A WOMAN who was faced with living on just £16 "can finally eat" after money that she was owed was paid into her account.

Julie Harper, of First Avenue, St John's, had only £16 left from her Universal Credit after losing her job during the pandemic.

Miss Harper has since been paid £168 by the Department of Work and Pensions after a Worcester News article highlighting her situation.

READ MORE: Worcester woman says she is struggling on just £16 a month

She said: "I have had an awful time these last three weeks trying to rectify this situation. I honestly feel like I have been wasting away.

"Now I have been paid the money I can finally afford to eat and afford to feed my two dogs.

"It is just not possible to live on £16 a month so I am incredibly thankful that the situation has been resolved."

Miss Harper lives in a three-bedroom home, which she used to share with her three children.

But, since they have left home, she now faces a £116.18 monthly bedroom tax.

Miss Harper's rent for the property is £465.53, of which £349.15 is covered.

But, due to the two empty bedrooms, the remaining £116.38 rent is no longer covered every month.

Miss Harper receives an allowance of £334.91 - and used to receive a carer's allowance for her daughter. 

But, as she no longer cares for her, this money was deducted from her benefits and, once the contributions towards housing are taken, she was left with £16 a month to live on.

She became aware that she had been paid after checking her bank account yesterday (Tuesday, November 29).

Miss Harper said: "It was such a surprise, I opened my mobile banking app yesterday to find £168 had been paid in.

"All I could feed my dogs yesterday before I was paid was a piece of toast each which I felt awful about.

"I am slightly hesitant to spend the money as I am fearful this will happen again, but I am trying to remain positive and trust the system."

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In response to Miss Harper's financial sitatuon, the DWP previously confirmed that 

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “The removal of the spare room subsidy encourages mobility within the social rented sector, making better use of available social housing.

“Now that Ms Harper’s caring responsibilities have ended, her Universal Credit entitlement will increase.

“We recognise people are struggling with rising prices which is why we’re protecting millions of the most vulnerable households through our £37billion package of support, including at least £1,200 of direct payments and saving households an average of £900 on their energy bills this winter.”