I want to get off benefits

[peanutbutterjelly563]

But how?

I work full time. I went to university. I ended up a single parent.

I get a universal credit top up. 2 children still fairly young so still paying childcare.

I am nearly 40.

Since getting universal credit, I feel like a criminal sometimes. I’ve just had to pay £50 for a letter from the GP (which I can’t afford) to prove one of my children live with me because they were doing a compliance check. All of my children have always lived with me, and do see their Dad but I’ve always been the main carer and I have a lives with order from the court. They wouldn’t accept that as it’s over 3 years old. They wouldn’t accept child benefit letter either.

I don’t want to be getting any benefits anymore, but I can’t afford to live without them. I earn about 30k a year. I’ve tried applying for other jobs. Most with my skill set pay the same or less than what I earn now.

Any ideas. AIBU to think this is possible?

£1750/month for the same in east London - zero insulation, mould, terrible area. And you are stuck forever until landlord will decide to sell.

Since posting this thread I actually have a new job, it pays a little better but still not off benefits. More chance for progression. Slow progress but step by step.

Congratulations that’s great news. Well done 👏

Hope the return to school goes well. And your ex has found a conscience

It's good they do compliance checks. You should look at getting a second job or you will have to try hard to get a better paid job if you're serious about changing your situation (I see the job situation has somewhat improved though).

You could also consider moving somewhere cheap to live. I know you will probably immediately dismiss these suggestions and many will pretend they're unreasonable, but they're not.

Your energy is only going to decrease as you get older, so doing something about it right now is your only hope.

OP said she could not afford £50 for a GP letter. How much do you think moving house costs?

Oh well, she'll just have to figure it out I suppose.

Like I said, she can get a second job. If she's serious. Such is life.

She has updated saying she has a better job.

Yes, I mentioned that in my original comment. She did say it was going to be slow progress. So a second job is still a good idea. Anyway, she'll figure it out, if she's serious.

I work full time, I don’t have any extra support with childcare outside of school/nursery hours. I don’t know where I could possibly fit in a second job.