Benefits Britain: Life on the Dole

Episode 6 (2x6)

: 16, 2015

Dean, an 18-year-old from Harlow in Essex, made sure that he signed on as soon as he was old enough, regarding benefits as “free money”. He still lives at home with his mum, has zero ambition, spends his days in bed until 2pm and plays on his phone the rest of the time. His mum does everything for him and his benefits are spent on booze and fags. A brief stint in a reality show gave him a taste of fame and left him with no intention of getting a normal job – until he is sanctioned. Danielle, 21, and boyfriend Josh, 25, moved to Blackpool to make a new start. Both suffer from anxiety and depression, which prevents them from working. They have four children between them from previous relationships, though none live with them. They are struggling to make ends meet on benefits of £52 a week each and with a fifth baby due in five monthsʼ time, they will not have enough to survive. Like many young people on benefits, Josh has turned to crime, selling drugs to supplement their income. Joshʼs partner-in-crime is 22-year-old Paul, aka Titch. He came to Blackpool with Danielle and Josh and stays a couple of nights a week in a converted cupboard in their bedsit. Money is tight, even with everyone pulling together, and they already owe all their benefits money to friends who have helped them out. Four days before the benefits are due, the food runs out. Danielle goes to the food bank, but needs to register before she can take any away with her. After filling in the referral forms, she is forced to leave empty-handed. In Sheffield, 25-year-old single mum-of-two Steph faces a common dilemma. She wants a job but also wants to watch her children grow up. With childcare so expensive, benefits seem the only option, although she always needs more. Steph dreams of a better life – off benefits and in work. Stephʼs new best friend, 18-year-old Travis, dreams of better things. Like Dean in Harlow, she also wants the big money and bright lights of showbiz. In the meantime,