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!

Do it on her own dime and not the taxpayers?

Not taking medication does not mean fraud. It can be a symptom of their illness.

I have a friend with bipolar who comes off her meds. She feels "fine" (manic) so stops taking them.

I have also stopped mine to stockpile for ODs.

I can imagine her kind. No doubt, the kind that books numerous holidays using her benefits while claiming she cannot work.

I work and get UC because I have kids. If I didn't have kids I don't think I'd get anything.

What I find interesting is that I pay tax too. My UC is double the tax I pay.

Also that UC is effectively paying landlords.

Also that me having more money to buy shoes clothes etc for the kids means I spend more.

Why not tax me less and give me less UC?

I'm not saying I understand. Economics is really not my strong point. Is it a socialist policy does that mean? Has it caused real problems with wages, rents etc?

OP is on £31k. When she pays for her holiday, how do you determine whether she paid it with her earnings, or her UC?

OP's Title: 'To think my universal credit feels generous'

I think this says enough 😂

How is that possible? We earn under 24k as a family and get less than £300 a month UC payment, we have 1 dc at home

Like going to a free exhibition in a gallery or museum

Absolutely.

I guess we are just missing the mark?

Because you only have one child. If you had three kids you'd get money for them too. Six kids, even more.

Depends on housing and childcare costs. OP has more than 1 child and is a single parent.

I don't actually believe that. A GP wont call a patient in for a meeting based on what someone else has told them.

OP didn't think she would get any at all. I read the title to mean she was surprised at the amount.

Mum's on £31k. Dad's also on the same AND contributes to the kids..... Why the need for uc

Ime. People on lower incomes are good at budgeting but they have no choice in the matter. The budgeting descions they make are not do we spend an extra £500 a month on the mortgage for two extra bedrooms or £200 a month for a better car. It's do I skip dinner twice a month so the kids can have Netflix and watch Stranger Things like their peers or do I replace the clapped out washing machine that takes 3 hours to run a quick cycle or do I put the tenner a week it would cost on tick towards 3 days in Haggerston Castle next Easter?

People on higher incomes are free to make the same sacrifices should the fancy take them.

They would want to assess the patient's condition, judging the effects of the medication. She was swinging the lead. So that's not only ripping off the system but also think how much those meds added up to. A complete waste of money. I had no sympathy when I was told. The ex is normally placid but she's been giving him a hard time for years.

People say "it's their money. Nothing to do you." You wouldn't say the same about MPs expenses would you. Taxpayer funded stuff that they are entitled to, but we watch where it goes.

Considering the OP admitted she can look into booking a modest caravan holiday, it denotes her financial situation. OP then resorted to backtracking and mentioning she will look into camping holidays.

An inflammatory post for those who genuinely need benefits to survive.

No, both parents regardless of living situation should pay for the children they chose to have. Basics.

Dad's income does not matter. They do not live together.
Child maintenance is not taken into account.

TBH, I don't really care about that. Lots of jobs have things like expenses.
Obviously stuff like an island for ducks (or whatever it was) is taking the piss.

The embarrassment I would feel knowingly procreating a village of children I know I couldn't afford, while expecting handouts.

Audacious.

That is because she looked into caravan holidays and saw how much they are in the holidays.

I go on caravan holidays but I don't have kids so they are a lot cheaper. You can also pay in instalments.

My sister takes her kids on the odd caravan holiday. It can cost £1k for Mon-Friday in the summer holidays. She tends to take them abroad now as it is cheaper.

The Sun still do their cheap deals. £9.50 now. Would you begrudge OP that?

Where did you get that?

OP said she has found herself single... implying that she was with her kid's dad until their relationship broke down (she did not say why).

The OP came to her senses and realised how ridiculous she seemed.

I do not begrudge anyone a holiday; however, do not imply that you have been struggling and now, thanks to your benefits, you can book a holiday.

It's nonsensical and obtuse.