Page 30 | Benefits reduction

Bonsaitreepic · 2023-09-22T07:49:40+00:00

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

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 23/09/2023 01:21

Naddd · 23/09/2023 00:19

Presumably you kept the child element/cb when you were receiving it?

So why would he now need £200?

You are struggling, in tears, yet feel bad taking money from your son??

I'd b taking the £200 n as a goodwill gesture maybe allow him to keep the £50!

Exactly.

Expecting hard-working taxpayers to furnish lavish pocket money for a non-working teen is beyond entitled!! Shocking, really.

XenoBitch · 23/09/2023 01:24

Not read the whole thread, but from what I have seen, there seems to be a lot of posters begrudging OP's son for claiming benefits whilst job seeking. Until he has secured and started a job, he is entitled to money. Sometimes, it can take a while to find work, and the benefit systems is there for that so people are not struggling until they find and start work.

I hope he finds something soon OP, and you can feel a bit more relaxed about things.

FurthestUPNorth · 23/09/2023 02:51

Did your speak to your oldest child before he was 18 to set some expectations that he would need to contribute to the family finances ?

Is he aware of costs of household bills, insurance, food, utilities, council tax etc

TheaBrandt · 23/09/2023 07:10

I still remember my dad saying jovially that after university I was on my own financially and needed to pay my way as I had two younger siblings and whilst not poor they weren’t loaded (teachers).

Sounds silly but it gave me a jolt as hadnt for some reason fully appreciated that. Focussed my mind!

Iwantmyoldnameback · 23/09/2023 07:18

XenoBitch · 23/09/2023 01:24

Not read the whole thread, but from what I have seen, there seems to be a lot of posters begrudging OP's son for claiming benefits whilst job seeking. Until he has secured and started a job, he is entitled to money. Sometimes, it can take a while to find work, and the benefit systems is there for that so people are not struggling until they find and start work.

I hope he finds something soon OP, and you can feel a bit more relaxed about things.

As you say you haven't read the whole thread, most people are saying OPs son should be giving his mother his benefit money not keeping it as pocket money.

Iwantmyoldnameback · 23/09/2023 07:19

Where is/are the father(s) in all this?

Rosscameasdoody · 23/09/2023 08:34

Iwantmyoldnameback · 23/09/2023 07:19

Where is/are the father(s) in all this?

Answered in the OP - she gets maintenance for one child and the custody of the other two is 50/50 with the other parent.

Rosscameasdoody · 23/09/2023 08:36

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 23/09/2023 01:21

Exactly.

Expecting hard-working taxpayers to furnish lavish pocket money for a non-working teen is beyond entitled!! Shocking, really.

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If he’s going to undertake any meaningful job search it’ll take more than £50 a week.

Rosscameasdoody · 23/09/2023 08:39

reluctantlogin · 22/09/2023 21:37

Shop him

What for, he’s doing nothing wrong ?

Rosscameasdoody · 23/09/2023 08:42

FijiSea · 22/09/2023 23:24

@Gerrataere to work is to set an example…
I am not ignorant , I work . I have never mentioned “ setting aside responsibility “
I believe everyone should work where possible .

The crux of this thread is young people not taking real responsibility and working.

And the disabled child …………….?

Rosscameasdoody · 23/09/2023 08:49

Willyoujustbequiet · 22/09/2023 20:54

Then they must be independently wealthy in some way to be able to pay for help or have a large amount of family support as God knows there's none from the broken system we have.

But quite frankly as a mum of kids with complex needs I simply don't believe you. Not sure how anyone is physically able to when they have to care throughout the night. Maybe they have developed super powers and can dispense with basic human need for sleep.

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Not to mention schooling when the time comes. Try working full time when you’re fighting for a child who has been refused a place in mainstream school because of their disability. The ignorance of the issues here is breathtaking.

Iwantmyoldnameback · 23/09/2023 08:50

Rosscameasdoody · 23/09/2023 08:34

Answered in the OP - she gets maintenance for one child and the custody of the other two is 50/50 with the other parent.

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I saw that I was meaning more emotional support than financial.

Zebedee55 · 23/09/2023 08:58

mydogisthebest · 22/09/2023 20:19

My neighbour left his job in June 2022.. He is 35 and is fit and pretty healthy, can drive and has a car. After a short time he started claiming Job Seekers. He claimed that about 7 months and then, because he was not happy that they wanted him to find a job, he went to his GP and claimed he was badly depressed and suffering panic attacks and anxiety and struggled to leave the house.

He is now getting benefits. He tells me it is UC. This is supposedly because he can't work because he can't leave his house.

He actually works cash in hand and has done since he first left his job. He works at least 3 days a week but sometimes 4 or even 5 days a week.

He is quite open about all this. I asked him if he had to go for a medical and he said no because he had a sick note from his GP.

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So, the medical profession have confirmed he is incapable of work at the moment? Perhaps they know more than you?

But, if you genuinely think he's a fraud, then you can report him.

mydogisthebest · 23/09/2023 09:16

Zebedee55 · 23/09/2023 08:58

So, the medical profession have confirmed he is incapable of work at the moment? Perhaps they know more than you?

But, if you genuinely think he's a fraud, then you can report him.

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His GP says he can't work because he is too depressed and anxious to even leave his house. As I said, he works every week at least 3 full days so, obviously, IS leaving his house.

Of course he is a fraud. He is earning money (£10 an hour for at least 3 full days a week) and getting benefits which are based on the assumption that he is not working at all.

I have thought about reporting him. Me and DH really like him and when he is not working he spends quite a bit of time in our house as he lives on his own and doesn't really have any friends.

I was just pointing out that in fact it is possible to claim benefits by pretending to be too ill to work.

Seymour5 · 23/09/2023 09:18

@Zebedee55 do you believe no one can fool the doctors? There have been numerous cases of people incapable of working who have been exposed as cheats. Here’s one. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-28495598

I feel for the OP, as working may not be possible in her situation. But her son needs to take whatever is on offer workwise, he can keep looking for different jobs once he’s employed.

Horse-riding benefits fraudster Karen Trant jailed

A benefits fraudster who claimed she could not walk outdoors in new places but was photographed riding rearing horses is jailed for falsely claiming £134,000.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-28495598

Bromptotoo · 23/09/2023 09:19

He is quite open about all this. I asked him if he had to go for a medical and he said no because he had a sick note from his GP.

The days when a recurring sick note got you health benefits with no further inquiry are long gone.

People with ill health or disability have to undertake a Work Capability Assessment . A fit note is needed after seven days and even then you're subject to a work search obligation though in practice it won't be enforced except perhaps if GP suggests some light duties.

WCA is not a pushover. I've seen somebody post heart lung transplant who struggled, supported by her sister, to walk from the disabled bay to my office. WCA output that said they could run, jump etc. and were fit for work.

If this man is doing what you say then he needs reporting; to the |DWP not Mumsnet!!

That said, anybody with the symptoms you mention may well have a fluctuating condition. A lot of people think only of the good days; advisers will suggest thinking of bad days and worse days

MaPaSpa · 23/09/2023 09:25

Bonsaitreepic · 22/09/2023 09:29

He’s a fussy eater so tends to buy a lot of his own food as he won’t eat what everyone else does. I think the main expenses for him are internet, electric, rent. I also pay his phone bill as that wasn’t an as present a couple of years ago. Think that’s only about £20 though

If it was a few years then the phone should be paid off and he can move to sim only and pay it himself.

o2 have unlimited calls and 30gb for £8 a month.

take £75-100 for costs from him and get him signed with a jobs agency if he’s still having trouble getting work.

LolaLouise · 23/09/2023 09:41

Rosscameasdoody · 23/09/2023 08:42

And the disabled child …………….?

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Ive not read the full thread, but, does the OP clarify if its the child with complex needs that has 50/50 with their father, or what the complex needs even are?

I have a child with complex needs, type 1 diabetic, significant hearing loss, mobility issues as she was born with abnormalities to one of her legs and feet, ADHD, ASD, and a few other health and social needs. Her needs are complex and more so than my other children, but even without any input from her father since she was 5, ive always managed to work full time as she is able to go mainstream child care alongside being entitled to DLA elements, and later her old siblings helped with the few hours required after school.

I understand complex needs can cover a range of conditions and abilities, some of which could make working full time difficult, but if the OP hasnt clarified exactly what needs the child has, it isnt necessarily a barrier to working.

Rosscameasdoody · 23/09/2023 09:44

Seymour5 · 23/09/2023 09:18

@Zebedee55 do you believe no one can fool the doctors? There have been numerous cases of people incapable of working who have been exposed as cheats. Here’s one. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-28495598

I feel for the OP, as working may not be possible in her situation. But her son needs to take whatever is on offer workwise, he can keep looking for different jobs once he’s employed.

Fraud in sickness and disability benefits is less than 2%. The figure for those sick and disabled people who are wrongly denied benefit is much higher - hence the thousands who have to go to tribunal to get a fair decision. Ask yourself why you don’t read about that in the newspapers. And those who do cheat are usually caught by their own stupidity in thinking DWP won’t monitor them if they think something isn’t right. It isn’t genuinely sick or disabled people who cheat, but it’s they who carry the stigma because of those who do.

OvertakenByLego · 23/09/2023 09:46

LolaLouise · 23/09/2023 09:41

Ive not read the full thread, but, does the OP clarify if its the child with complex needs that has 50/50 with their father, or what the complex needs even are?

I have a child with complex needs, type 1 diabetic, significant hearing loss, mobility issues as she was born with abnormalities to one of her legs and feet, ADHD, ASD, and a few other health and social needs. Her needs are complex and more so than my other children, but even without any input from her father since she was 5, ive always managed to work full time as she is able to go mainstream child care alongside being entitled to DLA elements, and later her old siblings helped with the few hours required after school.

I understand complex needs can cover a range of conditions and abilities, some of which could make working full time difficult, but if the OP hasnt clarified exactly what needs the child has, it isnt necessarily a barrier to working.

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It obviously is a barrier to working for the OP. She clearly states she is unable to work right now.

Gerrataere · 23/09/2023 09:52

LolaLouise · 23/09/2023 09:41

Ive not read the full thread, but, does the OP clarify if its the child with complex needs that has 50/50 with their father, or what the complex needs even are?

I have a child with complex needs, type 1 diabetic, significant hearing loss, mobility issues as she was born with abnormalities to one of her legs and feet, ADHD, ASD, and a few other health and social needs. Her needs are complex and more so than my other children, but even without any input from her father since she was 5, ive always managed to work full time as she is able to go mainstream child care alongside being entitled to DLA elements, and later her old siblings helped with the few hours required after school.

I understand complex needs can cover a range of conditions and abilities, some of which could make working full time difficult, but if the OP hasnt clarified exactly what needs the child has, it isnt necessarily a barrier to working.

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But the op has said she’s unable to work at the moment. So your situation (whilst obviously difficult) is not relevant. I have two children with autism, one can do a limited time off after school care, the other can’t even do a full day of school and certainly couldn’t do wrap around care. There will be no option for sibling care when they’re older. But people shouldn’t have to explain themselves in these situations - you could/can work. Others like the op currently can’t. You’d be pretty offended if she came back and said ‘but why did you work and let your other kids take the burden of care so you could do so?’ so maybe have a little understanding from the other side.

Seymour5 · 23/09/2023 10:08

Rosscameasdoody · 23/09/2023 09:44

Fraud in sickness and disability benefits is less than 2%. The figure for those sick and disabled people who are wrongly denied benefit is much higher - hence the thousands who have to go to tribunal to get a fair decision. Ask yourself why you don’t read about that in the newspapers. And those who do cheat are usually caught by their own stupidity in thinking DWP won’t monitor them if they think something isn’t right. It isn’t genuinely sick or disabled people who cheat, but it’s they who carry the stigma because of those who do.

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Of course its the ones who cheat who give benefits a stigma! Most reasonable people want genuinely sick and disabled people to be properly provided for, especially those who are unable to carry out any type of work. Lets not forget, there are lots of people with disabilities who do work.

mydogisthebest · 23/09/2023 10:43

Bromptotoo · 23/09/2023 09:19

He is quite open about all this. I asked him if he had to go for a medical and he said no because he had a sick note from his GP.

The days when a recurring sick note got you health benefits with no further inquiry are long gone.

People with ill health or disability have to undertake a Work Capability Assessment . A fit note is needed after seven days and even then you're subject to a work search obligation though in practice it won't be enforced except perhaps if GP suggests some light duties.

WCA is not a pushover. I've seen somebody post heart lung transplant who struggled, supported by her sister, to walk from the disabled bay to my office. WCA output that said they could run, jump etc. and were fit for work.

If this man is doing what you say then he needs reporting; to the |DWP not Mumsnet!!

That said, anybody with the symptoms you mention may well have a fluctuating condition. A lot of people think only of the good days; advisers will suggest thinking of bad days and worse days

Edited

I don't know what a Work Capability Assessment is but he says he has not had to have a medical nor has he been told that he will have to have one.

I do know that anyone with depression and/or anxiety/panic attacks can have good and bad days. I have suffered depression for over 30 years and, at one time, had terrible anxiety and panic attacks and could not even go outside of my house into the garden. I did not go out at all for several months. Thankfully my employer at the time was reasonable sympathetic.

As I said he works between 3 and 5 full days a week and has done now for several months so it doesn't seem as though his condition is fluctuating. Even if it is he, obviously, should not be claiming benefits for being unable to work and then working cash in hand. At £10 an hour with no deductions he is earning a good wage and getting benefits on top.

People do cheat the system while others who genuinely need help don't get it. I have a friend who has several health conditions and genuinely struggles to work. She was working part time and applied for either ESA or PIP (not sure which). She had to go for a medical assessment and they refused her application as they said she was obviously not that ill as she had arrived at the assessment on time, smartly dressed, clean, hair combed etc! Unbelievable

Princessandthepea0 · 23/09/2023 11:18

OvertakenByLego · 23/09/2023 09:46

It obviously is a barrier to working for the OP. She clearly states she is unable to work right now.

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You have an awful lot of time to be on a thread when everyone asks op about her working options. Funny that.

OvertakenByLego · 23/09/2023 11:25

Princessandthepea0 · 23/09/2023 11:18

You have an awful lot of time to be on a thread when everyone asks op about her working options. Funny that.

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Poster posts on MN, shock, horror. That is so out of the ordinary. For your information, I am sat next to DS1 who is in his specialist seating attached to a feed pump and having a nebuliser. Is that good enough for you? I am not the only one who has pointed out, including to that poster, OP clearly states she is unable to work.