Clifton mum-of-four Nancy Murphy says she was left with an anxious wait in the run-up to Christmas, and with no gas or electricity, after a monthly Universal Credit payment was delayed. She explained she was due her latest instalment of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit - worth £1,275 - on December 18.
But 39-year-old Ms Murphy explained an issue arose after she added her partner, Nawaz Ansari, to her claim on November 29. The couple share a home and Ms Murphy told the DWP they were living together.
But she claims her payments were placed on hold for a number of weeks whilst the Government department decided if Nawaz was eligible for any benefits himself.
Read more: Key step made over redevelopment of former Broadmarsh shopping centre
Since Ms Murphy contacted Nottinghamshire Live about the issue, her latest payment has been made. But before the money was paid into her account, she said the wait for the payment was having a "big impact" on her family. She said: "I can't use my car, I can't take my kids to school, I've got no gas, no electric and no food."
Nawaz has lived in the UK for a number of years but his Visa ran out, meaning he has been working to resolve the situation. "Obviously he can't get any money because of his status, so we knew that he couldn't get anything anyway but we had to wait for the decision makers to make the decision," Ms Murphy had said.
Ms Murphy said communication from the DWP could have been better, and she said she fell behind on bills because the delays. She was left worried about the impact this could have on the family's Christmas.
She said: "It is really tough. I don't normally complain and I don't normally moan about anything. I don't care about my money but when they are holding up the children's money, as it's all gone into Universal Credit when it used to be Tax Credit, it's ridiculous."
A spokesperson from the DWP said: "Ms Murphy has now been paid all outstanding elements of her Universal Credit claim. It was necessary for Ms Murphy’s partner to complete a habitual residence test to join that claim and there were delays as part of that process. "We apologise for the inconvenience and distress caused.” Ms Murphy has confirmed that she has received the payments.
Read Next:
Martin Lewis's 12-day warning as another energy bill hike on the cards - for January
Parents' message after child diagnosed with 'devastating' disease
School's response to claim autistic son left site after 'meltdown'
Bosses at 'gridlocked' Nottingham hospitals 'very worried' about strikes
Police investigating men 'taking penny wishes' from Victoria Centre fountain
