I got a job that was advertised as a sessional worker within the community that I lived in.
Working didn't affect my benefits because I didn't declare it. I didn't declare it because I would have lost a majority of the money that the state paid me, e.g. housing benefit, council tax benefit. The benefit system makes people lie about what they do to make their fridge, cupboards and living situation a bit better. I am not talking about luxury food or the latest sofa or latest clothing, just the basic and this is why I became a liar. I was sick and tired of people condemning me for trying to live, not a luxurious life but just going to my fridge and seeing cold meat to make a sandwich, fruit in my fruit bowl, being able to take my daughter on outings. These were the sorts of things I wanted, nothing flashy just a decent life.
What I am trying to say is that people that live on benefits don't want to live off of working people's contributions, as we are so often told. I just wanted to go out and work, but be able to have some help with rent and council tax while I was learning new skills and getting my confidence up.
Now I am in full time employment in the community. I started off as a sessional worker on an 'as needed' basis through the local community centre and then they offered me a full time job after 6 months.
I hated lying for that time but now I feel great because I'm better off working full time and I'm no longer dependent on benefit.
