A mother claiming Universal Credit has sparked a fierce backlash and been reported to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) after posting a video on TikTok boasting about using 'taxpayers' money' to fund nights out drinking.
Viral Video Sparks Fury
The controversial clip, posted by Amy Hobson, has amassed tens of thousands of views. In it, she openly celebrated her benefit payment day, linking it directly to her plans for a night out. "It's Friday, b*****s and never guess what Friday means girls? Friday means I'm going out and I'm getting p****d!" she declared in the video, which was posted in January 2026.
She went on to explicitly thank working people for funding her lifestyle. "It's also pay day. It's benefit day again, so I'm going out tonight with all your lovely hard-earned taxpayers' money," Hobson stated. "To thank you all for your hard work and all the hours you put in to pay for me to sit at home and do absolutely nothing... I'm going to raise my glass and say thank you to you all."
Public Outrage and DWP Reports
The video provoked an immediate and angry response from viewers, many of whom took direct action. Several users confirmed they had reported her to the DWP for further investigation, questioning whether her declared lifestyle aligned with benefit rules.
The comments section was flooded with criticism, branding her actions 'gross', 'embarrassing', and a 'disgrace'. One viewer wrote, "Jokes on you … your life is embarrassing," while another simply stated, "Reported to DWP." A third comment read, "Imagine being proud of this," capturing the sentiment of many who saw the clip.
'A Mum Trying to Get By' or Benefit Abuse?
Despite the outcry, Amy Hobson described herself as 'just a mum trying to get by in life'. She claimed the support from Universal Credit allowed her a "nice, stable, comfortable life." In her video, she also mentioned that after taking her children to school, she planned to "go out on the p**s because it's Friday and I can!".
The claimant also revealed she had once received a substantial sum of £4,099 in a single month from the benefit system. The DWP has strict rules regarding eligibility for Universal Credit, which is means-tested and intended to help with living costs for those on low incomes or out of work. Publicly boasting about using the funds for alcohol could potentially trigger a review of a claimant's circumstances.
The incident highlights the ongoing tense public debate around welfare spending and accountability, amplified by the power of social media platforms like TikTok to make private boasts a matter of public record and scrutiny.
