A MUM-of-five who is on Universal Credit has hit back at trolls accusing her of “popping kids out” to get “lots of money” from the government.
Kelly Smyth, 31, receives around £1,500 a month before paying her rent, as she is affected by the benefit cap for those with more than two children.
The benefit cap means that parents with more than two children generally do not qualify for additional support through child tax credits or Universal Credit.
However, Kelly has taken to her TikTok page, @kelllouisee2, to respond to trolls who have called her “scum” and a “scrounger” for supposedly having children to claim money.
In one of her latest videos, Kelly, who is mum to children aged 11, 10, 6, 3, and almost 1, revealed she often hears comments like, “You shouldn’t have had children if you can’t afford to pay for them.”
She also shared that people frequently ask if her kids are “all yours” and assume she “makes lots and lots of money each month.”
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Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, Kelly explained that money is tight every month, but she ensures her children’s needs are always prioritised.
She often goes without so they can have a better life.
“I roughly get around £1,500 before I pay my rent because I’m hit by the benefit cap for having more than two children, so I have money taken off me,” she explains.
“It’s definitely tight every month, but I make sure I prioritise everything my children need, and I always ensure their needs are met first.
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“I usually go without so they have everything they need, and I often get help from my family.”
Kelly has also had to turn to food banks to make ends meet.
“Sometimes I have to use food banks, even though I find it embarrassing because of the stigma,” she admits.
“It honestly angers me that we’re in 2025 and people still have such harsh opinions about mums on Universal Credit.
“Everyone’s situation is different, and often people work and claim benefits as a top-up.
Hopefully, more people will seek help instead of struggling in silence due to embarrassment
Kelly Smyth
“People shouldn’t be so quick to jump on the bandwagon of shaming others.
“It makes me feel embarrassed to need help, even though, in an ideal world, I’d love to be able to go out to work.”
Kelly is now urging other mums in similar situations not to feel ashamed of their circumstances.
“No one should be made to feel ashamed for using a system that is there to help people,” says Kelly.
“We need to stop the stigma and taboo.
“Hopefully, more people will seek help instead of struggling in silence because of embarrassment..”
Many people have shared their support for Kelly in the comments section of her TikTok page.
One wrote: “You’re a mum, and that’s something to be proud of. Let them talk.”
A second added: “You’re a brilliant mummy, and they’re lucky to have you.”
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While a third said: “You’re an amazing mum!
“It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. You do what you need to do to get by and provide for them.”
What to do if you have problems claiming Universal Credit
IF you’re experiencing trouble applying for your Universal Credit, or the payments just don’t cover costs, here are your options:
- Apply for an advance – Claimants are able to get some cash within five days rather than waiting weeks for their first payment. But it’s a loan which means the repayments will be automatically deducted from your future Universal Credit payout.
- Alternative Payment Arrangements – If you’re falling behind on rent, you or your landlord may be able to apply for an APA which will get your payment sent directly to your landlord. You might also be able to change your payments to get them more frequently, or you can split the payments if you’re part of a couple.
- Budgeting Advance – You may be able to get help from the Government for emergency household costs of up to £348 if you’re single, £464 if you’re part of a couple or £812 if you have children. These are only in cases like your cooker breaking down or for help getting a job. You’ll have to repay the advance through your regular Universal Credit payments. You’ll still have to repay the loan, even if you stop claiming for Universal Credit.
- Cut your Council Tax – You might be able to get a discount on your Council Tax by applying for a Council Tax Reduction. Alternatively, you might be entitled to Discretionary Housing Payments to help cover your rent.
- Foodbanks – If you’re really hard up and struggling to buy food and toiletries, you can find your local foodbank who will provide you with help for free. You can find your nearest one on the Trussell Trust website.
