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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

I am suffering for universal credits mistake!

57 replies

Ash13490 · 05/05/2022 18:51

Hi, I'm a single mum I work full time and my wage just covers my rent and bills, for the rest of the month I rely on my universal credit payment.

This month however due to human error at the universal credit office they have reported my take-home pay as £3000!!!!! It's not even half of that, I have been on and off the phone to them, writing in my journal, I should have been paid today, I've told them I have absolutely zero pence in the bank and noone to help me but I've basically been told its tough and I have to wait for the case manager to look into it. Has anyone else had this happen? I literally don't know where our next meal I'd coming from ,almost out of nappies, I'm absolutely desperate ,I can't see any way out of this mess right now.

OP posts:
LittleOwl153 · 05/05/2022 19:51

Have you any nectar points, club card vouchers etc that can feed you / buy some nappies in the meantime? Or get to your local foodbank they will help you out. They are used to dealing with UC screw ups!

MNHQ
ClaraMumsnet · 05/05/2022 19:51

Hello everyone

We've had a number of reports from people concerned about this thread so, as we usually do in these circs, we're putting our heads round the door with some important reminders.

Right now we can't see any evidence to indicate that the OP isn't above board – if we did, we'd remove the thread straight away. But the truth is that, sadly, we at MNHQ can't know with 100% certainty that any poster is genuine, no matter who they are or how long they have been here. As frustrating as it is, we're not able to vouch for anyone here.

So we always ask users to remember that not everyone on the internet is who they say they are – and remind folk not to give more to another poster, either financially (in cash or gifts) or emotionally (in time or care and support) than they'd be prepared to lose if things went wrong. We strongly advise against parting with any cash or giving away your personal details, and if you receive a PM which makes you uneasy - report it to us and we’ll take a look.

Sorry to hijack your thread briefly there, OP – we really hope you get it all sorted soon. In the meantime, you might find some useful information on our guide for dealing with financial difficulty

Mmmmdanone · 05/05/2022 19:52

Cubangal · 05/05/2022 18:57

You work full time and take home less then £1500? Is that even minimum wage ?

Show quote history

£1500 is more than what my exh gets and he's on £26k. Not a massive wage but way over minimum wage!

Viviennemary · 05/05/2022 19:54

I have heard of folk getting food vouchers if their payments are delayed for some reason. I know yours is an error but it might be worth a try till it gets sorted out.

Gingerkittykat · 05/05/2022 20:02

You have not answered if you are paid monthly or every 4 weeks. If you are paid 4 weekly then there will be times when you will be paid twice and there is nothing you can do about it.

There have been several people having problems with early reporting to HMRC over the bank holiday. You need to check your HMRC account to see what day your wages were reported to them.

You can do an RTI dispute and ask for one wage (presuming you are paid monthly) to be carried over to your next assessment period.

If you join a group on Facebook called universal credit survival you can post anonymously and they will give a more detailed explanation than I can.

Original poster
Ash13490 · 05/05/2022 20:17

Hi, sorry I'm paid monthly

OP posts:
Original poster
Ash13490 · 05/05/2022 20:19

No, monthly

OP posts:
Original poster
Ash13490 · 05/05/2022 20:24

Thanks, I'll look into it

OP posts:
Illhaveadonut · 05/05/2022 20:30

I had a problem with early reporting before bank holiday weekend in my last job when I was also paid monthly. UC counted 2 months salary in one period. Worth checking out.

AMegaPint · 05/05/2022 20:41

@Cubangal what a stupid/ignorant comment.

SmileyClare · 05/05/2022 20:48

I agree, it's likely UC counting two month's wages as one month if you were paid slightly earlier due to bank holiday?

It's a stupid design fault with the computer system and lots of people have been left with no money to live on.

I sympathise, it's so frustrating and even when you manage to get in touch, the advisors are so condescending and unhelpful! (IMO)

There is a hardship loan which you can apply for, worth taking a look on your journal under payments. Just tell them you need to buy a washing machine (that's what I was advised to do by the citizens advice bureau!) if you go into the glitch with your wages they will just tell you to wait "until it's investigated"

SmileyClare · 05/05/2022 20:51

Who's reporting this thread?! How petty. It clearly isn't a begging thread or scam, no need to go running off to "tell" on the Op.

Original poster
Ash13490 · 05/05/2022 20:57

I did wonder that myself, but to be honest it probably happens where people make this kind of stuff up in the hopes that people will give them.money. I Can evidence that this has truly happened to me and even if people were to offer me money my pride would decline the offer lol.

However I.am getting some great advice, so thanks everyone 😊

OP posts:
AnotherEmma · 05/05/2022 20:58

OP, in the morning, call Citizens Advice - they can give you a food voucher code, and advise you about other sources of support, food hubs, baby banks, charitable funds you can apply to for supermarket vouchers, help with energy costs.

Hopefully your UC will be sorted eventually but you obviously need to feed yourself and your children in the meantime.

Find your local Citizens Advice by putting your postcode in here www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/contact-us/#h-find-your-nearest-citizens-advice

And if you can't get through to your local one, you can call the national helpline for food bank help on 0808 2082138 (details at www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/)

SomeFuckingWizardry · 05/05/2022 20:59

@Cubangal are you for real? Full time (say 38 hr/week) on minimum wage after deductions & a 5% pension contribution is a take home of around £1300 a month. Literally cannot believe the ignorance of that comment.

Flowerpot28 · 05/05/2022 21:17

this happened to me but it was because I changed jobs and pay date was different by 4 days. Luckily I was able to pay everything with my wage alone but it took over a year for them to investigate. It was during Covid though so hopefully they can investigate yours sooner.

have you changed payment date?

SmileyClare · 05/05/2022 21:24

I was pondering a few days ago on the lack of threads based on the current cost of living crisis. No wonder if anyone daring to share that they're struggling for money is reported as some sort of scrounger!

Anyway, I agree you've had some nice supportive replies and advice too. You can talk with a CAB advisor online too. Go to citizens advice chat with an advisor.

Mirrorball2022 · 05/05/2022 21:26

I’m full time and above minimum wage in the NHS and I still only come out with a bit over 1500 a month basicafter pension contributions (before enhancement payments).

Some have no idea..

Op you’ve had some really good suggestions here I hope you can sort it out and access help in the meantime.

AnotherEmma · 05/05/2022 21:46

Oh also I forgot to mention the Household Support Fund, it's administered by local councils so look on their website.

inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/money/household-support-fund-what-apply-grant-online-hsf-who-eligible-claim-1545821

Geezabreak82 · 05/05/2022 21:59

ClaraMumsnet · 05/05/2022 19:51

Hello everyone

We've had a number of reports from people concerned about this thread so, as we usually do in these circs, we're putting our heads round the door with some important reminders.

Right now we can't see any evidence to indicate that the OP isn't above board – if we did, we'd remove the thread straight away. But the truth is that, sadly, we at MNHQ can't know with 100% certainty that any poster is genuine, no matter who they are or how long they have been here. As frustrating as it is, we're not able to vouch for anyone here.

So we always ask users to remember that not everyone on the internet is who they say they are – and remind folk not to give more to another poster, either financially (in cash or gifts) or emotionally (in time or care and support) than they'd be prepared to lose if things went wrong. We strongly advise against parting with any cash or giving away your personal details, and if you receive a PM which makes you uneasy - report it to us and we’ll take a look.

Sorry to hijack your thread briefly there, OP – we really hope you get it all sorted soon. In the meantime, you might find some useful information on our guide for dealing with financial difficulty

I am totally appalled by this response from Mumsnet. These sorts of problems are totally endemic with Universal Credit and are well documented by charities and parliamentary committees. OP hasn't asked for money so why are you jumping in and shaming her?!!

Also your link to your guide for dealing with financial difficulty DOES NOT WORK! SHAME ON YOU that during the biggest financial crisis of our lifetimes that you cannot get that to work.

I realised that Mumsnet was totally dominated by the middle classes, and it's becoming increasingly obvious there's a right leaning tendency, but this takes the biscuit. It's totally divorced from the reality that millions of people face every day.

OP you can find useful information about where to get financial support in a crisis situation from CAB. It's also worth contacting them to find out if they can advocate on your behalf to DWP to get your Universal Credit issue sorted. The following pages may be helpful:

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/if-youre-struggling-with-living-costs/
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/problems-with-your-payment/if-your-payment-is-stopped-or-reduced/

And if you're in Scotland:
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/scottish-welfare-fund-s/scottish-welfare-fund-crisis-grants-s/

SmileyClare · 05/05/2022 22:18

Geezabreak82 well said, I have to agree.

Vidax · 05/05/2022 22:34

@Geezabreak82 Why are you outraged? Mumsnet has many many members, and a small number of people join to get money from here. It's well known.

If op is on the level (I'm obviously not saying they aren't as I don't know them) then they are posting for advice, and that's what mumsnet members excel at, how to get resources and help. Sadly there are many people who post with trigger words and ignore all the advice as they only want cash

Again! I am not saying the op is not on the level, however I'm also not saying it's not a scam for cash.

Cubangal · 05/05/2022 22:41

Norush4 · 05/05/2022 19:36

@Cubangal someone is struggling and is in need and that's all you have to suggest? Snobby!

No, not at all. I don't know what the UK minimum wage is.

Geezabreak82 · 05/05/2022 22:45

Vidax · 05/05/2022 22:34

@Geezabreak82 Why are you outraged? Mumsnet has many many members, and a small number of people join to get money from here. It's well known.

If op is on the level (I'm obviously not saying they aren't as I don't know them) then they are posting for advice, and that's what mumsnet members excel at, how to get resources and help. Sadly there are many people who post with trigger words and ignore all the advice as they only want cash

Again! I am not saying the op is not on the level, however I'm also not saying it's not a scam for cash.

@Vidax I'm outraged because there's no evidence that this person is asking for money (the Mumsnet person said that herself) and anyone who knows anything about universal credit knows that this type of administrative error is fairly common and potentially devastating. If Mumsnet person had any empathy they could have kept an eye on the thread and on PM traffic, but instead they quickly jump in and warn that this may be a scam. As far as I can see this is someone potentially vulnerable asking for help on a website that should be about women helping other women, and she needs better from the site management than an insinuated smear and a broken link.

Vidax · 05/05/2022 22:52

Geezabreak82 · 05/05/2022 22:45

@Vidax I'm outraged because there's no evidence that this person is asking for money (the Mumsnet person said that herself) and anyone who knows anything about universal credit knows that this type of administrative error is fairly common and potentially devastating. If Mumsnet person had any empathy they could have kept an eye on the thread and on PM traffic, but instead they quickly jump in and warn that this may be a scam. As far as I can see this is someone potentially vulnerable asking for help on a website that should be about women helping other women, and she needs better from the site management than an insinuated smear and a broken link.

Show quote history

How do you know there haven't been offers?