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Original poster

Universal Credit

88 replies

sn21 · 26/04/2023 17:52

I get universal credit for me and 2/3 of my children. I get awarded my full amount of rent which is £922 however it has just gone up £30 a week I am now being benefit capped by around £200 which is pretty much the same increase in my rent. I already was only getting enough to pay the bills and now I'm in arrears with my rent.

I am already looking for an exchange to an older house that may be cheaper on rent but didn't know if I could request my rent being paid straight to my landlord if that would then be taken off my statement and I will get the rest of my awarded payment. I know it only helps out a little but I'm not even getting paid enough to pay my bills. I'm paying for shopping with my £50 weekly child benefit just really struggling to make ends meet and the last thing I need is to worry about losing a roof over our heads

OP posts:
Okunevo · 30/04/2023 08:51

Mademetoxic · 30/04/2023 08:44

Children are a lifestyle choice.

She could work, but chooses not to. She would get more respect if she worked and claimed instead of bleating on how hard done by she is.

If you're that hard up, at least look for employment to top it up.

Show quote history

The children are here. Universal credit for parents is to help support the children, as people in their own right. People who are required to be in education so cannot pay their own way.

She likely could find work. However, comparing what a single person and four people have to live on makes zero sense.

Redstopgreengo · 30/04/2023 08:51

Mademetoxic · 30/04/2023 08:44

Children are a lifestyle choice.

She could work, but chooses not to. She would get more respect if she worked and claimed instead of bleating on how hard done by she is.

If you're that hard up, at least look for employment to top it up.

Show quote history

She could have had her children in a stable situation and then something happened to turn that on its head. And depending on the ages of children then working may be difficult, particularly as you have to pay the childcare up front to then claim back. There are so many barriers to getting back into work when you're living by the skin of your teeth.

allisgood47 · 30/04/2023 08:56

Odd that op only done 2 post but anyway in a nutshell op you need to apply for discretionary housing benefit. And yes you can ask for your landlord to be paid directly.

sashh · 30/04/2023 09:00

InceyWinceySpidy · 26/04/2023 17:59

So you'll have the adult element. Two child elements. Child benefit. And that's the minimum without knowing your full circumstances.

No rent (until £200 to pay this month). Probably no council tax. And you can't afford it already.

The issue is not that you have no money. You need to look at what you are spending it on.

And I say this as someone who had three children, on UC, and my rent being exactly £209 more than what I could claim. And I was not unable to live at all.

You are required to pay council tax now. The bill is reduced but you still pay.

Your UC covered 3 children, the OPs pays for 2.

Okunevo · 30/04/2023 09:04

Redstopgreengo · 30/04/2023 08:51

She could have had her children in a stable situation and then something happened to turn that on its head. And depending on the ages of children then working may be difficult, particularly as you have to pay the childcare up front to then claim back. There are so many barriers to getting back into work when you're living by the skin of your teeth.

Show quote history

Yes, I was married when my child was born but had to leave due to DV.

Mademetoxic · 30/04/2023 09:05

Redstopgreengo · 30/04/2023 08:51

She could have had her children in a stable situation and then something happened to turn that on its head. And depending on the ages of children then working may be difficult, particularly as you have to pay the childcare up front to then claim back. There are so many barriers to getting back into work when you're living by the skin of your teeth.

Show quote history

But if you're struggling the most obvious answer is to look for employment to help top it up?
There would be something small she could do, something for everyone. I'm not saying a 9-5 job, but anything.

If someone who works full time is struggling, they work all the hours they can get and still struggle.

I am no better off than the OP.

She should just have to manage.

Redstopgreengo · 30/04/2023 09:08

Mademetoxic · 30/04/2023 09:05

But if you're struggling the most obvious answer is to look for employment to help top it up?
There would be something small she could do, something for everyone. I'm not saying a 9-5 job, but anything.

If someone who works full time is struggling, they work all the hours they can get and still struggle.

I am no better off than the OP.

She should just have to manage.

Show quote history

What part of paying for the childcare upfront is impossible with no spare money doesn't make sense to you? Or should she just leave her children home alone?

FloatingBean · 30/04/2023 09:12

I am no better off than the OP.

What part of your circumstances are obviously different don’t you understand? If you had the same situation (or even anything vague similar) as the OP you too would be eligible.

Redstopgreengo · 30/04/2023 09:15

I was lucky that I didn't need to claim uc until I went back to work after mat leave (got pregnant just before covid hit and ended up having to change jobs so couldn't afford the upfront costs without it) as I could use the advance but if you're already a claimant you can't get that advance.

Okunevo · 30/04/2023 09:15

Mademetoxic · 30/04/2023 09:05

But if you're struggling the most obvious answer is to look for employment to help top it up?
There would be something small she could do, something for everyone. I'm not saying a 9-5 job, but anything.

If someone who works full time is struggling, they work all the hours they can get and still struggle.

I am no better off than the OP.

She should just have to manage.

Show quote history

I think most people would agree with your first paragraph, though opportunities vary by location and if her three children are young and she has no support then there are a lot of barriers there.

But how you cannot understand that a single person on the same money as a family of four is better off is seriously beyond me! Even bills for 'the house' will not be the same with four people living there and they would likely need three bedrooms that a single person wouldn't.

allisgood47 · 30/04/2023 09:26

Redstopgreengo · 30/04/2023 08:51

She could have had her children in a stable situation and then something happened to turn that on its head. And depending on the ages of children then working may be difficult, particularly as you have to pay the childcare up front to then claim back. There are so many barriers to getting back into work when you're living by the skin of your teeth.

Show quote history

Why do people always come out with this shit on threads like this or simlar. Are people honestly not intelligent enough to understand things change

mrsnec · 30/04/2023 09:30

I'm surprised they're not coming on stronger regarding the work situation. I'm a single mum. I'm not working but I want to work and I'm trying to find work. The pressure the job centre is putting on me is verging on harassment. Last week I had two meetings with a work coach and I've been referred to a mandatory re-start scheme. Both my DC are primary aged and I'm expected to find at least 25 hours. If not they're also pushing me to try full time, commute to nearest city and get childcare.

I'm university educated but I've been rejected for NMW retail jobs and KP jobs in hospitality.

Those saying 'just get a job' it's not always that easy.

I do think OP could cut bills though. It definitely helps me I've let all my providers know my circumstances and I'm on minimum tariffs for everything.

Redstopgreengo · 30/04/2023 09:33

mrsnec · 30/04/2023 09:30

I'm surprised they're not coming on stronger regarding the work situation. I'm a single mum. I'm not working but I want to work and I'm trying to find work. The pressure the job centre is putting on me is verging on harassment. Last week I had two meetings with a work coach and I've been referred to a mandatory re-start scheme. Both my DC are primary aged and I'm expected to find at least 25 hours. If not they're also pushing me to try full time, commute to nearest city and get childcare.

I'm university educated but I've been rejected for NMW retail jobs and KP jobs in hospitality.

Those saying 'just get a job' it's not always that easy.

I do think OP could cut bills though. It definitely helps me I've let all my providers know my circumstances and I'm on minimum tariffs for everything.

To be fair she could have a child under 3 (and therefore no obligation to work) but I totally agree about the job situation at the minute. I'm currently looking and the amount of jobs I'm getting knocked back for despite having years of experience is insane. There's 100+ people applying for these jobs and I'm only in a small town. It's rough out there at the minute.

Okunevo · 30/04/2023 09:40

"She should just have to manage."
Also, just on this bit. Even if you were to blame a parent for choosing to have children, their choice of partner, where they live, what about the children who have not 'chosen' these things? Should they just have to manage? As children are often affected too, even if the parent is already going without themselves.

mrsnec · 30/04/2023 09:53

@Redstopgreengo oh I didn't think of that re children's age.

Mine are 7&8 so I think 25 hours is quite a high expectation and I wanted to outline in my experience if you're a single mum (I am a victim of a dv relationship too) you can't just choose not to work.

If I'm totally honest I would choose to be at home for a bit if I could and I'd take less in terms of benefits. For example if I need childcare for 25 hours but I'd only get 85 percent of that back, why can't I just get 85 percent of 25 hours at minimum wage to look after my own children and get the job centre and now re-start off my case!

Mademetoxic · 30/04/2023 13:28

mrsnec · 30/04/2023 09:30

I'm surprised they're not coming on stronger regarding the work situation. I'm a single mum. I'm not working but I want to work and I'm trying to find work. The pressure the job centre is putting on me is verging on harassment. Last week I had two meetings with a work coach and I've been referred to a mandatory re-start scheme. Both my DC are primary aged and I'm expected to find at least 25 hours. If not they're also pushing me to try full time, commute to nearest city and get childcare.

I'm university educated but I've been rejected for NMW retail jobs and KP jobs in hospitality.

Those saying 'just get a job' it's not always that easy.

I do think OP could cut bills though. It definitely helps me I've let all my providers know my circumstances and I'm on minimum tariffs for everything.

At least you're trying :)

Hope you get something suitable soon, there will be a job out there for you.

Mademetoxic · 30/04/2023 13:29

Okunevo · 30/04/2023 08:39

If you are supporting one person on the amount someone else is supporting four people then you are definitely better off. I work full time and the top up I get for my child doesn't cover his expenses, children certainly aren't moneymakers!

Show quote history

Why should she expect the state to fund her lifestyle choice.

Fair enough she wants to stay at home, but she can fund it herself.

Okunevo · 30/04/2023 13:40

Mademetoxic · 30/04/2023 13:29

Why should she expect the state to fund her lifestyle choice.

Fair enough she wants to stay at home, but she can fund it herself.

Show quote history

I wasn't talking about what the state should or should not do. I was saying that one person on £x is better off than four people on £x between them.

On the question of whether the state should provide for children, well they are people in their own right. They are people who are required to be in education and there are rules around what work they can do. When children do work, they typically are paid a lower wage than adults. Therefore, I think, yes, the state should provide where parents are unable to meet their costs alone. To do this you have to give money to children via the parent. The alternative would be children's homes.

Hwory · 30/04/2023 13:40

Strongly suggest for you to apply for DHP (from your local council) to give you time to change your circumstances.

Okunevo · 30/04/2023 13:46

@Mademetoxic
What would be your solution if a child has parents who can't afford them without help? What should happen to the child?

HistoryFanatic · 30/04/2023 20:45

Mademetoxic · 30/04/2023 09:05

But if you're struggling the most obvious answer is to look for employment to help top it up?
There would be something small she could do, something for everyone. I'm not saying a 9-5 job, but anything.

If someone who works full time is struggling, they work all the hours they can get and still struggle.

I am no better off than the OP.

She should just have to manage.

Show quote history

What if she can't? The children will be the ones to feel the consequences of being poor.

Okunevo · 30/04/2023 23:41

HistoryFanatic · 30/04/2023 20:45

What if she can't? The children will be the ones to feel the consequences of being poor.

Show quote history

@Mademetoxic doesn't care about the children, only about punishing parents

Bandanadrama · 01/05/2023 07:26

What about part time call centre work from home?

Coffeeandbourbons · 01/05/2023 07:55

I'm not working but I want to work and I'm trying to find work. The pressure the job centre is putting on me is verging on harassment. Last week I had two meetings with a work coach and I've been referred to a mandatory re-start scheme. Both my DC are primary aged and I'm expected to find at least 25 hours. If not they're also pushing me to try full time, commute to nearest city and get childcare

What’s wrong with that?

Benefits are supposed to be a last resort, not something you get if you just don’t fancy working right now or find it ‘inconvenient’. They should be doing everything they can (as should you) to get you into work.

OP, same goes for you.

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