MSE News: Fears raised over digital benefits system

littlerat

I don't see the problem as the average 25 year old single Mum - I'd assume the problem will largely be the middle aged and elderly.

I have to admit, everyone under 50 I know has internet in some form.

ThumbRemote

challfour wrote: »

Which is presumably the answer as to why our MP has made it public in the local paper that he will not entertain any questions that relate to benefit entitlement - he has signposted people to the CAB instead.

Quite honestly I don't blame him. He isn't there to sort out Aunty May's Attendance Allowance claim or indeed Uncle George's problem with Motability taking back his pride and joy!

The MP is there to represent their consituents. That includes dealing with Aunty May's and Uncle George's benefits.

While pointing them to better surces of advice is sensible, a flat refusal to deal with certain issues is just ignoring his responsibilities.

PhGage

grandma247 wrote: »

And how far will people be expected to travel for face to face help?

UK Online has a map that shows where you can find computers, internet connections and free/low-cost training.

sniggings

challfour wrote: »

Why won't it work?

I complete my annual tax return on line as well as pay my tax every January on line.

I doubt that the system will now allow the same thing that happened with Tax Credits.

People have to move with the times. I get all of my income monthly and don't have a problem - you just budget differently.

did you read the post you quoted?

it is talking about the risk of fraud being the reason why it won't work, you then go on to give examples of YOU paying the government your taxes, and also say you doubt they will ALLOW the same thing that happened with tax credits, I didn't realise they allowed the fraud to take place!

Making a wage last a month and a benefit of £280 is not the same thing.

The reason given for the change is to make work look more attractive! so this move is clearly only there as a punishment, they know people will have problems making a benefit last a month.

Charityworker

monkeytrumpet wrote: »

Most of the single mums around here seem to have iPhones and laptops anyway so can't see this being a problem.

That has got to be the most petty,ignorant, pathetic, nasty thing I've ever read on here. I bet your such a perfect person!

MissPiggy50

Charityworker wrote: »

That has got to be the most petty,ignorant, pathetic, nasty thing I've ever read on here. I bet your such a perfect person!

Do you mind, Im a a single mum and have a iphone and can use it for the interweb!!:mad:

Vincent_Buenisedes

challfour wrote: »

Why won't it work?

I complete my annual tax return on line as well as pay my tax every January on line.

I doubt that the system will now allow the same thing that happened with Tax Credits.

People have to move with the times. I get all of my income monthly and don't have a problem - you just budget differently.

Universal Credit is designed for 'Real-time' usage, i.e, constant inputs from employers every month to determine the appropriate amount of credit to be awarded. I just don't have much faith in the government managing to pull off an integrated IT system as the one for UC without any problems and really worry about the damage it can do to the most vulnerable people in the country.

Vincent_Buenisedes

PhGage wrote: »

UK Online has a map that shows where you can find computers, internet connections and free/low-cost training.

That map is completely wrong about services in my area. Of the two places that it shows to be offering internet access, on was closed a few years back and the premises turned into tacky flats, and the other is the Jobcentreplus.

sniggings

challfour wrote: »

I was pointing out how the on line systems have improved over time. So much so that it can be trusted for all manner of things including paying your tax.

If that is the case, how then do they expect to manage budgeting when earning a monthly salary?

managing to make a wage last a month is a lot different to making a benefit last a month.

I get £240 a month (without HB) no other income, all bills, water etc need to come out of that, I know I need to keep it or I will have nothing left but it is hardly enough to last the month if I were to use it 100% correctly, atm getting it every two weeks leaves me with no money for 2-3 days at the end of the 2 weeks, getting the money monthly will leave me with no money for a full week.

The reason the government has given for the change is because it will make people see working is the better option, this rubbish about helping us understand how to budget is a load of rubbish, as the government don't give a toss if a working person can budget and it also assumes that everyone on JSA is thick and has never held a job.

mazza111

littlerat wrote: »

I don't see the problem as the average 25 year old single Mum - I'd assume the problem will largely be the middle aged and elderly.

I have to admit, everyone under 50 I know has internet in some form.

I agree the elderly will be the main ones to suffer through this. Sorry, not having a go at the silver surfers out there, I know there are plenty of you, but mention internet to my old mam, and you'll get an earful about it being full of pervs and evil beings :rotfl:

My 50 yr old sister can't work a pc btw. I tried to teach her a couple of years ago, then her marriage broke up and she didn't have a pc for a while, she's now bought a wee netbook, it's still not been turned on for waiting for a day we both have free to give her some lessons again.

I remember giving my old dad our old pc, and the only thing he managed to do was play Who wants to be a Millionaire and solitaire :rotfl: But that was back in the days of 56k modem and think if he hadn't been worrying about the phone bill he may have got on a bit better with it.


It's not for everyone. As for the comment "Do it for them!" Have u tried doing anything for a very independent elderly person?