Nicholas' Story

"Unemployed and unable to find any work. On basic level ESA. Desperate to keep present home but insufficient income to make ends meet. Debts of water rates and council tax. Advised to seek support from appropriate agency for debt support. Has problems with both mental and physical health."

Our thanks to Nicholas for wanting to share his story and to the volunteer who took notes on his behalf.

Scott's Story

"I was stopped ESA following an assessment after a knee operation. At the time I was unable to work and I was using crutches but didn't receive any points to continue to qualify for ESA. On the 18th of June my benefits completely stopped. I have not received any money since. I visited [a local advice charity] who are supporting me and have written to jobcentre plus about my situation and that I am not fit enough for work at present. They gave me a voucher for food. Prior to problems with my knees I have worked for various employers and was also in the army for two and a half years. I would like to work if I was not suffering with knee problems. I have ongoing appointments, treatment and possibly further surgery."

Our thanks to Scott for sharing his story with us.

Amanda's Story

"Amanda has recently split from a 19 year relationship. Her partner was in full time work. Went to housing benefit to claim council tax and housing benefit and was told to claim online. Amanda can't operate a computer but a friend helped her. She finds it difficult to understand forms. Would have been happier to fill in a paper form but was not given this choice. The jobcentre rang to confirm what she had entered online and asked her to go for interview. She was told she should leave her 12 and 10 year old children alone whilst she went to work. Understandably, she won't do this. Gone to doctor and has sick note for two weeks. No compassion shown for her situation - she understands that the government say women have to work but her whole world has just been turned upside down. Told she was fit to work 16hrs a week which would increase when children back at school. Will not leave her children alone all day."

Our thanks to Amanda for sharing her story with us and to the volunteer who took these notes on her behalf.

Jesse's Story

"The reason for my crisis is because of my benefits being delayed and I had nothing whatsoever and nobody to ask for some help. But my JSA should be sorted out very soon as it is being looked into."

Our thanks to Jesse for sharing this story with us. 

Joshua's Story

"I'm here today because I have no food or money. For the last two years I have been on a reduced rate of ESA. I had an accident in work. I have damaged my spine. I have had an MRI scan that shows bulging in my neck and lower back. So from my accident I lost my health, home, job and so found myself homeless. But I am not homeless anymore I just have a low income and lots of debt."

Thank you so much to Joshua for sharing his story with us.

Victoria's Story

"I missed an appointment with the Work Programme and was sanctioned by the DWP. I had contacted the Work Programme provider informing them of my illness however they still reported to the DWP my non attendance and I have to appeal to DWP with evidence from my G.P."

Our thanks to Victoria for sharing her story with us.

Michel's Story

"The reason why I am homeless is a family breakdown. me drink but no violence made prisoner in my own home my daughter who is 16yrs does go round with the wrong crowd and does drink arguments arose which made it a family breakdown. You don't think it's going to happen to you well think again."

Ou thanks to Michel for sharing this story with us.

Samuel's Story

"Samuel is suffering from long-standing physical and emotional health problems. His doctor is signing medical forms regularly. He has not had any payment since April 2014. Living with his brother who has himself had his benefits recently sorted out and has been doing his best to help out his brother."

Our thanks to Samuels for sharing his story with us and to the volunteer who took these notes on his behalf.

George's Story

"I have had no money since April, which was a hardship payment. They say I am waiting for a decision maker to decide if I am entitled to any money. They told me to sign on for JSA, but wouldn't let me sign on for JSA as they could see I was not able to work. Plus I had a sick note from my doctor saying I am not well enough for any type of work."

Our thanks to George for sharing his story with us.