“I live on my own in Leeds and have done for just over two years. I am on Jobseeker’s Allowance and have been ever since I moved into my own place. I am currently looking for paid employment but so far have been unsuccessful. I have not been involved in any caring, but I was in care myself.
I am currently on the Work Programme and have been for about a year. I had a sanction on my JSA claim over a year ago for not having a good excuse for missing an appointment. I find living on benefits strenuous at times but I have learned to organise it around payment my bills which include water, electric and (very recently) council tax too. The idea of benefits as a lifestyle choice is appalling. It gives all the others who are on benefits but don’t want to be a bad name.
I am hoping to start a course at university but I am goint to attend a careers meeting first. In terms of short-term goals, I am looking to find a job in retail. ”
Listen to Sam’s interview, recorded in May 2015