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!

I’m guessing that £800 includes any rent allowance too?

OP had kids with someone when their income was £60k. Shit happens and people split up.

She did contribute... but it was fucking pennies compared to her ex was earning. She was a student in a PT NMW job.. he was a GP.

This is an awful situation to be in, which I am sorry for. What are you supposed to do with £26.00!

It doesn't matter if she was giving him £2.00 a week. It's her duty.

Which isn't much in this economy to raise two children.

OK, so anyone on less than £60k should not have kids?

Seems a bit iffy to me.

I never said this. I'm merely expressing the point that £60K per year isn't a huge amount to raise two kids on in this economy.

Depends on how you are raising them surely? Not all kids are having things like private music lessons etc, hobbies that cost a lot.
My parents raised 3 kids on a low income.

The argument to have fewer children if you're on a lower income might make sense (it would be cruel but logical) if it were not for the fact that the biggest welfare expense the UK has is pensions, which relies on the birth rate staying at or above replacement rate, which we are now well below.

We need people to start having more children.

And after that, housing. Biggest cost.

Raising three kids in 2026 is completely different. £60K won't go far.

I can guarantee that if OP was not paying over a grand a month for a 2 bed flat, she would not have to be claiming UC.
It is housing costs, and the lack of both social and affordable housing, that means people are having to claim benefits to afford to live.

Yes, understandably. I do not dispute this; however, we all know that everyday life is expensive.

Yes, having fewer children if you're on a very low salary makes sense.

It's a harsh reality.

It sounds like you need it OP. Did you really not think you would be entitled to something when you only earn £31k? I imagine life still isn’t exactly comfortable. I don’t know why people begrudge those on low wages getting help. They’re still only able to live a very modest life.

I never begrudge it, if anything I’m just glad I don’t have to live in such a low amount of money and feel for people that do.

Not true. We need people to have children, aka a workforce to support the economy. Countries with higher birth rates are faring the current financial crisis far better than the UK is.

https://www.rlam.com/uk/intermediaries/our-views/2025/the-viewpoint-what-declining-birth-rates-mean-for-society-and-stock-markets/

If you're impoverished and struggling to survive, how are you supposed to raise your kids? Benefits?

Yes.

If you want to live in a capitalist society where those at the top stand on the shoulders of those beneath them, you need a stable workforce and consumer base to support the economy.

If the people at the bottom stop having children, who supports those at the top?

Capitalism will always exist.

Having kids you cannot afford to feed and relying on benefits is not the solution to this issue.

Do no teachers, nurses, allied health professionals, social workers, police officers etc live in these areas? These are jobs that are needed all over the country not concentrated in certain areas like eg finance jobs in London. All pay over £30,000 starting salaries.

Im confused by the comments asking if dad pays anything towards, because regardless that isn't counted for income, thats just bait to find another reason to be mad.

(I work, claim UC and get CM)

But the bits I read of this thread is just baiting people to be mad at other people

I’m on 45kish too & manage fine. Not living an extravagant lifestyle but can afford a holiday & to save a bit. However I live in a cheap part of the country. My housing costs are just over £500pm. Conversely my son & gf are renting a 1 bed flat in the nearest city for £1200 pm. Between them they earn about same as me but pay more than double for housing. GF is a student & son just graduated recently.
That’s why £45k is a lot to some but barely pays the bills for others. And those living in really expensive areas with childcare costs too will really struggle even on £70-80k family income which seems a fortune to me (with no childcare costs).

Maybe in 1990? 🤣

The Op hasn’t said SE she’s said East