"The Universal Credit monthly cycle of torture:
Relief - when you check your statement and know how much you're getting in however many days.
Joy (tinged with shame at being so happy for something you know won't last long enough, but one good day is better than none right) when you get paid.
Anxiety - over paying bills, making it stench, is it enough for this, can I manage to get the kids that, I need to save, I can't, did I pay everything, have we got enough food, what about this, what about that.
Stress - when it inevitably runs out, no matter how careful you are, maybe one week, maybe two, maybe three, but eventually they'll be £0 in the bank and days to count til the next payday.
Fear - what if I've done something wrong, what if I've not done enough, what if I'm sanctioned, what if they take extra debts out, what if there's an emergency. What if they don't pay me next month.
Shame - for being in this position, for being unable to make the money stretch, everyone else seems to manage why can't I (when deep in shame its easy to remember others probably think you're managing while they're hiding that they're not), am I a bad person/parent (common thought when the poor are often blamed for being poor, unjustly I might add)...
Read on ☛