Benefits reduction

[Bonsaitreepic]

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

Great find, @Dixiechickonhols !!

I’m not disagreeing with that and not missing the point at all. I was simply replying to a poster pointing out that in certain circumstances what she is suggesting will not result in extra income as it has to be declared to DWP as earned income and will almost certainly affect income related elements of any benefits in payment.

Maybe get a job - even a part time job will bring your income back to £1000 per month. I assume there are no reasons why you cannot work.

I don’t. Simply replying in response to information from another poster.

Sorry link didn’t work but it’s 40 h a week in Lake District hospitality £10.75 an hour and paying £75 a week for live in room.

OP has stated several times she cannot work because she is a carer for a disabled child.

@Rosscameasdoody they are not replying to the OP.

I’ve worked since I was 13. You are seriously trying to act like that?

He isn't working at all! He is claiming Universal Credit, hence the £250.

No, they’re replying to my own post.

Still expensive. I use smarty £4pm. 4gb data unlimited texts/calls

But your post indicates your income is totally dependent on what you received for your dcs. Is there any chance you could increase hours at work, or look for something with a a higher salary?

No but I’ve been told I’m entitled to a 3 bed property because I have two sons. Im suffered a mental breakdown and still not very well atm so having to just get by as I can. I’m trying to downsize for 5 years but it’s so hard to find the right solution and no one wants to swap with me because of the area I live in.

So are you still working at the moment? Your sons don’t live with you so that’s why the UC has been cut plus one is considered an adult.

If your son is at home on benefits and can’t get work could he not help look after your youngest to help you work part time? Between you maybe you could juggle both roles if he then picks up a part time role

@Bex84W your rent must be cheaper than market rent etc then so I don't see why you can't boost your hours.

Entitled to a 3 bed because you have an adult son that doesn't live with you and a 16 year old who doesn't live with you either?
That's ridiculous

Yes it's the same with me, I am on dla, esa for health problems and this really is a joke because not only is it harder for them to try and get a place of their own but the cost of living and I think they would struggle in the outside world. Luckily my son has a job but still he wouldn't earn enough money to pay rent, bills and food. It's really very harsh also you don't want to kick your own children out. I don't know how the government can expect a 16 year old to do all these things when the economy is the way it is it's madness

Oh I really feel for you . UC is the worst thing to be on in this life these days. The money is a real squeeze like you said even before the £300 cut , you were struggling as it is .
Please try now to be strategic and find a job even if it's part time .

That's a good suggestion.

I don't think the government do expect school leavers to leave home, pay rent, bills and food. They DO expect them to contribute to their UC receiving parent's outgoings though.

It really is a good suggestion. If op's son can't find work he should help out with the disabled child, unless of course their are therapies which the child needs that only mum can do. Whichever one can find a job even part time should do so to boost household income. On Uc op could earn up to £139 a week if on carers alowance or up to £379 a month on Uc without losing any benefits. This would more than make up the shortfall.

Other than the fact she's stated specifically several times why she's unable to work?

I was always raised being told that you paid your taxes and in particular NI which wold act as a safety net if you found yourself in dire straits. Low and behold one day after paying into the system for 20yrs I was made redundant, back then it was called jobseekers allowance and I wasn't allowed to claim because how dare I made many sacrifices to get myself on the ladder. I just needed help for 1 month to tide me over as I was furiously applying for jobs and we all know back then it was still at least 2 months to get a job and your first pay check.

I had to take the first job I got offered and it was a massive pay cut but it was better than losing my house.

It makes me sick that after paying in, being told back then we are there for you if you fall on hard times and then to realise they aren't and here we have a prime example of what pisses me off when I see someone refusing to get a job when they are able to. I have no problem paying taxes and it being used to support people who really need it but not an 18yr old adult who is just spending time to find himself.

They haven’t though. There are many, many examples on this thread of posters with complex needs themselves - as well as their children - who work.

If you paid into the system for 20 years you would have at least qualified for contributions based JSA ?