I’m a mum-of-2 on UC & fed up with people calling me a scrounger – yes I’ve got a £1.5k pram, I can have nice things too
A MOTHER has revealed that she is on Universal Credit and is constantly accused of being a “scrounger”.
Sherene, a mum-of-two under three from the UK, explained that trolls also assume that she doesn’t have a job as a result of her claiming benefits.
But the content creator, who has amassed 30,900 followers on TikTok, was eager to clap back and silence the haters.
Posting on social media, whilst taking her little ones on a trip to Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock and getting Costa Coffee, Sherene said: “If you’re on Universal Credit, are you just not allowed to have nice things?
“The stereotype that if you are on Universal Credit you literally are a scrounger needs to end.
“I’ve literally worked my whole life, since the age of 16. And I’m still working now.”
Showing off her Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo Pushchair, which retails for £1,530, the influencer, who makes money through the video sharing platform’s Creator Fund, added: “The actual audacity of someone asking me why I have a Bugaboo.
“There is actually a thing called a dad.”
Sherene then explained: “I don’t know why everyone assumes if you’re on Universal Credit you’ve never had a job in your life, or you have no intentions of looking for a job in the future.
“No matter how much money I make off of TikTok, I will always find another income when my kids are in full-time education.
“I know there are people out there who will happily be on Universal Credit their whole life and feel no way about it, but I am not one of those people.”
Keen to thank the trolls who comment rude remarks on her clips, Sherene acknowledged: “In reality, the more you like, share, comment, re-post – it’s boosting my page and my views.
“I won’t be on Universal Credit for much longer anyway, so in reality you’re actually doing me a favour.
“And all the nasty and sarky comments really don’t bother me.
Everything you need to know about Universal Credit
- What is Universal Credit? Everything you need to know including how to apply
- Universal Credit calculator: How much can I claim and how do I apply?
- Universal Credit login: How do I sign in to my online account?
- How much can I earn before Universal Credit is reduced and do I get a work allowance?
- What is a Universal Credit advance payment? How to apply and pay it back
- Are Universal Credit payments going up and how much more will I get?
- How to claim Universal Credit if you’re self-employed
- How many hours can I work on Universal Credit and will my payment be reduced?
- What is a Universal Credit budgeting advance and how much could I get?
- What is the Universal Credit housing element and how much of your rent does it pay?
“It just goes to show how really small-minded some people can be.”
She later shared: “Appreciate all the love and hate.”
All the nasty and sarky comments really don’t bother me
Sherene
Social media users react
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @shercyrusx, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 61,300 views, 3,624 likes and 146 comments.
Social media users were stunned by Sherene’s video and many raced to the comments to share messages of love and support for the mother.
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.
One person said: “Let them talk! You’re an amazing mother and doing the absolute best for your girls.”
Another added: “You don’t have to defend yourself.”
You are allowed nice things after you have purchased essentials for the children. You go girl
TikTok user
A third commented: “This is so true, let’s normalise staying out of people’s business and minding your own.”
Whilst someone else wrote: “Let the haters hate girl, keep doing you.”
Not only this, but another penned: “You are allowed nice things after you have purchased essentials for the children. You go girl.”
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