Money Moral Dilemma: Should my daughter claim Universal Credit?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

My daughter is 18, lives at home and is taking a gap year before starting university next September. She had a temporary part-time job that recently ended and is now job hunting. Technically, she could claim Universal Credit, but she doesn't think she should as she has some savings and few outgoings, and our family isn't short of money. I suggested she claim it and put it towards her university costs, but she feels that's not what Universal Credit is designed for. Should she claim it?

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Spoonie_Turtle

I don't see how morals come into it on this board, since - per the sticky thread - it's for helping people get what they're entitled to.

If she's eligible to claim there is no reason she shouldn't.  Simple.  What she uses the money for would be entirely up to her.

[She might however feel the hassle of appointments isn't worth it for what may to her be a relatively small amount of money, which would be a practicality rather than a moral consideration.]

born_again

If she can claim it, then claim it.

But if she does not want to, then that is her own choice. As ever people need to respect another decision. 👍

HillStreetBlues

I do wish the staff would actually stop and think about posting MMD in this forum, as clearly it totally ignores the sticky and this forum rules.

The crux of the question is should someone with some savings claim the benefit they are entitled too.  It's a question that totally insults everyone on this forum that gives their advice freely, as it goes against everything they do, It's about claiming what a person is entitled too without judgement, nothing else.

TELLIT01

She either has an entitlement or she doesn't.  If she does there is absolutely no reason not to claim.

Rd1994

If she is eligible and wants to then she should. I would assume anyone else eligible will be claiming. 

CapeTown

Why should I as a taxpayer support your daughter.  You have the funds. UC was intended to help working families get better off. Tell her to do voluntary work or get a TEFL qualification.  Yes morals come into this . Every pound she claims costs someone else

gilesco

Stop supporting her. Tell her to move out, they'll soon change their tune.
When my apron ties were cut I went out into the world, now I find that whatever I do I will never be eligible to any state benefit - far too much saved by. That's where you want her to be. 

alggomas

She has better morals than her family!
For poor people who are struggling.

2702

If she is entitled to it she should. That is if she can be bothered with the hassle. This is not a moral decision we do not make the rules.

RachyBabes1983

She should claim to ensure her national insurance contributions are paid. Universal credit is for people who are out of work as well as in work & those who have savings of less than £16,000. They can also help people look for work or go on further training courses. I would encourage her to apply & let Universal Credit determine her eligibility.