Earning £1,568 per month, I still struggle to make ends meet and have to rely on benefits which are also insufficient.

My life is a constant battle that often keeps me awake at night. I work full-time in the finance industry, and while I earn more than minimum wage, I should be able to live comfortably within my means. However, the harsh reality is that a full-time wage is no longer enough to cover my current living expenses.

Since the pandemic began, my gas and electric bills have tripled and are expected to increase again. On top of that, my rent has gone up, and I've received notices that my council tax, broadband, mobile, and water bills will also be increasing. To add to my financial burden, I am still paying off a car loan that I took out years ago. It's a never-ending struggle that often keeps me up at night.

My financial difficulties started about 18 months ago when I had no savings left after being on furlough in 2020. At the time, I was only working part-time, and it was a challenging time for me. When the prices of gas, electricity, and general living costs skyrocketed, I had to tighten my belt and make do with what I had.

Desperate for a solution, I called the Universal Credit team to inquire about training courses that could help me advance in my career. To my disappointment, they only offered a basic level math course, which was less than what I had learned in high school. I couldn't understand why other areas had management courses available, but not mine. It was baffling.

Eight months ago, I thought my financial struggles would come to an end when I accepted a full-time job with great potential for advancement. However, transitioning to full-time work only put me further into a financial deficit. One of my major expenses became childcare, which had to be paid a month in advance. But when I asked for an advance from Universal Credit, I was told I wasn't eligible because I was working.

Despite paying taxes and working hard, I have been rejected from multiple rental properties because I receive Universal Credit. It's frustrating and adds to the stigma around receiving benefits. To make matters worse, when I first started my full-time job, the Jobcentre kept scheduling appointments for me to attend. It was humiliating to have to ask for a day off just to go to the appointment, which usually lasted only 30 seconds. They simply wanted to know why my previous wage was lower, something I had already written in my digital journal. And if I didn't attend, I was threatened with having my Universal Credit stopped.

I am doing everything I can to improve my situation, but it feels like I am stuck in an endless cycle. I earn around £1,568 per month after taxes, but I am still considered a 'low-income, single person household' and need to be topped up by Universal Credit. I also receive £300 per month and £24 per week in Child Benefit. But there is a huge stigma around receiving benefits, and I would feel too embarrassed to admit the truth to my colleagues and boss.

On days when I work from home, I have to stay cold because I can't afford to turn on the heating. I only do it when my child is with me, and it breaks my heart to have to make such choices. I am constantly juggling and setting up payment plans, but it leaves me with barely any money to buy groceries. I often rely on credit cards to buy food, which is not a sustainable solution. It's frustrating, and I often end up crying in frustration because I feel like nothing I do is ever good enough.

But then, Changing Realities came into my life. I discovered this charity through my son's school, which sent out a letter with information about it at a time when I was actively seeking support. I learned that they facilitate monthly meetings where I can speak to other people in similar situations, and it has been a tremendous help. It's reassuring to know that I am not alone in my struggles.

However, what we need is real, long-term change. With a general election anticipated this year, I hope to see some steps being taken. Personally, I believe that universal free school meals should be provided to all children, regardless of whether their parents are working or not. I also think that there should be a change in how Universal Credit handles childcare funding. It should be paid directly to the childcare provider, making it easier for parents like me to manage our expenses and provide for our children.

If these measures were in place, life would be so much easier for parents like me. It would provide peace of mind to know that we could afford childcare and guarantee our children at least one hot meal a day. Until then, my only hope is to get promoted in my job to earn more.

I am determined to work and develop myself, but no one should have to struggle the way I am at the moment. I feel trapped in an endless cycle, and I don't see an end in sight. I am a single parent doing everything I can, but it's a constant battle.

Some days, I work from home and stay cold because I can't afford to turn on the heating. It's a sacrifice I make to save money. I am constantly juggling my expenses and setting up payment plans, but it's a never-ending cycle. I am left with barely any money to buy groceries, and I often end up relying on credit cards, which is not a sustainable solution.

But then, Changing Realities came into my life. I learned about this charity through my son's school, which sent out a letter with information about it at a time when I was actively seeking support. Through their monthly meetings, I have been able to speak to other people in similar situations, and it has been a tremendous help. It's reassuring to know that I am not alone in my struggles.

However, what we need is real, long-term change. With a general election anticipated this year, I hope to see some steps being taken. Personally, I believe that universal free school meals should be provided to all children, regardless of whether their parents are working or not. I also think that there should be a change in how Universal Credit handles childcare funding. It should be paid directly to the childcare provider, making it easier for parents like me to manage our expenses and provide for our children.

If these measures were in place, life would be so much easier for parents like me. It would provide peace of mind to know that we could afford childcare and guarantee our children at least one hot meal a day. Until then, my only hope is to get promoted in my job to earn more.

I am determined to work and develop myself, but no one should have to struggle the way I am at the moment. I feel trapped in an endless cycle, and I don't see an end in sight. I am a single parent doing everything I can, but it's a constant battle. On days when I work from home, I stay cold because I can't afford to turn on the heating. I am constantly juggling my expenses and setting up payment plans, but it's a never-ending cycle. I am left with barely any money to buy groceries, and I often end up relying on credit cards, which is not a sustainable solution.

Despite my efforts to improve my situation, things don't seem to be getting better. I am still struggling, and it's disheartening. But then, I found hope in Changing Realities. Through this project, I have been working with over 100 parents and carers across the UK and the University of York to document life on a low-income and push for change.

If you have a story to share, I encourage you to get in touch. Let's share our voices and bring attention to these issues. Together, we can make a change for the better.

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