Feeling terrified about NI increase and UC uplift ending

[Isthereroomonthebroom]

Both me and my DP are in low paid jobs. We both have mental health issues, but because we’re considered high functioning, we are still expected to work. He works 30 hours, I work 15, mainly because of childcare costs. We are eligible for the 15 hours free childcare.
We are ‘just about managing’ with help from UC. But because we have a mortgage we don’t get any housing element.

The cost of living has increased since covid and we are now expected to manage on significantly less than now, but on top of that, the NI increase too.

We haven’t had to use a food bank yet, but I think it might happen soon I honestly never expected my life to turn out like this, I’m starting to feel suicidal.
We have a nearly 3 year old son who has his birthday close to Christmas, so that’s two lots of presents we’re going to need to buy, not to mention our nieces and nephews and other relatives, who are in a much better position financially than us, so we’re embarrassed to say we can’t afford to get them anything.

We rely on our parents a lot and they often have to help out financially as both sets of parents are reasonably well off/comfortable, so we are fortunate in that sense, but neither of us likes asking them.

We are both educated to degree level, but are stuck. He doesn’t want to get another job, as he really struggles with change and is abysmal at interviews.

I just don’t know what to do

Many of those commenting have said they have MH problems too. Both DH and I have conditions that can be overwhelming. But we know we have to work so we problem solve it. Loads of people work whilst battling all manner of physical and mental health issues. Working more is the only realistic way the Op is going to improve her finances.

Am hear to say as well that please don't buy presents for relatives if your finances are this tight.

I think it needs to be you that picks up more hours OP. Lack of money is a worry so it makes little sense to work 15 hours and be stressed over money.

You would of course be far better off in rented accommodation but that is a really big decision to take.

If your son is 3 you would qualify for 30 free hours childcare if you work. Why don't you increase your hours or look for a higher paying job? Surely with degrees you have better chance of getting a better paid job than a lot of people?

Working part time is a luxury you can’t afford. If both working in a school there’s plenty of scope to work nights, school holidays etc in a second job if needed.

@Namechange1million I would love to get a higher paid job, but whenever I’ve applied for them in the past, I never get through to interview stage as I don’t have the relevant experience. It seems like most jobs are looking for experience in that exact field or experience doing that exact role.
My degree is pretty much useless, Sociology is almost laughed at by most employers.

I struggle with social interactions, so jobs in general have always been a struggle for me.

OP, have you considered tutoring? You both have educational jobs and could offer 1:1 private tutoring. I did this whilst supply teaching and loved it. I met lots of nice families, I only charged at the lower scale and I did this after leaving a job that made me quite ill. I wasn't in a great place when I started this venture but it really took my mind off things, whilst earning money. I could also work it in between tea time and bath time (as most families of younger children have a similar routine time).
It's worth having a think if you could manage this

To clarify, tea time and bath time of my own child!

30 free hours is for those earning up to £100k a year though? So you should be entitled to more?

Sociology is not a laughed at degree OP. However a sociology degree alone is pretty useless yes...it is a stepping stone degree. Many go into teaching, social work, etc etc would you be eligible for re training. You could try a night course to improve your skills and employment prospects?

40 working hours in a 'normal' working week. For two adults this is 80 hours combined. You are working 45 between the two of you. You will need to find an additional 35 hours' worth of work. It may not be in the same line of work but when you have a child you can't really work barely more than a normal week's worth of hours, between two people, in low paid jobs. It's just not enough whichever way you look at it. I don't know what your circumstances were when you got pregnant but did you not do a few sums? I'm sorry if you did and your circumstances have since changed, but I think you'll need to get more work.

For someone on national minimum wage who works 15 hours a week, they won't pay NI, so there would be no increase. For 30 hours, the increase will be 91p per week. Six hours extra per year of work by the lower earner would wipe out the increase. (Nine hours for the higher earner, due to tax.)

I guess the salaries for one or both jobs described might be higher but the NI impact will still be small. (By small I mean easy to make up, not that the amount is necessarily insignificant to you.)

This may not be helpful, I'm just objecting to the implication that the NI increase is throwing people into poverty.

(What I haven't taken into account is that universal credit may replace 2/3 of any net income loss as a result of the NI increase. Not sure if that's true, but if it is, that aspect is even less significant.)

At 3yo, buying some toys, arts and crafts ,and birthday gear is easily doable from the Pound shop, do you have one local to you?

How about Aldi or Lidl? Great for cheap food, nappies and toiletries.

@MaryMcCarthy

There's nothing we can suggest. Fact is the country voted in a government that has very little concern for the lowest earners in society and as a result the next few years are going to be very hard indeed. There's no sugar coating it.

Well, I’m sure that statement will improve OP’s MH and top up her bank account

Hi OP, I think you should:

1. text your families today to explain that you are struggling with finances this year so won't be buying presents. This will be a weight off your mind and will make you feel more positive for the next step
2. Sit down with your husband and make a list of the things you could both do in order to earn more. From what you have written I would say your options are as follows: -Science GCSE tutoring for your husband -he could sign up with an agency -Primary English tutoring for you - as above

• other services such as babysitting, cleaning, gardening

Good luck OP x

Definitely use next summer or any long school holidays to take on extra work.
I imagine anywhere child focused would employ staff only available on school holidays.
I mean this nicely but do you both not get sick of looking at each other home every afternoon?
You're not a lost cause it can be fixed.
Sometimes being busy helps your MH and before anyone decides to pounce I also have pmdd, you really have to fight it.