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AIBU?

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Original poster

Benefits reduction

1000 replies

Bonsaitreepic · 22/09/2023 08:49

I got my UC payment today. Just checked and it’s almost £300 less than usual. This is because my oldest is now classed as an adult as he’s left ft education. He’s not currently in work.
I have 3 other children but now I seemingly only get support for 2 of them due to the child cap.
Im freaking out. I only get maintenance for one of the children as I have the other 2 50/50 with their dad. I cannot afford to lose this much money every month. I was already struggling as it was. I’m unable to work just yet as one of the children has complex needs. I already get some DLA for them.
im quite sure there’s nothing I can do about this but I’m so worried

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
OnlyFannys · 22/09/2023 08:51

Is your eldest looking for work? The obvious solution is he does that and pays board

Danikm151 · 22/09/2023 08:52

Once your claim stops for your eldest it should revert to one of the others that isn’t on your claim.
put a message in your journal- are UC aware that you have other children?

Original poster
Bonsaitreepic · 22/09/2023 08:55

No he’s also getting some uc while he’s looking for work. I only take £50 off him per month.

OP posts:
Original poster
Bonsaitreepic · 22/09/2023 08:56

This is what I thought too. But after a google search, it seems the benefit was capped at 2 children a few years ago. I only kept getting it as I already got it, if that makes sense

OP posts:
Original poster
Bonsaitreepic · 22/09/2023 08:57

I’ve put a meaaage on my journal. Yea they’re aware I have 4 DC

OP posts:
SofiYol · 22/09/2023 08:57

Danikm151 · 22/09/2023 08:52

Once your claim stops for your eldest it should revert to one of the others that isn’t on your claim.
put a message in your journal- are UC aware that you have other children?

I thought it was now capped at two children?

KnickerlessParsons · 22/09/2023 09:09

Bonsaitreepic · 22/09/2023 08:56

This is what I thought too. But after a google search, it seems the benefit was capped at 2 children a few years ago. I only kept getting it as I already got it, if that makes sense

This is correct.
Your oldest needs to get a job pronto and start paying his way.
"Looking for work" isn't good enough - there are plenty of jobs out there.

Original poster
Bonsaitreepic · 22/09/2023 09:11

I agree. He’s at a bit of a crossroads and is panicking about what he wants to do

OP posts:
singl · 22/09/2023 09:11

Sorry but he claims UC, yet you also want UC to pay you for him too? That’s paying for him twice

Original poster
Bonsaitreepic · 22/09/2023 09:12

This month I’ve had to borrow £200 off my mum and need to pay that back today. So I’m already down £500 before I’ve even paid a bill! I can’t stop crying

OP posts:
Original poster
Bonsaitreepic · 22/09/2023 09:13

I know. It sounds ridiculous and I already feel like a drain on society for having to claim benefits. I hadn’t bargained on being a single parent, but such is life. My youngest is still very young too. This is such a mess

OP posts:
Original poster
Bonsaitreepic · 22/09/2023 09:14

He only gets about £250 a month so feel bad taking more than £50 off him

OP posts:
singl · 22/09/2023 09:15

i mean to me, your household is still being paid benefits for him - it’s just being paid to him directly now as he’s an adult. I would ask him to contribute more than £50 as a result

yogasaurus · 22/09/2023 09:15

singl · 22/09/2023 09:11

Sorry but he claims UC, yet you also want UC to pay you for him too? That’s paying for him twice

This. He needs to get a job, pronto. Any job, while he works out what he really wants to do, but he needs to be earning. You can’t just leave education and do nothing and collect handouts. He needs to help you and contribute more

MillicentTrilbyHiggins · 22/09/2023 09:15

UC will have notified you about this, I'm in the same situation but knew it was going to happen so planned for it.

DS is applying for everything he can, they may be "plenty of jobs out there" but they obviously have more than enough applicants and can be picky.

Givenupghost · 22/09/2023 09:15

You need to speak to UC the cap does not always count if you are claiming DLA. Try not to panic, if you have a HV they maybe able to sign post you to some local charity's food banks etc x

Everywednesday · 22/09/2023 09:16

Oh blimey, this is how the system works.
Fact is - you can't take only £50 off him a month. You need to take a more realistic amount and your son needs to live with the fact that until he works he won't have much spending money at all. UC isn't pocket money, it's subsistence income, it's for bills and food.

singl · 22/09/2023 09:16

Zebedee55 · 22/09/2023 09:14

If anyone in the household is getting DLA or PIP, the benefit cap shouldn't apply:

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/information-for-your-situation/benefit-cap/am-i-affected-by-the-benefit-cap

No, you only get paid for 2 children on UC now regardless

Qwerty21 · 22/09/2023 09:19

The UC your son's getting needs to be paid entirely to you. Until he gets a job and then he needs to pay you £300 a month . It's not fun for your son but that money isn't fun money, uc is for living on. What money did he have before?

Yerroblemom1923 · 22/09/2023 09:19

He needs to get a full time job and pay you more if he's still living there. Could you manage if he moved out?

RichardArmitagesWife · 22/09/2023 09:19

Bonsaitreepic · 22/09/2023 09:14

He only gets about £250 a month so feel bad taking more than £50 off him

That’s ridiculous. Why should he retain £200 for sitting on his backside while you can’t cover your bills?

The UC you used to get has essentially transferred to him as a legal adult. He needs to use that to pay for his accommodation, food and bills like every other adult. In this case, the most obvious way is giving the bulk of it to you.

If he prefers, hey him cover the energy bill or some of the shopping.

Notamum12345577 · 22/09/2023 09:21

Bonsaitreepic · 22/09/2023 08:49

I got my UC payment today. Just checked and it’s almost £300 less than usual. This is because my oldest is now classed as an adult as he’s left ft education. He’s not currently in work.
I have 3 other children but now I seemingly only get support for 2 of them due to the child cap.
Im freaking out. I only get maintenance for one of the children as I have the other 2 50/50 with their dad. I cannot afford to lose this much money every month. I was already struggling as it was. I’m unable to work just yet as one of the children has complex needs. I already get some DLA for them.
im quite sure there’s nothing I can do about this but I’m so worried

If one of the children gets DLA for complex needs, have you applied for carers allowance?

YouveGotAFastCar · 22/09/2023 09:21

PP was right. You can claim for two children at a time. If your eldest has dropped off, you should now be able to claim for your third child.

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