A Universal Credit claimant has sparked controversy after asking strangers on the internet for financial help, claiming she 'barely gets by'. Rhiannon, a TikTok content creator who earns money through the platform's Creator Fund, went viral with a video detailing her struggles.
Safety concerns for her child
In the video, Rhiannon explained: 'Please stay for this whole minute video, as I'm trying to make money through the Creator Fund to basically safety-proof my whole flat. Because I have a three-year-old, and she's a climber and she's very accident-prone, and I'm gonna show you the things that I need to buy for my flat.' She concluded by thanking viewers who watched the entire video.
Viewers react negatively
Many viewers accused Rhiannon of 'begging for money' while already receiving benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). One commented: 'In other words, please someone buy it for me. You are hilarious.' Another wrote: 'Got enough money for makeup by the looks of it, which ain't cheap, begging for money.' However, some defended her, saying: 'Well done you for doing your best. It's not easy.'
Rhiannon responded to the criticism: 'I'm not asking for anyone's money. I'm asking for people to watch the video in order to make money. Bore off.'
Universal Credit eligibility
Under TikTok rules, creators need at least 100,000 authentic video views in the last 30 days to join the Creator Fund. The maximum Universal Credit amount includes a standard allowance based on age and relationship status, plus various elements such as child elements, carer's element, limited capability for work element, housing costs element, childcare costs element, and transitional elements.
