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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU to use compensation claim on my hobby

86 replies

TescoValueUserName · 22/07/2019 15:46

I was a SAHM, left an abusive relationship and now am on benefits till i can find a job that works around my children and degree. I have a hobby and there's a once in a lifetime trip overseas next year for it which i wasn't going to be able to go on after leaving my ex as I couldn't afford it.

I've had an accident and I've just found out that the compensation that I will get will more than cover the cost of the trip.

I know I'll probably get vilified for being on benefits and also claiming compensation, but AIBU to use it for this? It won't be all of the compensation, plus I have other savings and no debt.

OP posts:

TheHandsOfNeilBuchanan · 22/07/2019 15:47

I don't see why not, if you can afford the necessities. Do you have children?

Shoxfordian · 22/07/2019 15:47

Sounds like you need a trip away op, you should definitely go

Original poster

TescoValueUserName · 22/07/2019 15:49

Yes sorry, 2 children. Also feel selfish going away without them!

OP posts:

PineappleSeahorse · 22/07/2019 15:49

Go and enjoy. I hope that you have a wonderful time

Lemoneeza · 22/07/2019 15:49

yanbu! go and enjoy it. don't feel bad for being on benefits.

PettyContractor · 22/07/2019 15:52

Check if you benefits will be cut to reflect the time you are out of the country, so you can take that into account.

Original poster

TescoValueUserName · 22/07/2019 15:54

It'll only be 5 days but thanks, I'll make sure it won't affect anything. Hadn't thought of that!

OP posts:

TheInvestigator · 22/07/2019 15:57

But won't you need to declare it as income? And then your benefits will be cut to reflect it.
And finding the job... Do you have a guaranteed job lined up? How long will it take to start and get paid?
If you're in benefits for the next few years, how will you pay for everything? Don't you think having a little bit of money kept aside for emergencies is a smarter idea than blowing it on a trip?

breaker · 22/07/2019 16:15

This kind of financial planning is how people end up using food banks. You can't support your children yourself (the taxpayer is doing that for you), you don't know when you'll be in paid income again and you don't have savings. Why would you contemplate an expensive trip rather than planning to support your family and leaving yourself in a precarious position? How much was your compensation and how much is the trip?

Saucery · 22/07/2019 16:17

OP says she does have other savings.

Use it for the trip, sounds like you deserve to do something just for you.

REllenR · 22/07/2019 16:18

I don't think it's a good idea - it doesn't sound like you're in a strong enough financial position to be able to afford it comfortably or you wouldn't be asking.

PositiveVibez · 22/07/2019 16:20

Good for you OP escaping your abusive relationship, but I do agree that the compensation money would be best kept for emergencies and the like. If you're on benefits and the washing machine breaks, or the hoover etc., what will you do?

Sorry if it sounds like I'm pissing on your chips, but I'd definitely be sensible with it.

Original poster

TescoValueUserName · 22/07/2019 16:22

I said I do have savings! I currently have £4k in savings, am likely to get £3k compensation and the trip is £1.5k. I wouldn't have dreamed of using those savings for it though. I completely get where you're coming from though and it's why I'm in 2 minds about it.

I don't have a guaranteed job, looking at anything that I can do that fits around a preschooler at the moment.

OP posts:

Original poster

TescoValueUserName · 22/07/2019 16:24

I love the expression pissing on your chips!

No it's all good, i appreciate reading both sides.

OP posts:

Greyhound22 · 22/07/2019 16:25

I was going to say no but if you have 4K in savings with another 3K coming in I think it's fine to be honest if you have money coming in for day to day living.

Saucery · 22/07/2019 16:25

That would buy you a few replacement washing machines or hoovers. Go for it, it’ll give you a boost and that can only be a good thing. Or scrimp and save and berate yourself daily for daring to be on benefits temporarily

Lifecraft · 22/07/2019 16:27

I don't see why not, if you can afford the necessities. Do you have children?

There's a subtle, well hidden clue in the first sentence of the OP, where she says she's looking for a job that fits in around her children.

They don't call me Sherlock for nothing!

Mistley · 22/07/2019 16:27

If your compensation plus the savings you already have totals more than £8000 you're required to declare it and your benefits will be affected. The figures may have changed and be more or less as this was about 5 years ago but I know that beyond a certain level it does have to be declared as it is counted as income. It's why people who receive large compensation payments normally have them paid through a trust so they never hold a lump sum. Your solicitor should have explained this to you really.

Pinkcat231 · 22/07/2019 16:32

Is the trip definitely £1.5k all in? Will you need to add food/drinks/travel to the airport etc?

I’m on the fence over what you should do but make sure you take everything into account before making a decision, I
have been known to book holidays with no thought for the ‘extras’

Original poster

TescoValueUserName · 22/07/2019 16:34

Actually you're right, we don't have definite costs yet but that wouldn't include food or transfers. I'll have a better idea of costs soon and wouldn't commit till I did.

OP posts:

Iltavilli · 22/07/2019 16:44

OP you’ve had a truly terrible time and deserve all the credit imaginable for removing yourself from an awful situation.

But there will be many on here who work, with partners who work or not, who do not receive benefits and cannot afford such a break. Expect the worst.

Original poster

TescoValueUserName · 22/07/2019 16:47

Dont worry, I am! Believe me I don't want to be on benefits but having not worked for 6 years being a SAHM (and not claiming anything) its not so easy getting back to work!

OP posts:

Stressedout10 · 22/07/2019 16:51

Sorry op but its a definite yabu from me you have to inform the dwp about the compensation and they will adjust your benefits taking it and your savings into account. Blowing over half of your compensation on a hobby is just wrong on so many levels

Fontofnoknowledge · 22/07/2019 17:01

Actually I don't think you will have a choice in this. Compensation claims by law have to be notified to the DWP. They then check if the claimant is in receipt of benefit..
From the website;
The Compensation Recovery Unit (CRU) is part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). ... If you receive compensation as a result of an accident (personal injury or clinical negligence) or disease claim and you have received state benefits, these benefits may be deducted from the compensation you receive.

Be really careful. The system is slow and takes a few months to catch up. They will still want the money back even if you have spent it.

likeridingabike · 22/07/2019 17:07

I'm fascinated by all these nameless hobbies people have on MN, I assume telling us what the hobby is would be outing?

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