Diary entries cover a variety of topics, some of which you may find triggering. These topics include self-harm, suicide and domestic violence.

2 Jun 2023

Q&A

Bessie J

How does the benefit system handle changes of circumstance?

I am still receiving legacy benefits.

A change in circumstances of moving to another area will mean I will cross over to Universal Credit.

I used an online benefit calculator which resulted in a drop of £332 per month of income if I made the change, however if I waited until the DWP make the change over to UC, then the amount of income would not change.

I am angry and confused why this is. There wouldn't be any more income coming into the household.

It is affecting my mental health. Anxiety of dropping income as struggling as it is as alone parent.

It prompted me to decide not to make the move. I feel trapped and controlled by the Government of choices I want to make that would improve our quality of life.

Benefits Benefit Migration Benefit loss Benefits Anger Impacts on health Anxiety Single parenting Dealing with DWP Let down by the government

Cite this entry

Use Bessie J's words in your own research or editorial

Changing Realities (2023), Bessie J. https://changingrealities.org/e/jLnbh (02 Jun 2023)

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