Bessie J

I am still receiving legacy benefits.

I knew that a change of circumstances can mean a move onto Universal Credit.

I was not aware until this week that there would be less income for same claim on UC.

I was offered an affordable flat to rent by a housing association.

I went through a screening process to see if i was eligible.

The advisor on the phone explained about UC rules and a drop in income. Anxiety and confusion ran they mind. I did a benefit check on an online calculator.

The outcome said we would be £322 a month worse off claiming UC.

How can this be and why?

I Googled but couldn't find an answer to justify it.

I was under pressure to make a decision quickly to the housing advisor. I explained our position of our dog being put down but she was abrupt and business mannered, I had a full 24 hours to make my mind up. If I refused the flat, I am blacklisted from applying for any other homes offered. If I agreed, I would lose a huge chunk of benefit income by moving onto UC.

I broke down in tears and refused.

I have an autistic teenage daughter and no support. I wasn't in the right frame of mind.

We are stuck in a private rent home over the benefit cap which I need to pay out of benefits. To move would not mean we be "better off" as income would be reduced on UC.

I'm too exhausted to get angry just now.