The Benefits Labyrinth: Tracy Finds Her Way Through

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When Tracy moved from Working Tax Credits to Universal Credit, nothing about her circumstances changed – she was still a single mum working as a support worker on national living wage. Yet suddenly, she found herself without access to free prescriptions, dental care and glasses that she'd previously relied on. "I had emergency dental treatment more or less as soon as I migrated over to universal credit... and I had to pay for it."

Tracy's story reveals the hidden complexities in our welfare system that can leave working families in precarious positions. Despite working in the same care role for 20 years, she struggles with an income that fluctuates month to month based on sleep shifts, childcare challenges, and a Universal Credit system that penalizes her for earning extra one month by reducing her benefits the next.

What stands out in Tracy's experience is her resilience and resourcefulness. The Bread and Butter Thing has become more than just a source of affordable food – it's a weekly highlight where she connects with volunteers and neighbors while getting creative with whatever comes in her food bag. From making Irish champ with excess spring onions to sharing surplus items with her community, Tracy ensures nothing goes to waste while building supportive networks around her.

Her journey through severe OCD alongside financial challenges highlights how mental health and economic hardship often intertwine, impacting work capacity and daily functioning. Yet through it all, Tracy maintains perspective: "I suppose I still feel really grateful that I am getting at least something, because a lot of people don't."

Want to join a community that's making food more affordable while creating connections that matter? Find your nearest Bread and Butter Thing hub on our website and become part of something that's more than just food shopping – it's a catalyst for change in communities across the UK.