To think universal credit is for essential items.

[RC1511]

I am very aware there’s going to be a massive influx of people applying for this right now - rightly so.. For now oh is still working but this could well change with the current situation. I wish he wasn’t still working but anyway..

A friend of mine, her hubby is self employed and no longer working after this week. Hard times of course. They applied for UC - they have dependents at home.

I know little about Uc myself but she said they won’t get their first payment for a while but they received an advance or something? I assume to cover costs until the first payment comes in.

I won’t give away what they bought as I don’t want to give me identity away but they received an advance and went out on blew it on a luxury item costing £450. Not essential at all. It was one item costing that much.

I know we are on hard times. But I just assume the advance payment is for bills, car costs, food, toiletries etc etc. Essential items - things for the children etc.

Maybe I shouldn’t judge. Maybe I will be slammed on here. They are rightly entitled to UC now but surely the point of the advance is to get you through not to blow it in one hit? What will they live on until it comes through? That’s my main concern. They have been known to blow all their money before and ask others for help when they can’t afford to eat!

They literally have now have no money aside. No savings or anything as far as I know. She’s quite open about her financial situation.

My friend has already moaned now she’s now broke and has to wait at least a month for more money.

I think the issue here is boundaries when or if they ask for money. Literally just say no. Ignore guilttrips and tears. I dont care and dont expect anyone else to comment in what I or other people spend (you are being judgy with faux wide eyed" but I thought it was for essentials" ..no you didn't you just didn't like what they spent it on)

Which is absolutely fine to say no when they ask for money. However that's the issue, not what they spent it on. If they choose to clown it and eat baked beans for a month, nothing to do with you.

If they ask for money , simply say No. That's is.if you choose to be guilty into lending them money that's your problem.

Sometimes adults make poor decisions, but if they are not breaking the law or causing harm to others then they are allowed to make poor decisions. I'm not sure how it can be any other way?
If they are borrowing off of others then they may well be causing them hardship. Likewise if there are any kids involved then they may well suffer.

All these people saying that she should "mind her own business" are clearly forgetting that as soon as they start whinging and asking to borrow money then they are making it the OP's business. By all means do what you like with your money but don't come whinging when it's gone wrong.

Yabu its none of your business and you dont sound like a very nice friend.