A WOMAN has hit back at people who are “nasty” about those who are on Universal Credit, saying that she “used to be embarrassed” but now “doesn’t care.”
Sar, 26, had seen a video of another mum talking about being on the government’s benefit scheme which had received “vile comments.”
Taking to her @sarvalerie account, Sar shared: “I think the comments are vile. I’ve just been sat reading them and it’s like, I’m actually got a hot flush.
“Like I’m actually really annoyed.
“One of the comments is really annoying that I’ve seen a lot of is ‘why are you getting Universal Credit when you work?’ or ‘don’t you have a job?’ or ‘why you’re getting Universal Credit if your partner works?’
“First of all, it is none of your business.
“I know people like to say oh, you’re just lazy and you don’t work on my taxes, pay for your life and I have to go to work to fund you.
“That is not how it works.”
Sar shared that she does know there are some people who take advantage of the benefits system, but insisted she qualifies with a job.
She added: “I’m on Universal Credit. I have a job. My partner has a job.
“I don’t work a huge amount at the moment. I work two days a week.
“I wish I could work more but at the moment I can’t, I’ve got a toddler to look after.
“I am 30 weeks pregnant and I’ve also got a chronic illness which is hard to deal with and also makes pregnancy look a lot harder.”
Those on low incomes can claim the government’s benefit scheme, Universal Credit, with the cash being paid monthly and being designed to help with your living costs.
It’s paid to people out of work, and it also helps to top up your income if you’re employed.
Sar hit back at the “stigma” she has experienced surrounding Universal Credit and said: “[it] really winds me up because people are so nasty about it.
Everything you need to know about Universal Credit
- What is Universal Credit? Everything you need to know including how to apply
- Universal Credit calculator: How much can I claim and how do I apply?
- Universal Credit login: How do I sign in to my online account?
- How much can I earn before Universal Credit is reduced and do I get a work allowance?
- What is a Universal Credit advance payment? How to apply and pay it back
- Are Universal Credit payments going up and how much more will I get?
- 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 budgeting advance and how much could I get?
- What is the Universal Credit housing element and how much of your rent does it pay?
“And mostly people don’t understand it at all. I’m not gonna lie.
“When I first started claiming Universal Credit, I was actually embarrassed like I was embarrassed about it.
“And you should not be embarrassed about it but I was because it’s because of the whole stigma behind it and that is how people make you feel.
“And it is so wrong.”
Who is eligible for Universal Credit?
Whether you are eligible will depend on your specific circumstances.
You may be eligible if you meet all of the following criteria:
- you’re on a low income or out of work
- you’re 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)
- you’re under State Pension age (or your partner is)
- you and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings between you
- you live in the UK
Your partner’s income and savings will be taken into account, even if they are not eligible for Universal Credit.
There are other factors that might make you eligible for a claim, for instance, if you care for a disabled person, you’re in further education or you’ve recently had a child.
You can read the full eligibility criteria on the government’s website.
She added: “I don’t understand why people get so angry about it because you can apply for Universal Credit.
“And if you see a government say yes, you can have it.
“I don’t see what the issue is and why people getting so angry like it’s not my fault I qualify for it.”
Sar concluded: “Basically, people need to be kind.
“Don’t jump to conclusions, and just be kind. It’s not hard.”
Many people were quick to defend her, with one saying: “I work and still receive universal credit to pay my rent as I’m part time 16 hours! With a baby!!
“It’s horrible what people think about it.”
A second wrote: “my husband works and I currently stay at home with our daughter and I receive UC, we wouldn’t be able to afford childcare if I went to work.”
How much Universal Credit can I get?
Universal Credit payments are made up of a standard allowance and then various additional payments that depend on your circumstances.
Everyone who is accepted on Universal Credit will be entitled to a Standard Allowance:
- Single and aged under 25: £292.11 per month
- Single and aged 25 or over: £368.74 per month
- Joint claimants both aged under 25: £458.51 per month
- Joint claimants where one is aged 25 or over: £578.82 per month
You may get additional payments, for instance, if you:
- have children
- have a disability or health condition which prevents you from working
- need help paying your rent