A MUM has hit out at the government for not making Christmas easier for families on Universal Credit.
The woman, who goes by Chan online, took to social media ranting about the number of things she had to do just two days before Christmas.
In the clip, she said: “Who does UC not pay is a week early over Christmas?
“Bet they don’t have to run around a day or two before Christmas Day.”
The mum then showed off the pile of presents she had ready for her child this Christmas, some in bin bags and others on top of her wardrobe so that her daughter didn’t sneak a peek.
But now, the mum said she was left ‘running around like a headless chicken’ in the lead up to Christmas.
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She added: “How the hell am I going to wrap all these presents?
“There’s stuff in there, there’s stuff in that bag, stuff in there, stuff up there, stuff in there and all that.
“How the hell am I meant to wrap that by Christmas Eve night?”
She urged the government to give Universal Credit payments earlier over Christmas so those who need the financial help can prepare for the big day.
Under DWP rules, if your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday, you’ll usually be paid on the last working day before.
If you normally get paid on the 25th or 26th, then you will likely receive your benefits on December 24th.
This is because Christmas Day and Boxing Day are both bank holidays.
Meanwhile, if you are due to receive any DWP payments on January 1 – which is also a bank holiday – you should expect to be paid on December 31.
The mum didn’t reveal when she got her payment but revealed she was struggling to fit in the time to prep for Christmas.
The video soon went viral on her TikTok account @chan17786 with over 181k views and 1,400 likes.
People were left divided in the comments, with some saying UC shouldn’t be used for gifts and others saying every kid deserves a treat at Christmas.
One person wrote: “Imagine having bags and bags of stuff for Christmas and complaining about wrapping it…AND YOU DIDN’T PAY FOR A DAMN THING!!!”
Am I entitled to Universal Credit?
According to the GOV website, if you’re on a low income or need help with your living costs, then you could be entitled to Universal Credit.
To claim, you must live in the UK, be aged 18 or over (with some exceptions if you’re 15 to 17), be under State Pension age, and have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments.
Other circumstances are if you are out of work, or unable to work, for example because of a health condition.
“How did I not pay for a damn thing, you’re the one assuming I don’t work on top? I could be volunteering for all you know or a carer,” Chan replied.
Another commented: “If we didn’t laugh we’d cry. Looks like she’s bought more than me. I hope she’s grateful.”
“Hard life getting money for nothing while some of us who work full time and rent privately, can’t afford to even buy presents,” penned a third.
Meanwhile, many took to the comments to support the mum, a fourth said: “These comments! UC supports people who work also. Don’t assume those claiming UC are out of work and sponging off the state.”
“I don’t always agree with UC, but UC generally goes back into the system. She’s bought the presents, paid VAT etc etc… It’s gone straight back into UK businesses. I resent it when the money is sent abroad,” claimed a fifth.
Someone else added: “The lack of compassion in the comments is mad. People forget that a lot of people who claim benefits or use food banks are actually employed.
“Regardless, children from low income families deserve to open presents on Christmas Day and enjoy the holidays like any other child.”
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