Originally written by Tasha, working mum of four and receipient of Universal Credit.
I am a proud mum of four. Our family is made up of my partner, two boys and two girls - all aged between one and 13.
Universal Credit Increase: A Lifeline for Working Families
The Universal Credit increase has given us an extra £20 a week, £80 a month and £1,000 a year. This might not sound like a lot to some people, but trust me: it has been vital for our family. It has allowed us to get our son to school, which has been especially helpful given it’s 8 miles away. This usually costs us around £40 a week.
I've heard the argument that we need to get people off the £20 increase and into work, but I've always worked and have done so from the moment I left school. I've worked as a nurse and a weight watcher’s coach; I even worked when I was a single mother studying to become a nurse.
My partner also works full time on a building site - yet despite our hard work, we're still struggling to stay afloat. That’s why the £20 increase to universal credit has been so vital. In fact, most people I know receiving the universal credit increase are working.
What Happens if We Lose the Lifeline?
What really worries me is so many working families, like mine, are about to lose this lifeline and the messaging from the Government has been muddled. They let me know that my last payment would be in a months’ time; I was so disappointed to learn about a significant cut in my support so late in the day.
We will face tough choices this winter as we might have to skip meals, so our kids are fed. We also face the double whammy of higher heating costs because of the cold weather.
Too many families like mine have relied on the lifeline. We need our elected officials to support us, as losing the £20 a week top-up will have such a big impact for our families.
Fight to Keep the Lifeline
If you're about to be £1000 worse off a year like me, or you know someone who will be, write to your MP and fight to keep the universal credit lifeline.
I have written to my MP. We need them to know that taking this money overnight will not stand.
