A WOMAN has revealed she was embarrassed to receive £3,000 in Universal Credit benefits on top of her salary.
According to her parents, the incident occurred when she went to the local Children’s Center and attended a Citizens Advice group that meets once a week.
Here, she explained in a post On Mumsnet some parents can help other parents if they are in a similar situation and can offer the right advice.
”At the table I was sitting at, one of the parents was trying to understand UC [Universal Credit] since she didn’t understand very well LHA [Local Housing Allowance] fees, such as DLA [Disability Living Allowance] impacts the UC and which elements it would be entitled to.”
Determined to offer help, the Mumsnet user then began talking about her experience with benefits, offering to log into her UC account “if it were easier for her to visually review the breakdown”.
”I also received her postcode to explain how LHA fees and so on work.”
At this point, however, someone else in the room realized what was happening, when the mother was suddenly met with a harsh comment.
“Another parent suddenly spoke up and said, ‘don’t you feel bad about claiming so much money?’” the father wrote in the post.
Although the tone ”wasn’t argumentative or anything”, the pair had ”an interesting conversation”, which later made her reflect and think – ”are people like me supposed to feel bad about receiving a certain amount? ‘ ‘
The anonymous social media user also detailed payments received into her bank account:
- £292 allowance for single person
- £1,450 private rent
- £539 for two children
- £293 for two disabled children
- £589 childcare costs
- Carer from £189.
With £216 deducted from her “entitlement” due to my salary (£771), this leaves mum with £3,133 in UC.
”I receive two amounts of MRC [Medical Research Council] through DLA, which costs £580 in total,” she added.
Although she admitted it seemed like “a lot of money,” the costs of raising one of her disabled children “are through the roof due to her issues.”
According to the father – whose second son is also disabled – the woman also advised her to move to “a more affordable area” if she was struggling with her rent.
”I have raised the issue of landlords purchasing properties as part of the Right to Buy scheme, charging exorbitant rents that taxpayers pay through UC.
“It’s certainly more of an issue that there are no affordable rental properties in many areas.”
The post soon sparked fierce debate as other Mumsnet users flocked to the comments to share their thoughts.
Universal Credit
HERE’S everything you need to know about Universal Credit:
- What is Universal Credit? Everything you need to know, including how to sign up
- Universal Credit Calculator: How much can I claim and how can I apply?
- Universal Credit Login: How do I log into my account online?
- How much can I earn before Universal Credit is reduced and I receive a working allowance?
- What is a Universal Credit advance? How to apply and pay back
- Are Universal Credit payments increasing and how much more will I receive?
- How to claim Universal Credit if you’re self-employed
- How many hours can I work on Universal Credit and will my payment be reduced?
- What is a Universal Credit budget advance and how much can I receive?
- What is the housing element of Universal Credit and how much does it pay for your rent?
One person was on the parents’ side, writing: “Don’t feel bad, I get a similar amount and I don’t feel bad.
”It’s usually the rent that makes the value seem so high and that goes straight to the landlord!”
Another chimed in: ”I’m just like you. I don’t rent, so I don’t get that part, but I earn 2,200 UC per month.
”I am a single father with 2 disabled children (both on higher rate disability benefits) and I work but cannot work more than part time, school term due to the children.”
”I mean, you’re just claiming what you’re entitled to, so you shouldn’t feel bad, but wow, that’s a lot of money! Life is expensive” was how a third felt about the situation.
Another user was stunned by how much their dad was getting from Universal Credit.
”I work full time and I don’t even take home that much of my salary and I have two children to support!
”The amount you receive is crazy!”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
