The benefits system is very stressful. I have to calculate what works and what doesn't. How do lone parent child benefit and income support affect housing benefit? I lost money because I didn't know what I was entitled to. I don’t want to go through all that rigmarole again.
I did some sessional work at the Youth Theatre to try and get more experience. It was a nightmare with the benefits. Especially if you have children, trying to sort out childcare and running your life are very difficult. Mothers at the school are always saying they don't know how it works. They are staying on income support as it is all too complicated so it is easier to stay on benefits. I think differently, but that is how it is seen at the school. I can't see a lot of them moving on from that mentality.
