“My name is Susan and I live with my 10 year old daughter. I am on Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA). I am looking for work in the education field, having qualified recently as a Teaching Assistant. I am on the Work Programme which I haven’t found helpful at all. I am doing voluntary work at the school my daughter goes to in order to get experience and references.
Since April, I have to pay £13 every month for Council Tax, whereas I got only a 70p a week increase in my JSA. I have to find this extra money from somewhere to pay for the Council Tax, and the higher food and energy prices. It is a real struggle living on benefits; if I had a choice I wouldn’t be on benefits.
The idea that benefits is a lifestyle choice is rubbish. No one would choose to live this life of counting pennies and anxiety / depression. My hopes for the future are that I get work and am able to support myself and my daughter. ”
Listen to Susan’s interview, recorded in May 2015: