Benefits, they penalise people in some situations

[creaturcomforts]

I've been very grateful for the fact that I receive universal credit which tops up my income and helps me to survive.

As a lone parent with sole custody I was desperate to escape an abusive relationship with my now ex husband, I was too scared to leave partly because of financial reasons, we didn't have the income to buy a house and because I always worked from when my dd was 6 months as a carer and my husband was also on a low income we rented and I still do

We separated 2 years ago , but because husband left work before we separated and expected me to foot most of our daily living expenses and bills, I'm still to this day struggling with council tax, rent and energy bills.

I worked full time nights from when dd was 6 months old and had a child minder until she was nursery age and spent every minute I could with dd, we still have a very close bond but it was such a struggle.

When dd was 12 husband of 14 years told me I was not appreciating him or spending time with him, bear in mind I was working full time just like him, nights and bringing up dd basically alone, I asked him for support over and over but he just made excuses.

He left when dd was 12 at the time, now 14 after leaving his job so I could pay the rent and food but the joint Bill's were in arrears, he told me hed found someone who appreciated him and when i brought up child maintenance he told me he would not pay for me.

He is not in contact with poor dd at all and she has had many problems because of this, I'm now able to work full time and I claim universal credit but I'm still paying the joint Bill's that were in arrears as well as private rent.

I've been hassled constantly over the Bill's and am almost at wits end, I now have just enough for rent and food, my rent alone is 750 a month but in my area there is nothing cheaper to rent and I wont get council housing, family are not willing to put us up.

Ex husband has not paid child maintenance as they do not know where he is, be moved abroad for girlfriend and immediately cut contact with dd, shes so upset.

Meanwhile I am in debt and dd is devastated. I found full time work that I could fit in around dd but I'm still on the bread line as paying off debts.

This latest month I recieved no universal credit and only wages as I am 4 weekly paid... so even though I have two lots of bills, rent etc to pay , I didn't get the universal credit payment.

This is just another thing that is pushing me over the edge at the moment

@Suzi888

Universal Credit have to process four weekly paid claimants manually. It’s a monthly system and it struggles. Ask for a mandatory reconsideration and tell them this. If you claim UC you may be able to claim school clothing grant and free meals (unless you receive tax credits). You’d be better off not working full time to be honest, as you won’t qualify for as much help - if any by working full time.

This will not work for someone paid four weekly because it is correct that if someone has 13 pay days in the year and there are only 12 Uc assessment period in the year there will always be one month where two pay days will fall in one assessment period/ A mandatory reconsideration would only work where monthly paid people sometimes get paid early for example at Xmas or before a bank holiday and you can then ask for the payments to be re-assigned to the correct assessment period but it won't work when paid four weekly.

Benefit debt & bailiffs support on Facebook group they will help you. Not fair your paying ex share.

Also can you look at whether your water company has any schemes for people on UC. I know severn trent has a scheme called ' big difference' where you can get discount on your water bills - please ask your water company and explain you are on UC.

I think all water companies have a scheme for reduced payments because they recently sent me a letter about it.
Gas and electric companies have similar do ask for the help. Speak to cab about eon and how to get them off your back.
Would you be eligible for some food bank vouchers or is there a community fridge or social supermarket near you? So you can put towards the bills rather than food this month.
Have you spoken to your daughters school as they definitely have discretionary funds for things like school trips and they may be able to help with other things such as school uniform.
Non risk ways of earning a bit extra are filling in surveys. Always cash out as soon as you reach the minimum amount. Save the student is good for info. I do i-say, gobranded. Swagbucks mainly. Usually make about £50 a month. Probably spend an hour a day on it. Vouchers are M&S, Amazon, PayPal etc
Could you do an extra job such as a paper round with your daughter at the weekend? It could be her job so it doesnt affect your UC. Your are teaching her responsibility from a young age but supervising her as well.
Are you in an area where people want holiday accommodation cleaning? It’s usually Saturday morning and you could go together. I’m sure it will be criticised on here but it’s usually cash in hand.

Have a look at the Make £10 a day threads.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/legal_money_matters/4285621-Earn-10-a-day-on-here-July

“This will not work for someone paid four weekly because it is correct that if someone has 13 pay days in the year and there are only 12 Uc assessment period in the year there will always be one month where two pay days will fall in one assessment period”.

Manual assessment requests is the official guidance our Local Authority has been told to request by DWP, so I don’t know about that…

I would also add to the advice you've had here to do a Google search for any bursaries and grants you might be entitled to on a local and national level. The groups that distribute grants tend not to have large pools of money but may help on a variety of things from white goods to pet costs.

I would also speak to your dd school to see what hardship assistance they can provide towards lunches and uniforms etc.

If eon are hassling you unfairly, you might find your mp or a local councillor can step in and get them to back off.

Do they still do debt relief orders? I know that's how I got my debts written off but that was in 2009 so don't know if they are still a thing. Ask CAB.
I'd also get on the council house bidding list. You might be lucky and get offered something.

@Suzi888

Universal Credit have to process four weekly paid claimants manually. It’s a monthly system and it struggles. Ask for a mandatory reconsideration and tell them this. If you claim UC you may be able to claim school clothing grant and free meals (unless you receive tax credits). You’d be better off not working full time to be honest, as you won’t qualify for as much help - if any by working full time.

They aren’t processed manually, 4 weekly paid is still automatic

There is a charity called turn2us that can offer advice, support and grants. You can contact them by phone ir online.

Contact StepChange and ask about charity set up for care workers. Good luck, I hope things get better for you x

Thank you for all your comments, I've calmed down a bit now, and having a think about the advice and ideas which is so much help.

I know that it is fair and you are receiving an extra pay but it just doesnt always work out as 2 months wages towards one month as is dependant on when your Bill's come out.

I will definitely be aware next time though you live and learn🙂

How is everything now @creaturcomforts?