To think my universal credit feels generous.

[MoonBaby1]

I got to my early 40s without ever needing to claim but circumstances find me single and paying the lions share of child related outgoings.

I work full time on£31,000 and have found out this year thanks to applying that I get on average about £800 from UC. It has been an absolute life changer and will hopefully be able to afford a modest uk holiday actually during the summer holidays and pay the school back some debt im in for after school care.

So many benefits bashing threads so I just wanted to present another side that as a cash strapped mum of two who works full time, UC is making a positive difference to our life. I didn't even think id qualify!

This will soon turn into a benefits bashing thread. People complaining that UC pays too much.

Is that £800 a month extra? I think it's deserved to be honest love, your working and providing the best life you can for your babies x

I hope not random chap. 😕

That’s what OP is hoping for surely and it will work!

If you have been in debt recently, I’d probably use the money to buy next size up of and kids shoes and clothes, stock up on groceries, service the car etc rather than spend it on a holiday

🤔

You're not 'presenting another side'.

We've had plenty of 'Aren't benefits so generous' threads.

And as you'll be well aware, they cause just as many bun fights as the more obvious goady benefit threads.

A lot of people I know who work can’t afford holidays but not eligible for benefits

I understand this is an area that gets a lot of trolling but I'm not. Im trying to spread a bit of positivity in the face of some blatant uc trolling posts today.

When I say debt I only mean £150 I owe to school which ive got down to £60 now!

If you applied and that is what you are entitled to, then you are not doing anything wrong.

However, some people will see that as bragging on here and this thread will attract the benefit bashers... it will get nasty, and the attacks on the claimants will start.

It happens every time, am I think you know that as it was your intention.

Agreed.

I also have to assume that OP is living in the north and either has family help towards childcare or has children who no longer need childcare while she works.

She'd feel very differently if this weren't the case.

And on the subject of the north, it is worth bearing in mind that jobs paying £30,000k p/a are not the norm; in fact, jobs are not the norm full stop. We have a massive problem with a lack of opportunity and poor or failing infrastructure.

Awww, complete with sad face emoji.

I think that a modest uk holiday is the bare minimum people working full time should be able to have. I’m just cross that the money has to be made up by UC and salaries are inadequate.

Cross is probably the wrong word but I’m pleased that UC has given you a lifeline and things are looking up a bit for you.

If its too much then donate some to charity. Maybe foodbanks.

Excuse my ignorance as I’m not from the UK but my understanding that universal credit was to help low income people/families with day to day life but not to fund holidays as they are a luxury

Is being able to live without debt and afford a small holiday once a year too much if you're working full-time?

If so, that's beyond depressing.

People will be thinking but 31k is an ok wage but it’s the ONLY wage you have coming in. And you have the same bills/ utilities/ insurance etc as two income families. Thats why you are getting the top up and that’s what it’s for.

Is the children’s father not paying anything?

Now imagine trying to live on that without your full time job due to having to be a carer or being disabled then see how generous you think it is.

It’s to top up low income families. 31k for one household is low income.

@Error404FucksNotFound I dont think I'm getting too much. I am getting help that possibly will enable a small caravan holiday and help buy my children clothes.

OP only gets them because she is a single parent with a kid.
If you are single with no kids, you get no help.

Strange choice of thread title then?

This as soon as her kids are out of education it will be taken away

People in 'the north' don't'' have jobs? Is that what you're saying? And those that do earn less than 30k? Have you ever even been to 'the north'?