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I’m Called A ‘scrounger’ For Not Looking For Work While On Universal Credit – But I’ll Be Worse Off With Job
SINGLE mum-of-three Chelsea Lealand admits she is not looking for work — as she would have less money than she gets on benefits.
The 28-year-old former hairdresser lives in a three-bed council house in Nottingham with her three children aged nine, six and 12 months.
Paul TongeChelsea Lealand admits she is not looking for work — as she would have less money than she gets on benefits[/caption]Chelsea, on Universal Credit for two years, said: “It doesn’t make me workshy or lazy — it’s a simple maths equation.
“I know some people will label me lazy or a scrounger.
“I am not. If I work, I will be worse off.”
Chelsea said her hairdressing business struggled in the cost-of-living crisis.
She added: “Some days I was bringing home just £8 after taxes, National Insurance contributions and costs.”
She now receives £1,673.82 including housing benefit of £451.12, a standard allowance of £393.45, the child element of Universal Credit of £621.25 and child benefit of £208 a month.
She pays £480 a month for her home, with no council tax.
She explained: “There is no way I could make almost £1,700 net a month.
“The jobs are not there. I am not broken, the system is.”
