“I am a 26 year old single person living in a bedsit. I am currently on benefits, and have just finished a month’s benefit sanction. I am not employed but I am a volunteer at a homeless shelter. I am also looking for work. I have been affected by welfare reforms due to complications with the Work Programme and Housing Benefits leaving me penniless on a sanction, and at one point homeless.
Living on benefits is hard: there is no hope for the long run. In reality, benefits could never be a lifestyle choice because by the third day after receiving your benefits all the money has gone after paying for bills, fines, Housing Benefit over-payments, and Crisis Loans. There is nothing left to buy enough food to last a fortnight and for travel expenses to travel and find work.
I have many hopes for the future, but whilst on benefits and with job situations as they are now, the future looks bleak. All I do is keep the faith.”
Listen to Adrian’s interview recorded in May 2015