How do people live off £317.72 Universal Credit?

K80_Black

poppy12345 wrote: »

Then you must be freezing. Sorry but what ever it costs to keep warm, i'll pay it because i can't be cold. My health is 100 times worse when i'm cold.

Nope, if I'm cold I put the heating on. I picked a well insulated flat that's small and costs a pittance to heat. I wear a jumper and have a blanket.

lisyloo

I sympathise with anyone struggling to make ends meet.


Do the governement really believe people can live on these amounts?
Are they trying to make it punitive?

or is there an assumption that people should rely partially on their own resources/family/friends?

Neil_Jones

lisyloo wrote: »

I sympathise with anyone struggling to make ends meet.


Do the governement really believe people can live on these amounts?
Are they trying to make it punitive?

or is there an assumption that people should rely partially on their own resources/family/friends?

The point of the benefits system is and always has been a safety net for those who need it. As to "people should rely partially on their own resources", that's why the amounts you are entitled to taper off after £6k of savings to a point where over £16k you get nothing.

Of course those figures haven't changed for many years either. £6k isn't the large pot of money it used to be as inflation has reduced its value.

lisyloo

Neil_Jones wrote: »

The point of the benefits system is and always has been a safety net for those who need it..

So are you saying it's adequate amounts and working well in the main?

sammyjammy

poppy12345 wrote: »

Let me know your secret, my gas alone is more per month!

Ahh you're back!


I'm just really frugal, its only me at home so if I get cold I just add layers, heating is never on timer just put it on for an hour or so in winter if needed, try not to work from home etc. That includes my water bill as well!!!


It doesn't include phone/broadband - I just use my mobile.

allison445

£31 a week would be an increase of £7 for me
My weekly budget after paying bills leaves me with £24 to feed and cloth myself and an 8 year old.
Will be harder from August as the free school meals for up to primary 4 will end and even a cheap packed lunch will cost ££
My utilities are Just under £45 a month that's for gas electricity broadband and phone line
Summer for us will be cheap trips or freebies but lots of fun
Been living on a wing and a prayer these last few years but I am proud of the fact I have managed.
There is nothing more satisfying than ending the month with a few quid left over :T

poppy12345

sammyjammy wrote: »

Ahh you're back!


I'm just really frugal, its only me at home so if I get cold I just add layers, heating is never on timer just put it on for an hour or so in winter if needed, try not to work from home etc. That includes my water bill as well!!!


It doesn't include phone/broadband - I just use my mobile.

Yes, finally lol.


Ah you work, that does help keep the bills lower. For me, i tried adding layers but i'm still cold so in the winter my heating is on more than 12 hours a day, if it's very cold and living up North that's most days that time of year lol.


Thankfully, i claim PIP so that helps with the extra cost.

K80_Black

I did the maths.

You'd have to run a high pressured shower on the most expensive energy tarrif for just over 26 minutes a day to spend £20 a month on gas.

I mean. I just don't see how I can be spending less than a fiver a month, and others claiming over £20. Something just isn't right.

allison445

K80_Black wrote: »

I did the maths.

You'd have to run a high pressured shower on the most expensive energy tarrif for just over 26 minutes a day to spend £20 a month on gas.

I mean. I just don't see how I can be spending less than a fiver a month, and others claiming over £20. Something just isn't right.

Cost depends on many different factors like size of property type of boiler and how energy efficient it is also how many other people live with you
Last month my gas was £6 but over the winter its more.
I live in a large single glazed Victorian property if I'm cold I put a jumper on its cheaper lol.

K80_Black

allison445 wrote: »

Cost depends on many different factors like size of property type of boiler and how energy efficient it is also how many other people live with you
Last month my gas was £6 but over the winter its more.
I live in a large single glazed Victorian property if I'm cold I put a jumper on its cheaper lol.

Since we're talking about single people on benefits, I'm assuming it's a single person, living in a one bed flat. Of course you'll spend more for multiple people in a house.