To be ashamed and embarrassed about claiming universal credit as a new mum

[pearlsandpetals]

Hi all so basically I am currently in the final stages of completing a full time university course and also expecting my first child soon. As I am a full time student and not currently in employment I don't get maternity pay so will need to claim universal credit for the meantime. I feel a bit embarrassed about this though because of the stigma attached to claiming benefits. Just wanted others thoughts on this situation.

You need support.
Hopefully you will get it.
Nothing to feel embarrassed about.

What stigma?

Such attitudes belong, and I think mostly are, in the past. Most UC claimants are in work anyway.

Do not feel embarrassed. It’s there to help.

If you need it, you need it.
I claim as a part time working single mum. I would struggle so much without it.

Don't be embarrassed you can't live of nothing but if it helps think of it as a loan that you'll pay back through your taxes when you're in a position to gain employment

Absolutely no need to be embarrassed at all. It is there for a reason. Please don't feel stigmatized. Nobody should be judged for the necessity to claim benefits.

Don't be embarassed. Can you claim UC as a student though?

Please don't feel embarrassed. You'll be paying back into system soon enough when you get a job relating to your degree.
Congratulations on your pregnancy.

I don’t think anyone should be embarrassed for claiming any benefits they need.

Don't be embarrassed, I claim it too being self employed and after becoming a single parent, I wouldn't have survived the pandemic without it. Tried looking for a part time job alongside being SE but I haven't so much as got an interview for anything. It's tough out there, give yourself some grace.

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I ended up a single parent but working and claiming some benefits and I was embarrassed because I think the system is grossly unfair to alot of people on low wages and those without children etc but I have worked full time for many years and this was only for a couple of years then I went full time with extra hours and don't claim anything now. It's normally just a short term thing so take what you need.

I’d hope that the stigma of needing to rely on benefits has died a death. You need financial support. There’s no shame in that.

Don’t contribute to any perceived stigma by insisting there is one.

You need help now and it’s there so take it. Later, you’ll pay taxes to contribute in turn.

There's a big difference between claiming benefits because you need them and claiming because you can't be arsed with the alternatives. It sounds like you don't have any alternative right now. Even if you left uni to get a job you wouldn't qualify for maternity pay unless you were in the very very early stages of pregnancy. And even if you did qualify, you'd possibly diminish your future earning potential by leaving uni without finishing and have nothing to show for your hard work and student loans. Sounds like a no brainier.

While you're at it. Get in touch with your student advice department and see what help is available from the uni. The one where I work has support for student parents.

Oh please, as if there isn’t still a stigma! I don’t work as I get dla and I am a carer for my child yet I’ve still got many rude comments about claiming benefits on here! So yes people do judge

Realistically with everything done online now who needs to know you are on universal credit anyway unless you plan to shout about it.
Also if you were employed you'd get SMP from the government through your employer... Still a benefit if you look at it that way.

Do not be embarrassed. At all. Don't waste enough second worrying about it.

I lived on universal credit as a single mum doing a degree. It’s tough but you’ll do it!

I was in similar position as you35 years ago.
Within a couple of years I was paying a lot of tax and continue to pay in retirement. If I had thought about that at the time I would not have been ashamed and you should not. Believe me you will pay it back many times over

Please don't be embarrassed. The system is there to be used by people who need it and you need it. It's not as if you just CBA working. Once you finish your education and your maternity period ends you'll be putting money back into the system. The kind of people who would look down on you in your situation are not worth caring about.

It’s there to help op
No one needs to know.
Congrats on your baby 💖

I was on UC for almost a year. I never felt embarrassed, mainly because I love taking from the Tories

It was a lifesaver when I lost my job due to the company going into liquidation. And meant I had breathing space to find a decent paying job meaning I don’t have to claim anymore.

You need it. You need to look after yourself and baby. Don't feel ashamed. That's what benefits are for - to help those who need it.

Not the same but a few years ago I fell pregnant unexpectedly quite young. I was on a temp contract at my then job at the time and not long finished studying. Once my temp job was up I struggled to find work as I was so ill throughout my pregnancy and had a bump at this point and lack of suitable jobs at the time. My sons dad said he would help but he emotionally abused me then cheated and we split up.. I had to claim job seekers for a couple weeks then when I hit 28 weeks I claimed income support. It was a great help. My son is 10 and my life is a world away from then. I'm not ashamed. Without it I wouldn't of been able to buy my son food and clothes etc.

When you finish your degree you'll be working and contributing to the universal credit others might need to claim. Apply and focus on your new baby and finishing your degree. Good luck with both