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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To feel bad that I’m getting £650?

171 replies

MozFan · 27/05/2022 08:58

We are on universal credit, my DP works, his salary is £17,200 per annum before deductions.
I’m currently unable to work due to several mental and physical health issues. I’m having my capability for work assessment next week, but I’m not very hopeful from what I’ve heard.
We have a 3 year old also, he won’t be starting school until September 2023.

Anyway, when we found out that UC claimants are getting £650 as well as the £400 to help with energy costs, it did take some of the panic away I’ve been feeling lately.

A family member spoke to me on the phone and was really angry about it, saying that working people always get overlooked and that people on benefits always reap the rewards.
I was too upset to come back with anything, except for saying that we are a working household, just the wages aren’t enough to live on.

Another family member later on spoke to me and said I should be ‘grateful’ to the government … this is a person who votes Tory and says they’ll continue to do so.

OP posts:
Gazelda · 27/05/2022 09:02

Don't feel guilty. You've nothing to feel guilty for.
You and your family will find things a little easier, but unfortunately the £ won't fully make up for the increase in costs we're all facing. So no one should begrudge you receiving grants that your family is fully entitled to and which will go on food, heating etc rather than holidays and spa days.
The two people you've spoken to don't sound very kind, particularly beating in mind your health difficulties.

Dajeeling · 27/05/2022 09:03

I’m going to be honest- I don’t understand why are your extended family so privy to your financial information? I’m in a similar boat to yourself but only I know that… keep it to yourself and no-one will pass comment.

RandomQuest · 27/05/2022 09:04

Your family member is horrible. You don’t need to explain yourself to them, or anyone. I’m sorry they spoke to you like that, and I wouldn’t be speaking to them again until they apologised.

Remainiac · 27/05/2022 09:05

£650 is nowhere near enough for people in your position and any sensible person should be able to see that. IMO you will have a much better idea of how that money should be spent than any “Tory” so ignore if you can.

kitcat15 · 27/05/2022 09:05

Why do you tell people about your finances? 🙄…. Nothing to do with anyone else….I never talk about money to anyone

edwinbear · 27/05/2022 09:06

Is this family member going to be giving their £400 to charity then? Nope, thought not. Everyone is getting some help, but those who need more help are getting a bit extra, which is as it should be.

SleepingStandingUp · 27/05/2022 09:07

I would avoid talking about it, jealously is a terrible thing and unfortunately not every one will care about the details, only what they're not getting.

You're being given it, you have no choice. That's just how it is. Presumably they don't resent you getting your UC money? It's basically just a part of that.

orwellwasright · 27/05/2022 09:07

The majority of people claiming benefits are in work.

Tell your relative to stop swallowing the tabloid line that the world is divided into workers and shirkers.

ivegotthisyeah · 27/05/2022 09:07

I work and am probably going to get it too - I won't feel bad just grateful and I won't tell anyone as it's no one else's business.
Maybe ask your family member what their salary is compared to your husbands and they might understand better why your entitled to it!!!

MrsSkylerWhite · 27/05/2022 09:07

Really wouldn’t worry about it. Most people will be receiving £400, whether they need it or not.

CoffeeLover90 · 27/05/2022 09:08

I'm a single parent, I work part time and receive 12,092 a year. If it wasn't for UC I'd be stuck. I'm very grateful and I don't plan to waste it. I'll be honest, I wouldn't consider myself as struggling, compared to a lot of people. I hope this can help a lot of people who are struggling. I do think they're doing this simply to make themselves look good after being such shits and no doubt our taxes will go up in future to make up for it.

ivegotthisyeah · 27/05/2022 09:09

Oh and I wasn't entitled to the council tax rebate because of my band. My mortgage is smaller than If I was renting a smaller house but I didn't complain! Swings and roundabouts

IncompleteSenten · 27/05/2022 09:10

You need to stop telling them about your finances, the judgy fucks.

FourTeaFallOut · 27/05/2022 09:12

Just take no notice and don't entertain the topic with them again. You don't need their approval, stop asking for it.

GiltEdges · 27/05/2022 09:14

kitcat15 · 27/05/2022 09:05

Why do you tell people about your finances? 🙄…. Nothing to do with anyone else….I never talk about money to anyone

It was all over the news yesterday, and therefore a talking point for a lot of people Confused Presumably OP and her family are close enough for them to know her household are low-income and in receipt of UC. Doesn't mean they should have made a comment, but often people can't help themselves. Ignore them OP, you're getting the money for good reason.

OdeToSadDisco · 27/05/2022 09:14

I think I voted the wrong way, I'm not sure what the options meant. But anyway, your family member sounds bitter and their jealousy is misplaced. Your household income is pretty low so I think it's absolutely right that you qualify for a bit extra.

toastedbagiel · 27/05/2022 09:14

A family member spoke to me on the phone and was really angry about it, saying that working people always get overlooked and that people on benefits always reap the rewards.

But your husband has a job Confused

Thick fucks. Raging about something and not even getting the basics right.

I am another who doesn't discuss finances with people. Nobody outside of my house knows shit about my finances.

sanityisamyth · 27/05/2022 09:16

I'm living on a student loan, doing a FT degree, single mother to DS8, working up to 5 part time and temporary jobs so no idea how much I'll get as I'm not entitled to Universal Credit.

Mindymomo · 27/05/2022 09:18

I am very pleased you are to receive this extra support, it should be means tested, but apparently it’s too complicated and costly to do that. I hope your relatives gift you that money if they don’t need it.

FourTeaFallOut · 27/05/2022 09:19

sanityisamyth · 27/05/2022 09:16

I'm living on a student loan, doing a FT degree, single mother to DS8, working up to 5 part time and temporary jobs so no idea how much I'll get as I'm not entitled to Universal Credit.

And how is this relevant to the op?

serenghetti2011 · 27/05/2022 09:20

There will always be someone who is pissed off at someone getting more than them. Clearly you need it or you would not get it.I got the £150 extra despite being band e but because I’m in temporary accommodation I get it, single parent I do work but it’s going in a pot to pay for my bills in winter. I don’t know what I’ll get in October but I’m not waiting to find out and trying to put money aside. if anyone spoke to me like your friend/relative did I’d not be speaking to them again. Nosy buggers. Would they rather be in your position struggling worrying when uc will change or reduce or stop or not being able to budget because you don’t know if you’ll get less money. It’s not nice relying on these to pay bills.

ShadowoftheFall · 27/05/2022 09:20

Your family members aren’t very bright, are they? Don’t bother trying to explain it to them. Don’t discuss complicated issues with people whose intellectual capacity is limited.

RaspberryChouxBuns · 27/05/2022 09:21

Don't let people talk to you like this. You're not a doormat, it's not your policy, the government have promised this money to those who need it. Conversation over in my opinion.

pointythings · 27/05/2022 09:24

As someone who is getting the £400 and that's it, I'm really pleased for you because you deserve this money.

emuloc · 27/05/2022 09:29

What are you feeling guilty about? It does not sound as if you have enough money as it is. Keep your financial business to yourself, you will be better off for it in the long run.

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