To ask for full lodge

[CitrusWhite]

DC aged 22 out of work, they definitely want a job. Last month and this month UC underpaid. No sanctions or work so looking into it but DC only told me on Friday. DC had nearly 1.5k from late wages in the bank while unemployed saved and burned through it since December with at least 600 being spent on expensive frivolous stuff thats could wait i.e. ear phones, sports shirt at 150.

As abresult at the weekend they had no money and have been underpaid from UC today by 100, UC normally 400. Rent should be 200. Last month they only got 100 but obviously cba to enquire as probably wasn't bothered due to having a good sum in the bank. They only got 300 so want me to take loss lodge and asking for compassion. I have agreed in the past in favour of them doing more in the house or cleaning car and of course it didnt last long.

AIBU to hold firm, they need to pay me 200 lodge. They are going out for a hike today and now cross I wont take less while being annoyed when ive told then to phone UC and get the money sorted sayong they will do it when they get back. I said if its not a priority for them given the office has been open an hour already then they shouldn't be expecting me to wait for the money.

As an aside, I do think it must be a mistake, they engage with JC and apply for jobs so I would be v. surprised if sanctioned and they seem to be adamant they haven't.

Ya, I wouldn't be out of pocket because a grown adult (22 yr old) can't be bothered to keep on top of their own finances.

I do think 50% of their pay is alot but I assume this includes food and bills etc? What was their last job that they are finding it so hard to get a new one?

Of course he should pay the usual amount and he needs to get onto UC to find out what the problem is

Its food and bills. Don't want to go into too much detail about last job but there is a Union rep involved due to discrimination and he is a good worker when he works. Appreciate 200 is a lot from UC of 400 but it doesnt go up when in full time employment. Yes covers rent and food, all bills apart from their own gym sub.

I feel awful but I dont think im doing him any favours to take less as he spent his money as though he had another wage coming when he was out of work, he should have budgeted for a few months of rent I think?

I have been terrible with money though when I was younger and would have done the same at his age so Im not sure if I am right!

Have you actually seen proof that UC is underpaying him?

Was his job something that is difficult to find a similar role? I guess I just don't understand why a 22 Yr old wouldn't just take up any role (e.g. local supermarket) just to fill the void until he finds something in his career path again..... surely that's a better option than £400 a month UC?

Yes, £200 a month isn't a lot.. it's less than £50 a month averaged and I'm sure he eats that alone!

The fact he's chosen to buy expensive things and not chase UC is actually the exact reason I'd keep on top of him and make him pay the £200. What would he do if he lived elsewhere? Just go on a hike instead of paying the bills?

Yes, this month when Ive looked is correct, unsure why but he got more on it previously but the rate seems accurate. The month before he had delayed wages from work and thats been classed as income so he needs to get on to them about that. But now hes in from his hike and 'too muddy'to sit down so likely phone lines will be closed soon. We put a message on his account but Ive explained things will be much faster on a call. He struggles on telephone so is getting stressed about it and im trying to teach him how to actually get things done in the world while handling that (I think his SEN is in play too but I feel he has to find ways around things himself instead of avoid thrm).

Again I cannot say much because of union and possible tribunal but it was a trainee position and these are rare, think like Teacher Training intakes.
He has poor working memory so not all jobs are suitable for him but he found his calling. He has been dismissed from jobs for not picking things up fast enough but that's is his SEN so UC aware him doing something like customer services or shelf stacking could be setting him up to fail so they are helping try and keep him relevant. He has summer seasonal work lined up if not sorted by then.

But thats not the issue really, its that he spaffed his money and now expects to pay less rent when the a hits the fan whilst not keeping money in reserve for such emergencies.

As an aside im lookong to get a social care assessment for him for future support