for it weekly. That and her CB is her day to day for living expenses and her UC is rent and some bills.

Don't panic if you get a letter saying we are taking x amount from you. You might get one two days later saying that they aren't.

My DDs benefit workings were very messy for months.

She got an interim loan from them, which she has now paid back after six months. They are only allowed to take so much off you a month.

Her Council Tax support comes via her UC.

Whenever I read anything about the welfare system in this country, I always find it very frustrating. I am a higher rate taxpayer myself, so I know that all working folk in this country certainly pays enough in taxes and yet the welfare system is so messed up that it somehow never or rarely truly helps those in genuine need of help while allowing others to abuse it.

It's a truly disgraceful situation that's not seen in many other European countries. What's even more disgraceful about our system is that people work and pay taxes all their lives but should they fall on hard times, they cannot get the help that would have been allowed to our European counterparts. So, yes, the British welfare system is absolutely dire, poorly managed and needs a total reform in more ways than one.

Birds that is very helpful - I am chasing CA and the borough council now. I too think I am falling foul of the transition to benefits and that it will sort itself out - it’s just a matter of staying a float whilst it gets sorted.

Tigger I share your frustration - since my son was diagnosed with ASD I have needed support on and off but that support has enable me to effectively save society thousands and thousands of pounds in childcare costs (he couldn’t access it anyway), school transport and general input from professionals....

Just heard i’ve been awarded CA and they are back paying me

I’m crying with relief

The food bank I volunteer at doesn't pre-bag, you get a certain number of points to spend in each area and it's laid out like a shop. From what I understand though, most food banks pre-bag.

Please don't be nervous or embarrassed, we have seen every circumstance and there's no shame in needing a little extra help. Ours does clothing and toiletries as well as food (including fresh fruit and veg, bread and eggs). The volunteers are all very nice and I can promise you, nobody is judging you.

I have also been awarded Council Tax support

Relief was short lived as UC have warned me to expect a big deduction due to the back payment of CA and the normal payment of CA falling in one assessment period.....
Plus a potential deduction for Tax Credits overpayments

FFS - I haven’t been in debt ever and within a month on UC I am

I'm pretty sure your Carers Allowance arrears will be adjusted to take into consideration benefits (i.e. UC) that you've already received. They tend to do that now rather than pay full arrears and then claw back.