Ilhan, a mother from London, has spoken out about the harsh realities of claiming Universal Credit, describing her experience as deeply humiliating and frustrating. The TikTok content creator shared a heartfelt account of dealing with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) while trying to find a job, revealing the emotional toll the process has taken on her.
In her video, Ilhan tearfully described the strict and sometimes degrading measures imposed by the DWP, including mandatory video calls instead of simple phone check-ins. “I’m literally sitting here holding back tears because of how angry I am. You know when you’re just so angry you want to cry? And it’s literally all because of Universal Credit,” she said.
She criticized the current government for being “stingy” with support payments, noting how the staff at the DWP often act as if they are personally responsible for the money. “It’s just such jobsworths but also just so unhelpful,” Ilhan explained. “I do need support and I’m due the support. I pay taxes, especially now that I work. But it’s just so infuriating.”
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Her post has sparked a mixed response online. Some viewers accused her of taking advantage of “free money” while others empathized with the degrading nature of the system. One commenter reflected on their own brief experience with Universal Credit, saying, “UC is degrading. Did it for 3 weeks and I was ready to just sleep on the street.”
Many stressed that being on Universal Credit is far from a luxury, with one person writing, “There are people who believe that being on UC is some sort of holiday, but that honestly couldn’t be further from the truth.” Another added, “If it was so comfortable to be on it, I’m assuming no one would get off and get a job.”
Ilhan’s story highlights the emotional strain and stigma faced by many who rely on government support, shedding light on the urgent need for a more compassionate and understanding approach.