How Can Some Be So Well Off On Benefits?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2246104/Unemployed-single-mother-benefits-spends-2-000-Christmas-20-presents-children.html

We constantly hear tales of 'Child poverty' where Mothers go without so as to feed their children, we also hear of pensioners who have to go to bed early because they can't afford to heat their homes.

I even heard on the radio last night a pathetic case of an Invalid old lady who now cannot afford her fuel bills, and that she is going to phone her energy supplier today and ask them to cut her off, and she will then light her house with candles, the only problem being that she will not be able to charge her wheel chair.

[sandyRoe]

I'm sure the fathers of her children help with their Christmas gifts.

[ummmm]

If they are that well off on benefits either a) they aren't paying for the presents, or b) they are on the fiddle.

Despite what the media tries to have us believe; people on benefits cannot afford flat screen TV's, new cars and 2 holidays a year.

[hc4361]

sandyroe, you shouldn't assume. Both children have the same father.

[knowabit]

my sister is on benefits and can just about afford to feed herself and son.. I think most of these that have exoensive things and holidays, usually have partners that earn money and pay for things??

[ChuckFickens]

HC...

"When Zelekah was eight months old she considered working in care, but then became pregnant again by the same man."

[ummmm]

Or parents...

[ummmm]

My answer was to knowabit.

[Mamyalynne]

Looking at that monthly income and considering the other costs of running a home, fuel, water , TV licence etc and feeding and clothing the children - if she has actually managed to save that much cash, she should be the next Chancellor.

More than likely a lot on is high rate hire purchase or similar.

[vodkancoke]

I am on ESA due to my ankle injury and the amount I get doesn't even cover my bills. My lovely parents are having to help me out at the moment until I am able to work.

[sandyRoe]

Hc4361, I stand corrected.
This woman seems to be getting just over £300 a week in benefits. In London, or anywhere else, that wouldn't be considered a fortune. When she'd paid for electricity, food, heating, and the rest she wouldn't have much left over for presents or anything else.

[craft1948]

Looking at her disposable income which is about £740 a month, if she doesn't smoke or drink and if she cooks meals from scratch I reckon she could save the money. Maybe parents help with things like shoes and school stuff.

[sandyRoe]

I wonder what the reported from The Mail tells people on benefits when they ask them if they'd like to feature in their paper?
"We're going to portray someone as a gloating scrounger living of the hard work and sweat of decent working people. Do you fit the bill?"
No. Maybe not.

[NOX]

I have two tenants in nearly identical circumstances, both single mothers, both claiming housing benefit and other benefits and one is always behind with everything, getting payday loans, always in a financial mess, struggling with Christmas for the kids, drinks and smokes the other is always spot on with everything, kids have a good Christmas etc , doesn't drink, doesn't smoke, runs a small car and tbh niether are ' rich' or ' doing well on benefits' one is just a bit more savvy than the other and manages better- it's just human nature, but no-one is living the life of Reilley on benefits- it's miserable.

[McMouse]

On suffering health issues I was sent home from my company on full salary less state incapacity benefit. My lifestyle did not change other than inability to do certain things. My disposable income actually increased because I no longer had the costs or employment........business suits etc, cost of commuting. So in answer to the OP I was on benefit AND well off.

[cazzz1975]

my mate and his wife both quit smoking in september, they continued to put their cigarette money in a jar to put towards christmas, they have over £2000 in there up to now, it all comes down to being prudent.