On Tuesday, new documentary series Universal Credit: Inside The Welfare State aired on BBC Two and ever since, viewers have been taking to Twitter to call it a "heartbreaking watch".
The three-parter lifts the lid on the new benefits system, featuring different women who have all had to adapt to the new process and the devastating challenges this has posed for themselves and their families.
The first episode - which aired on Tuesday evening - was filmed in London at the Peckham Jobcentre.
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It focuses on Rachel, who has worked in the NHS for over 27 years, but had to leave her job to care for her elderly parents. She is now on Universal Credit, but is struggling to make ends meet while paying her rent and electricity bills.
In the episode, she explains the impact the new benefits system has had on her and her family, revealing one of the most difficult financial burdens has come from paying back the advance she took out while waiting for her first Universal Credit payment.
Each month, Rachel is desperately struggling to make ends meet, especially considering the high costs associated with living in the capital.
Juggling supporting herself and her kids, the documentary shines a light on the new system and the troubling impact it is having across the country. Rachel wants to get back to work, but is also battling depression and anxiety.
The first episode also focuses on Karen, who works at the Peckham Jobcentre and sees firsthand how people are struggling under the circumstances.
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Following an eight-hour shift at the Jobcentre, Karen then heads to her second job at a local bargain store. Without both positions, she would be unable to continue living in London.
Viewers found it a devastating watch, with many taking to Twitter to voice their concern over the new system and its sustainability.
One wrote: "Universal Credit: Inside the Welfare State on BBC2 is as close to the bone as you can get. Heartbreaking. What is the answer?"
While another said: "Such heartbreaking stories giving a 'in their shoes' POV. The forecast for how many claimants for universal credit there will be in three years is shocking. It cannot sustainable." [sic]
One person asked: "Universal Credit: Inside the Welfare State #heartbreaking stories. How did we get to be such a ruthless, inconsiderate, heartless country?"
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Universal Credit is a new benefits system for people out of work or on low incomes. It has replaced six separate means-tested benefits and has been the subject of a great deal of controversy.
Reported issues with the new process include lower payments, waits of up to five weeks before the first payment and childcare costs paid in arrears.
You can catch up on Universal Credit: Inside the Welfare State on BBC iPlayer now. Episode two airs on BBC Two, next Tuesday 11th February at 9pm.
Featured Image Credit: BBCTopics: Entertainment News, Life News, TV News
