A VICTIM of domestic abuse was left unable to feed her three-year-old after DWP denied an essential Universal Credit payment she was entitled to – and then forced her to pay back the cost of living in a refuge.
Amanda – not her real name – fled an abusive relationship in January 2022 and sought emergency accommodation in a refuge with her young child.
At the time the 38-year-old was not receiving any benefits and worked full-time earning £1,500 a month – but after leaving her ex Amanda became solely responsible for her child’s £1,100 nursery fees, leaving them with just £400 for the month.
As she did not receive any Universal Credit at the time, her local council in North Tyneside gave Amanda emergency housing benefits to cover the £820 rent for her room at the refuge.
This was paid directly to the refuge by the council.