A DESPERATE single mum was left with no money and no emergency help due to problems with the controversial Universal Credit benefits system.

Nicola Banks, of Whitehaven, has described how she found herself in a “real life Daniel Blake” situation - referring to the hard-hitting film - when her payment didn’t come through.

Ms Banks, who has a five-year-old son and also cares for an older disabled son, was over the moon to get a job as a support worker at Calderwood House last September.

Universal Credit rules allow her to work 12 hours a week before her benefits are affected.

However, red tape has meant she has twice been left with no payments at all - because two months worth of earnings have been added together in the system, taking her above the threshold.

Ms Banks said that even after pointing out the mistake, she has had to fight to get the money back - with no emergency financial support available.

She said it has been a “nightmare” since finding herself penniless at the start of January.

“I got paid from my job before Christmas and had to spend that on presents, food... but it was okay because I knew my Universal Credit was coming through on January 1. That didn’t happen. When I logged in it said I was getting paid zero.”

Ms Banks contacted Universal Credit to explain the mistake, and was told to go to the Jobcentre. Here they said she could dispute the decision, but was offered no help in the meantime.

“Initially they said there were no appointments that day. I said I had no money to my name and it couldn’t wait.

“I wasn’t offered any help. Luckily I have family who made sure I didn’t starve but they didn’t know that.”

Initially she was told her appeal had been unsuccessful, but the Department of Work & Pensions later accepted the mistake - blaming information provided by her employer - and made a same-day payment.

A DWP spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately, Ms Banks’ employer provided us with incorrect information about the wages she had received. However, following receipt of correct details, we’ve reassessed her claim and paid all benefits due.”

She added that they are working with employers to highlight the importance of providing correct and timely information.

But Ms Banks said the benefits system is a “disaster”.

“On Saturday night I saw the film I, Daniel Blake. I could absolutely identify with the feelings of desperation and the horror of how this system is determined to break people like me.

“I love my job and want to work, but this has been a nightmare. I was told I’d be better off in work, but I am definitely not. Neither is my son. However I am not able to leave work as I will be sanctioned, for up to three years.”