TikTok Mom Challenges Benefit Stereotypes: A Working Mother's Fight for Financial Independence

In a candid TikTok video, Liv Poole, a mother from the UK, opens up about the struggles of balancing motherhood, self-employment, and reliance on Universal Credit. Poole, who uses the handle livcolettepoole, describes the harsh comments she receives from people who misunderstand her situation. "The people who comment the hate don’t seem to realise they’re actually pushing my account and helping me earn more," she says. Poole clarifies that she and her partner both work and receive Universal Credit as a top-up to their income, a common practice for families facing childcare costs and fluctuating income. She's using TikTok to build a sustainable income to support her family and hopes to eventually stop relying on benefits. Poole's video highlights the complexities of the UK benefits system and the challenges faced by many working families. It also demonstrates how social media can be a powerful tool for income generation, even amidst criticism and misunderstanding.