£53 a week

[Babylon]

I could probably exist on £53 a week......but I couldn't 'live' on £53.

No phone, no telly, no drink, no smoking, no clothes, no car, no shoes, no unexpected expenses, no going out, no nothing.

water & gruel every day forever!!

IDS is a horrible cvnt!!

Forever? You'd plan on not finding a job FOREVER?

[Charl91]

Wow a whole £7 a week to do with as you please... you must be fun to be out with.

It's benefits to survive FFS not a government grant giving you all the money you want to party. If I had to live on benefits and I wanted money to spend on luxuries, I would have to sacrifice some of my other expenditures.

think it's funny some guy is saying how he can live on this amount and talks about saving money by using his computer to watch recorded stuff. Are computers free if you're unemployed? Are these computers that don't go wrong? and £100 a year on clothes - be real, I don't buy many clothes but you'd find it hard to replace 1 pair of shoes and your socks whilst going commando for £30. Not quite sure how wearing the same pair of primark jeans every day of the year and that sweat stained T shirt are going to go down at your weekly job interviews.

I'm all for tightening up on system abuse but the economic fact of the matter is that all the money so called scroungers get or rip off is put back into the local economy unlike the wealthy who leak money out of the economy. The action DOESN'T make economic sense. Putting people in houses of the correct size and making sure that people who are getting benefits are looking for work is commendable but until there are enough jobs for everyone available to work then let's not penalise honest unemployed for being out of a job.

Use common sense. If you're that badly off, then DONT HAVE A COMPUTER. Go down to your local library and use one for FREE. Do stuff that DOESN'T COST MONEY. It's really not hard to understand.

In my opinion, benefits are there to provide essential needs. Computers and TV are not essential. Neither are nights out down the pub. The sense of entitlement in this country is ridiculous.

[Manwell Pablo]

It's not meant to be a life style choice. It's meant to be enough to survive on while out of work. It isn't SUPPOSED to be a life style choice. It's not impossible by a long stretch, unless you view luxuries such as TV, Xbox or going out with friends as a necessity. That's what they are - luxuries, not something that people have a divine right to have.

I was just showing my monthly outgoing bills, but if I had to live on benefits long term, I would obviously cancel netflix/gym subscriptions and the like, 'til I had a job. After rent, I've been living off £250 a month for the past year (less than the £70 a week most get on benefits, and not much more then the supposed £53) and I've been managing just fine. If you actually budget and don't smoke/drink/waste all your money on crap, it can go a long way.

I can't comment on what it's like for a family on a benefits budget, but for a single person it's fine.

Depends on your situation,

No one has a "Divine right" to anything in this world, not even food or water. Some sort of entertainment is a requirement otherwise with no job and nothing to do you will end up with rather severe depression.

I thought the whole idea of the thread was that you can live on £53 long throughout your life, after rent, whilst having to provide for them selves in rented accomodation, which imo is impossible, you will get hit with something unexpected (something as simple as dropping your weekly £25 food shopping all over the road for example) that will require you to spend money you don't have (in this case you probably give your old dears a call, but this is cheating) resulting in you going into debt accumulating interest you will never pay off as you have no income. Which will gradually get worse everytime something else goes wrong. You'll either end up homeless or with clinical depression.

I agree, as I've already said, if it's short term whilst out of work as you put it, not a problem.

[whitlock]

You effectively need extra money to be able to get a job, travel to interviews/trials, money for clothes for the potential interviews - first impressions and all of that. On paper its easy to say £53 a week to live, and yeah you could probably do a week on £53, but its not going to help you in anyway get another job. Its just difficult, because, if you get paid any extra, then there is no guarantee that the person will use that money for good, such as travel etc and not for fags booze etc.

[ADK]

Funny thing is if that person buys fags and booze most of the money returns to the treasury.

[Zingari]

Forever? You'd plan on not finding a job FOREVER?

Wtf does “planning to be out of work†actually mean?

Do you think unemployed people “plan†the amount of time they are out of work.

It’s an open ended unspecified amount of time which, depending on many circumstances, can last days or even years.

I could easily live on benefits for a couple of months or even years but that’s because I have most things that I need already bought and paid for. And a few quid in the bank to fall back on for emergencies.Very few percent of the unemployed are in my fortunate position I would assume.

Anyone thinking that living on unemployment benefit is a doddle should fookin well try it.

They’d be crying like stuck pigs within weeks, I’ve heard them all too often.

Unless they are getting money from another source (either legally or illegally

[Rincewind]

There is a way to postpone the bedroom tax. Write to the council and protest, they have to reply and if they are slow they cannot implement the tax until it is. There will be a link to a case I'll try and find it. I think it's on the Citizens Eye web page.

[Charl91]

Depends on your situation,

No one has a "Divine right" to anything in this world, not even food or water. Some sort of entertainment is a requirement otherwise with no job and nothing to do you will end up with rather severe depression.

I thought the whole idea of the thread was that you can live on £53 long throughout your life, after rent, whilst having to provide for them selves in rented accomodation, which imo is impossible, you will get hit with something unexpected (something as simple as dropping your weekly £25 food shopping all over the road for example) that will require you to spend money you don't have (in this case you probably give your old dears a call, but this is cheating) resulting in you going into debt accumulating interest you will never pay off as you have no income. Which will gradually get worse everytime something else goes wrong. You'll either end up homeless or with clinical depression.

I agree, as I've already said, if it's short term whilst out of work as you put it, not a problem.

Ok; I agree that living on £53 for your entire life isn't really practical. But it's certainly enough to 'survive' on for the rest of your life (though, it would be a relatively poor quality of life) and I believe it's more than enough for living on for a year or two, if push came to shove. But isn't that the point - that it's meant to be enough to live on while out of work, not something to live on indefinitely?

Call me cynical, but anyone who can't find a job in 2 years (at least in the case of younger people - I accept that it's different case for older people, who are generally less likely to be employed) is either really not trying hard enough, are too picky about their jobs, or are doing some drastically wrong. There might only be 'X' amount of jobs, but there are always jobs available - people move in and out of them all the time.

So yeah, if what we're trying to say is, could you live on £53 for the rest of your life, then then answer would be, just about, but with a lot of difficulty and a pretty crap quality of life. However, if we're discussing is £53 an acceptable amount for JSA, then I would say yes, it certainly is.

[Zingari]

I've had a look at my lifestyle this week.

I drew 50 quid out on Sunday and haven't made any big purchases or spent any in the pub or ciggies and I've now got about a fiver left.

It's all gone on daily stuff such as an ice cream for the kids, a birthday card, batteries ,couple of light bulbs , deodorant, razor blades , small stuff from the shop such as a sandwich , packet of biccys, crisps etc , some disinfectant ,a newspaper or two, eye drops , toothpaste etc etc , all very much small mundane stuff that we all buy.

OK none of these things could be considered "essentials" , but flippin heck life would be pretty tough if the unemployed couldn't even afford a few modest items such as these.

[Rincewind]

Exactly and if this is done every moonth any money in the bank wwill be gone within a year if not above the threeshold of 6k. I've had to cut down drastically and woulld have been into my overdraft by now if not for advice on tight budgeting. Had a tax rebate for year 2011-2012 which has helped. Going put in for penion credits now because of recent illness. Think I need to take things easy.

[Zingari]

Exactly and if this is done every moonth any money in the bank wwill be gone within a year if not above the threeshold of 6k. I've had to cut down drastically and woulld have been into my overdraft by now if not for advice on tight budgeting. Had a tax rebate for year 2011-2012 which has helped. Going put in for penion credits now because of recent illness. Think I need to take things easy.

Make sure you get everything you are entitled to Ken.

If I were you I’d go and see citizen’s advice and explain your situation regarding your health and finances etc . I’d be fairly sure you could get more help , but sometimes you have to push a bit hard for it, and know how to say the right things when applying Don’t be too proud to ask or accept other benefits, I’m fairly sure you’ve earned them.

And don’t give a fook about what anyone else thinks about what you claim for; they ain’t walking in your shoes.

Good luck

[purpleronnie]

Make sure you get everything you are entitled to Ken.

If I were you I’d go and see citizen’s advice and explain your situation regarding your health and finances etc . I’d be fairly sure you could get more help , but sometimes you have to push a bit hard for it, and know how to say the right things when applying Don’t be too proud to ask or accept other benefits, I’m fairly sure you’ve earned them.

And don’t give a fook about what anyone else thinks about what you claim for; they ain’t walking in your shoes.

Good luck

well said zing.

[MooseBreath]

I've had a look at my lifestyle this week.

I drew 50 quid out on Sunday and haven't made any big purchases or spent any in the pub or ciggies and I've now got about a fiver left.

It's all gone on daily stuff such as an ice cream for the kids, a birthday card, batteries ,couple of light bulbs , deodorant, razor blades , small stuff from the shop such as a sandwich , packet of biccys, crisps etc , some disinfectant ,a newspaper or two, eye drops , toothpaste etc etc , all very much small mundane stuff that we all buy.

OK none of these things could be considered "essentials" , but flippin heck life would be pretty tough if the unemployed couldn't even afford a few modest items such as these.

Toiletries are pricy, but you can save about 80% simply by not buying big brands.

Also most of that stuff - razor blades, toothpaste, eye drops, disinfectant, deodorant, lightbulbs etc are all things you'd expect to last a fairly long time. I doubt you'll be buying any of that again tomorrow, or indeed at any time in the next month. Some of it might last you a year or more, so while you might have spent 30 quid on this stuff, I'd be surprised if it works out more than £2 per week over a year.

[Rincewind]

Thanks for the comment, Zing and purpleronnie much appreciated. If I was early into my leaving my job I would have been looking for full time work but after 18 months I do not see the point and plus that I have a part time job that I enjoy makes it easier. In fact I do quite a few hours but can only put 5 hours down. Any extra is carried onto the next month. On Saturday I'm going to Pride Park to cover Leicesters hopefuls for selection in the homeless World Cup. Forget who Drby are playing but intend to wear the City shirt even if it's over a jumper. Will look strange though.

[Zingari]

Toiletries are pricy, but you can save about 80% simply by not buying big brands.

Also most of that stuff - razor blades, toothpaste, eye drops, disinfectant, deodorant, lightbulbs etc are all things you'd expect to last a fairly long time. I doubt you'll be buying any of that again tomorrow, or indeed at any time in the next month. Some of it might last you a year or more, so while you might have spent 30 quid on this stuff, I'd be surprised if it works out more than £2 per week over a year.

Yes of course i wouldn't be buying those things again next week , but if I draw another 50 out tomorrow i'll be buying other things that are needed on a regular basis . shoes and sock, pants , toilet rolls , washing up liquid , haircuts etc etc

i've also not counted the cost of any petrol that i've used to get to appointments and visits to family , and so if i didn't have a car i'd have had to include bus fares .

50 quid really doesn't go very far and I for one don't want the unemployed and those on disability benefits to be completely housebound and on subsistence rations or reliant on other family members to keep giving charity to them .

I can't see us agreeing on this though

[Guest]

It's benefits to survive FFS not a government grant giving you all the money you want to party. If I had to live on benefits and I wanted money to spend on luxuries, I would have to sacrifice some of my other expenditures.

Use common sense. If you're that badly off, then DONT HAVE A COMPUTER. Go down to your local library and use one for FREE. Do stuff that DOESN'T COST MONEY. It's really not hard to understand.

In my opinion, benefits are there to provide essential needs. Computers and TV are not essential. Neither are nights out down the pub. The sense of entitlement in this country is ridiculous.

You were the one who said you watch TV on your computer. To do that you need a computer. As for your comment about sense of entitlement - I've worked all my life, I don't have to live off £53 a week and I'm not even in the country. It's not about an unemployed person's "entitlement" it's about human decency from those who HAVE money.

Forever? You'd plan on not finding a job FOREVER?

This would be a great argument IF there were ENOUGH jobs for the unemployed. We have more people than we have jobs it is therefore IMPOSSIBLE for there not to be unemployed people. Still that suits the Tory govt. who can make those in work on shitty wages feel resentment to those who aren't in work. It's even more sly and stupid than trying to say that the UK will ever be threatened by North Korea. This govt has reached a new low.

Toiletries are pricy, but you can save about 80% simply by not buying big brands.

Also most of that stuff - razor blades, toothpaste, eye drops, disinfectant, deodorant, lightbulbs etc are all things you'd expect to last a fairly long time. I doubt you'll be buying any of that again tomorrow, or indeed at any time in the next month. Some of it might last you a year or more, so while you might have spent 30 quid on this stuff, I'd be surprised if it works out more than £2 per week over a year.

A year? which one? razor blades,toothpaste, eye drops, disinfectant, deodorant, lightbulbs?

and of course these mundane things are just a sample next week he'll need others.

[Daggers]

Not all of it, but it's not like it's only benefits that are being cut.

Don't worry, Dagger will be here in about an hour to call me a benefit scrounging cvnt.

Fvck me if he didn't.

[absolutelegend]

Not being funny, but after rent and bills, living on £53 a week isn't that difficult. Reality is that it's more likely to be £72.

That's £288 a month just for stuff. That's more than I currently have and I work all hours god sends. Like people have said before, this is meant to be money for basic necessities, nothing more.

Asking IDS if he could live on that is just irrelevant and pathetic. Worst story I've seen since the Daily Mirrors "chancellor parks in disabled space" shocker. These stories are just drummed up by an agenda driven media to appeal to the (I hate to say this) uneducated masses. Apparently according to this message board it seems to be working.

[Zingari]

i'm not really sure how this works but i'm fairly sure you don't get given £53 pocket money and everything else is all-in .

[pSinatra]

The winter fuel allowance & free bus passes cost the government over £3 billion........should we not be stopping these payments before taking money from people who already have very little. Regardless of whether it is needed or not or if they even live in this country & not a villa in Spain over the winter.

How much does the Child Trust Fund cost the government? A handout for every child born regardless of whether they need it or not. I once asked someone why she thought her 2 children were worthy of the payout? She had left her well-paid husband who paid a shitload in allowances that more than covered her mortgage & generous lifestyle to the point that she only needed to work 2 days a week. A complete snob, she couldn't handle the shame of free school meals but was happy to accept the CTF payment, free prescriptions, free dental, etc. Asked why she thought she deserved the payout, she answered "because they might want to go on holiday when they're 18"............wonderful!!! Every 18 year old deserves a holiday!!!

Happy to give money away to those who don't need it.

It would be a disgrace if a single pensioner died during the winter because they couldn't afford to keep warm, but the majority of people I know who receive the fuel allowance really don't need it. My own parents get the payment & are not particularly well off. They have said themselves that they don't 'need' it.

[Webbo]

The winter fuel allowance & free bus passes cost the government over £3 billion........should we not be stopping these payments before taking money from people who already have very little. Regardless of whether it is needed or not or if they even live in this country & not a villa in Spain over the winter.

How much does the Child Trust Fund cost the government? A handout for every child born regardless of whether they need it or not. I once asked someone why she thought her 2 children were worthy of the payout? She had left her well-paid husband who paid a shitload in allowances that more than covered her mortgage & generous lifestyle to the point that she only needed to work 2 days a week. A complete snob, she couldn't handle the shame of free school meals but was happy to accept the CTF payment, free prescriptions, free dental, etc. Asked why she thought she deserved the payout, she answered "because they might want to go on holiday when they're 18"............wonderful!!! Every 18 year old deserves a holiday!!!

Happy to give money away to those who don't need it.

It would be a disgrace if a single pensioner died during the winter because they couldn't afford to keep warm, but the majority of people I know who receive the fuel allowance really don't need it. My own parents get the payment & are not particularly well off. They have said themselves that they don't 'need' it.

I agree with all of that ,although I'm not sure if the child trust fund is still going.

[pSinatra]

I agree with all of that ,although I'm not sure if the child trust fund is still going.

It's not. I just had a quick look & it's been stopped. Those that have already started will carry on, but no new ones.

I always thought it was ridiculous anyway. If someone had given me a few hundred quid when I turned 18..........I dread to think what I would have spent it on, but what a weekend!!

[MooseBreath]

You could argue that the more well off have already paid more in tax, so to then withhold those kind of benefits from them is punishing them twice.

But for me it's just another argument in favour of removing the benefits and reducing tax accordingly. If someone wants their kid to have a trust fund let them pay for it with the money they save on tax, if another person wants a bus pass they can buy one of those with the money they save. These kind of things should be a personal choice not one made by the government at great administrative expense.

[Zingari]

You could argue that the more well off have already paid more in tax, so to then withhold those kind of benefits from them is punishing them twice.

But for me it's just another argument in favour of removing the benefits and reducing tax accordingly. If someone wants their kid to have a trust fund let them pay for it with the money they save on tax, if another person wants a bus pass they can buy one of those with the money they save. These kind of things should be a personal choice not one made by the government at great administrative expense.

You could also argue that the well off shouldn't be given any benefits if benefits are supposed to be for the needy and as a safety net.

I’d sooner be well off and punished twice by having a few quid stopped in "benefits" than be among the poorest being punished constantly.

it's funny how the meaning of the word "benefits" can be altered to suit the situation

[Rincewind]

All this is an excuse to get back the money the bankers lost the taxpayer. Someones got to be blamed and it will never be the likes of Cameron who can afford two houses. Why would they take extra off themselves?

They would rather have a big raise in salary than help those living on the breadline.