To think saving on Universal Credit is extremely difficult?

[FirmGreyMember]

It feels like Universal Credit doesn’t really leave much room for saving once basic living costs are covered. I know in theory people say to put even small amounts aside but in practice it seems very difficult when most of the money goes on essentials.

AIBU to think there’s very little opportunity to build savings on UC?

Your rhetoric is dangerous in my view.

Isn’t it obvious? Benefits are going to be slashed soon as they are totally unsustainable. We could either cut 20% of all benefits OR cut certain conditions from getting them. If it’s the former, you will suffer due to less ‘deserving’ illnesses being included in the ‘too ill to work’ category.

Severe mental health issues need prompt treatment so the person gets better and back into the economy and living a fulfilling life, not signing the sick person off for life!

I'm spectacularly bright. And I don't even have to tell lies about what I do in life!

Also I'm 100% certain that I'm human. Can you say the same about yourself?

Wow are you Tony Blair?

Tell me what percentage of (a) GDP and (b) government expenditure was spent on benefits and pensions in 2013/14 and again in 2023/24. To help you, I have provided the information earlier in the thread. Then come back and tell us about trends that might explain those figures and how you've reached the conclusion that benefits (a) must and (b) will be "slashed".

I'll wait. Probably forever because you shills, bots and compassionless posters never answer the tough questions.

No they aren’t. Between 31 and 32% of claimants are working. That means 68% are not.

This is without judgement - just a statistic.

Well yeah you're not allowed 6k plus without them deducting it. And you can't have UC at all if you've 16k plus. So no, you can't save on UC as they literally won't allow people with significant savings to claim it.

I think the threshold should be fairer, it should be a bit higher.

But yeah, UC is basically for people who don't have enough money to ever have any savings.

Nope. UC is for people whose income falls below what has been decided is the minimum amount necessary for subsistence in various situations.

But probably not for much longer.

Who don't have any savings above 6k...why is it 'nope'. Both those things can be true?

Completely see what you are saying particularly for people who will never be able to work, though those who have disabilities etc would usually be entitled to additional benefits, but if it is too comfortable there would be no incentive for people to work more hours or seek a better paid role or retrain or do whatever it takes to get off benefits. I've worked multiple jobs at the same time in the past - it isn't meant to be easier to do one low paid job with enough top ups to save

They're saying UC isnt for what you are saying it is, not that you can be on UC and not have savings above a certain amount. You are focusing on a savings threshold not the actual main purpose of it by saying it is for people who can't save x amount.

But the vast majority of those remaining 68% can’t work through disability or caring responsibilities. The amount of people claiming who could work but don’t is comparatively low, and many of those will be actively seeking work.

saving is extremely difficult for a lot of people in general. So you suck it up unfortunately.

Ah ok. So having ptsd depression and anxiety makes me less deserving. Got it. I've not been signed off for life. I have a two year award of adp that will probably not be renewed in September

Prompt treatment - ok. I waited 8 months to see a psychologist. Some people wait years.

You said it's for people who will never have savings. It's not solely for that group of people.

Also just to point out - treatment for mental health doesn't always equate to people getting better. People can relapse and after treatment might be able to manage their condition better. It doesn't mean they are better

I paid just short of 180k in tax and NI last year. Approximately 1/3 goes on welfare so around 60k.

Sorry - I work full time - VERY hard. Very long hours. Higher tax bracket AND I get the joys of having to pay child benefit back due to the high income child benefit charge. I save monthly though some months we have less to save.

I was - 6 years ago - in a low paid job and in receipt of UC. In massive debt. So I worked hard (many stepping stone jobs) to get to the level I am at where we can live a better life and am now debt free. So believe me - I do know it is achievable. And I did all of that with depression and anxiety too!! I still have depression and anxiety now but I also have bills to cover

But you expect on benefits that are designed to be short term to assist you back into work and to cover basic living expenses that you should be given enough to build up a savings account?

You want enough money so you have a buffer? Savings? Can afford to cover unexpected expenses? Work for it. If you are able bodied there is literally no excuse to not do.

This country literally cannot long term sustain the ever increasing welfare cost.

I was pretty much suicidal six years ago. I was repeatedly told by the dwp that I was fit to work when I didn't feel well enough. I've worked hard in previous jobs. But working hard doesn't always translate to high pay. I'm also single - I have never been in a position where there's been two wages coming in to my household

That's good for you that you were able to do all of that with anxiety and depression. But some people can't

And it doesn't help when peoples GPs are overruled by the dwp. On another thread someone posted that her brother was suffering from suicidal ideation. The dwp told him he was fit to work. He returned to work and killed himself in the workplace.

Its 6% what are you talking about

53.3% of people in the uk are net recipients so even if you're paying tax you're probably not even covering yourself let alone anyone else

Most of the welfare bill is pensions as I'm sure you know. Pip counts for around 6-7 per cent of that

Aren't you lucky! Not everyone can do this though. Some people are not mentally equipped to do higher paid jobs plain and simple. Others aren't equipped to cope with stress the way you have, rather than managing the stress they break and aren't able to work at all. Some have been knocked back so often that they give up in the end - what's the point in striving when it gets you nowhere after x years and multiple attempts?

And of course if everyone gets these well paid jobs, then who will be doing the child care for you so you can do your high paid job? Or cleaning your offices you work in? Or dealing with the post, or the reception there, or local catering for lunches & coffees? Or cleaning the streets outside your office or home?

That's not what I asked.

Read my question again please. The answer will be interesting.

I read it as sarcasm