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A Universal Credit (UC) claimant has shared their frustration after receiving a meager £244 per month, a sum that barely covers their essential living costs.
Financial Struggles and the Difficulty of Surviving on £244
The individual, currently homeless and residing in a hostel, expressed their shock at how insufficient this amount is to cover basic necessities like food, toiletries, and transportation to job interviews. They took to Reddit to seek advice and shared the challenges they were facing due to their reduced benefit amount.
In their post, they explained that despite being homeless, they do not incur any housing costs at the moment, as the hostel is not their permanent residence. However, the key issue lies with an old employer who still has them listed on payroll, leading to a significant reduction in their benefit payments.
They added, “I just don’t understand how £244 is supposed to even cover basic necessities and transport. If I am to be getting a job, I’ll need to travel to interviews. How can this possibly last a month?”
Employer Payroll Error Impacting UC Payment
The claimant later updated the post, revealing that an old employer had failed to remove them from payroll after they worked under a zero-hour contract in March of the previous year.
This oversight led the employer to claim that they had been paying the individual, resulting in a deduction of £91 from their Universal Credit payment.
They said, “I’ve reported this issue to UC and contacted HMRC to report the company’s mistake. I doubt they’ll sort it out before my next payment, but at least now I know.”
Advice from Reddit Users
Numerous Reddit users responded with sympathy and offered advice to help the claimant navigate their situation. One suggested reaching out to the work coach to inquire about help from the Flexible Support Fund (FSF), which could provide support for costs like travel to interviews.
Others offered practical advice, with one user suggesting that the claimant try to secure local interviews that they could walk to, while another recommended signing up with Citizens Advice and utilizing local food banks.
The Strain of Living on a Limited Budget
The claimant expressed their disbelief at how difficult it is to survive on such a tight budget. With £7.87 per day to cover everything, including toiletries, food, and transportation, many Reddit users empathized, acknowledging that the situation was incredibly challenging.
However, some tried to reassure the claimant, reminding them that this phase is only temporary, and once they secure a job, their financial situation should improve. “Once you’ve found a job, things will be on the up,” one user advised.
Work Coach Support and Budgeting Tips
In another comment, a user advised the claimant to discuss their situation with their work coach and request support through the flexible support fund for interview clothes and travel expenses. They also recommended creating a budget and exploring further support from food banks.
Living on just £244 per month on Universal Credit is proving to be an immense challenge for this claimant, particularly when they face additional hurdles such as an error from a former employer that reduces their benefit payments.
However, by reaching out to their work coach, using available resources like the Flexible Support Fund, and seeking support from charities and food banks, they may be able to alleviate some of the strain.
FAQs
What is Universal Credit and how is it calculated?
Universal Credit is a benefit payment designed to help people with low incomes or those who are unemployed. The amount a claimant receives is based on various factors, including income, living situation, and any deductions.
How can I get help with travel costs for job interviews on Universal Credit?
Claimants can speak to their work coach about accessing the Flexible Support Fund (FSF), which may cover travel costs to interviews.
How can I get extra support if I’m struggling on Universal Credit?
You can apply for additional help through the Flexible Support Fund, Citizens Advice, and local food banks, which offer assistance for basic needs such as food and toiletries.