🔒 Keep private information private

This is the big one. Please never share personal details, whether yours or anyone else's. That includes:

Full names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses

National Insurance numbers, claim reference numbers and bank details

Dates of birth and anything on your DWP or council letters that could identify you

Photos or screenshots of letters, forms or decisions (please blank out personal details first)

If you'd like to talk through your own situation, share the story, not the details. You can say "I've been moved to Universal Credit and my payment looks wrong" without including anything that identifies you.

Please don't share other people's information either, even if you're trying to help. And please take care with what you post publicly. Anyone can read it, so if in doubt, leave it out.

🤝 Treat everyone with respect

Everyone here is going through something, and most of us are doing our best in tricky circumstances. So please:

Be kind. Disagree politely, and assume the best of others.

No judgement. There's no such thing as a silly question or a wrong reason for needing support.

No bullying, insults, hate speech or harassment. That includes discrimination of any kind.

No scams, spam or advertising. And please don't ask for money.

Respect people's stories. What someone shares here stays here.

If a conversation gets heated, take a breath and step away. If you see something that doesn't feel right, please use the report button or message the team.

💬 Share, but don't give formal advice

Our members love to share their experiences, and that's what makes this community so special. But everyone's circumstances are different, and rules change, so please remember that:

We're a community of peers, not professional advisers.

Always check official sources, such as GOV.UK, Citizens Advice or Turn2us, before making big decisions.

If you're struggling, a free benefits check or an adviser can make a real difference.

🌱 Help us grow!

ABC of UC is built by the community, for the community, and we'd love your help to make it even better. You could:

Welcome new members and answer questions if you can

Share what you've learned to help others, because your experience really does matter

Tell us what's missing, and suggest topics, guides or ideas

Spread the word to friends, family or anyone who might benefit

Volunteer if you'd like to help out. Just get in touch with the team!

Every post, reply and kind word helps someone feel less alone. 🫶

💛 Thank you

By being part of ABC of UC, you're helping to create a place where people feel safe, supported and respected. Thank you for being here.

If you're ever in difficulty or need urgent support, please contact a professional service. If you ever feel you're in crisis, please reach out to someone you trust or call Samaritans on 116 123, which is free to call, any time.

Use the area to test posts and find out how things work.

If you get stuck don't worry l,ll do my best to help you out.

So you can practice bold, italics, colour and the one l seem to use a lot.... deleting of posts to your hearts content. 😖 

I have climbed the walls and braved the trenches of ESA, DLA and PIPs.  I know the stress of the interview and the dreaded brown envelope.

This is a friendly, supportive space where people share experiences, ask questions and look out for each other. There's no pressure, but if you'd like to introduce yourself, we'd love to hear from you.

You could tell us:

• What brings you here, or what you're hoping to find
• Anything you're comfortable sharing about your situation, such as a benefit you're claiming, thinking of claiming or supporting someone with
• Something about you that has nothing to do with benefits, like a hobby, a favourite brew or your pet's name 🐾

A gentle reminder: please don't share personal details such as your full name, address, National Insurance number or claim reference numbers. A first name or username is plenty. Share as much or as little as you like. You don't need to explain yourself to anyone here.

New here and a bit nervous? That's completely normal! Lots of us felt the same way at first, and you'll find a warm welcome. You're very welcome to just have a look around, too. Say hello when you're ready.

Looking forward to meeting you. 🫶

auntiebiotics, forum owner

PS:

You will probably notice many allusions to The Lord of the Rings. That's because l am a huge fan of books and films, and entering a certain medical examination company doors reminds me of the Black gates of Mordor.