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?

It depends where in Cheshire, but Cheshire West as an example you’d get £546 per month. Cheshire East is £550. But it’s actually for over 35s, not over 30s! Under 35s get £421 a month.

Thanks - good to know.

Just did a quick search on google and from what I can see the typical rent for a one bed flat is mainly within the £700-£900 range so £550 is not good.

I’d say one beds in my area were closer to £550 about 4/5 years ago when I first moved here. But those days are long gone.

And it’s absurd that under 35s get even less, I don’t get the logic of that.

Under 35's are only entitled to the cost of a room in a shared house. Can you imagine? I had three children at that age and yet single people are being kept perpetual teenagers in the eyes of the state.

Having said that, LHA for over 35's is so low that a house share is often the only option. I've been in the position of trying to help people in their 60's and above look for flat shares. They're competing with people who are young enough to be their grandchildren - it's totally inappropriate.

I'm not sure why my posts were removed. Identifying. It was all played out very publicly on twitter. I said nothing that identified me on anything I posted earlier.

Benefit claimants are human beings, no matter your opinion on the system itself.

I think a few people on here need reminding of that.

Im on benefits

I think the government need reminding too. Not just this one but previous ones also.

I still can’t get my head around the fact that UC for many people are usually not sufficient to cover the basics. Not everyone has savings or family to help them out. What do they expect people to do especially if they can’t work due to illness?

Yeah that’s rotten. I found flatsharing stressful even in my 20s - the stories I could tell you of former flatmates! I hate that it’s so normalised nowadays in many countries. People act like its a universally acceptable solution to singles not being able to afford a place to themselves, but I really feel people shouldn’t need to do it once they’ve left college unless they want to.

No wonder many people get into and stay in unhealthy relationships, especially as they grow older - there’s no real social safety net if something goes wrong. I can’t imagine being 60 and needing to flatshare with strangers. Especially if they’re much younger.

Saving isn't the point of UC but to help people get stable and off benefits it would help if they can save !!