To think I should work less and claim Universal Credit?

[Tiredandgrumpymum]

After a difficult divorce I find myself supporting my 2 children on my own. Ex-husband pays the bare minimum.

I work full time on about minimum wage, all my shopping is done at Asda usually yellow-stickered where ever possible. This year managed to take my 2 kids away for a weeks break by the seaside in a caravan. We had a lovely time but did it as cheaply as possible. Bought ice cream and put in the freezer in the caravan so when kids asked for an ice cream out I said wait till we get home.

No eating out except for takeaway chips etc. No expensive days out.

Just bought all the school uniforms as cheaply as possible from the supermarket and the school shoes which I've had to put on my credit card.

My SIL popped round for a coffee earlier on her way back from the hairdressers having treated herself to a new cut and colour at a posh salon and she was just on the way to get her nails done. She's just returned from a 2 week all inclusive in Turkey with her 4 kids. Her kids get the best school uniforms and school shoes and she pays for them to do various activities I can only dream about. All this and she works 3 mornings a week and gets topped up on UC. She goes to the gym everyday as she can afford it and has the time to so looks fabulous.
I'm sorry I sound so bitter but I really am.

And it can. But it’s been suggested that OP’s SiL is claiming for her children. It that’s the case then spending it on hair, nails and other things SiL wants isn’t benefiting the children.

UC was supposed to ensure that people were better off in work than not. Unfotunately the previous Government failed to predict that single parents working part time in many jobs and being topped up by UC to equivalent of at least full time pay would become a life style choice for many. It's become a disincentive to full time work for many people in average salary jobs. Also the rules discourage savings or taking a promotion at work , as the UC amount would be cut cut, hence why people on UC tend to spend their full income. However, although it takes people with children off the breadline into a reasonably comfortable safety net, no one I know on UC can afford luxury holidays regular nail bar visits and gym membership on universal credit. I wonder if her children's father is giving her money each months which isn't being declared but needs to be spent .

CMS doesn't have to be declared. I can't believe this thread. OP is choosing her own lifestyle choices. She's got thousands in the bank but complaining about buying cheap uniform. Personally I couldn't have money saved away if I needed to spend it on my kids I would do.