I'm a qualified nurse, but I can't afford to work full-time

MUM IN TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION NOT ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE UNIVERSAL CREDIT

- By ETHAN DAVIES

ALL Nadine Rich wants to do is work.

A qualified NHS district nurse from Peel Hall in Wythenshawe, she has a three-year-old daughter, Nevaeh, to look after and raise.

Nadine’s task is even more difficult as she doesn’t have a home. After her relationship broke down last April, she was made homeless. Nadine says she can’t rent privately due to past circumstances, so her only option is to find a council house.

While she’s on the waiting list for a council house, she lives in temporary accommodation in Abbey Hey.

It’s 11 miles away from her family, friends, workplace and Nevaeh’s school.

Her temporary flat has ‘rodents’ requiring multiple visits from pest control, which has set her back £600 in all. There’s also mould which has needed treatment, and Manchester council has undertaken repairs.

Nadine doesn’t want to be in Abbey Hey. She doesn’t want to be homeless. She wants to lift herself, and her daughter, out of the 14-month-long plight they've faced - but a DWP rule is preventing her, she says.

As a single parent, Nadine is entitled to some universal credit payments to help top-up her income to help with essential costs, like paying rent. She said that would be a £378-per-month boost if she got it.