CLAIMING benefits isn't a 'lifestyle choice', readers say after news of a Government grant was met by claims of people abusing the system.

Vulnerable households across the country will be able to access a new £500m support fund to help them with essentials over the coming months as the country continues its recovery from the pandemic.

Cumbria has been allocated £3.7m from the fund which will go towards free school meals in school holidays and support to vulnerable households.

Vikki Elizabeth Currie said: "Is this for working families for us losing our jobs in hospitality - I doubt it very much."

Billy Mason said: "If they do use the money for the poor and needy through the winter it is a good thing they're doing."

And there was pushback to suggestions that claiming benefits was a 'lifestyle choice'

nosensenononsense said: "Some see it as a lifestyle choice, but from what i know of it, there is little style involved.

"What is it now, about £70 a week for a single person? So a lifestyle choice of a night out or eating/clothing/cleaning/heating for the week."

Coco111 said: "There are people that can't even afford food."

Billy Boson said: "If its really that easy to live on benefits, why don't you do it?

"You'll probably say because you have to much pride in your work or self respect or something. But the real reason is that then you wouldn't have anyone to look down your nose at."

Ray Dobson said: "Just a shame no one knows how to access it...

"Six billion saved, 500 million spent, do the maths, benefits as a lifestyle choice, think past the end of your noses and realise most UC claimants are working 0 hour contracts, some are unpaid full time carers, we all had £80 swiped off payments overnight.

"This funding is simply to save face. Admitting that costs of everything are going up yet effectively reducing the most vulnerable peoples incomes. Not everything is how it looks in black and white."