This is just a shout out on behalf of all of us doing it hard living on the dole!
Whether we want to be on it or not, our individual circumstances have all lead us to that long line up at Centrelink.
Unfortunately, some of those who work will put us all in the same basket - they will make statements saying we are bludging, we get hand outs, we get everything for free, we live off food parcels, we get reduced bills, we get cheap rent.
I must have missed out on that Centrelink newsletter stating "Come Get it All Cheap"??
We pay $460/wk in rent. (And that's cheap for our town!) I personally dont find that to be cheap, especially when the dole only pays you $460 per fortnight. I am yet to have my hand out and get something for nothing. Where am I supposed to put my hand? The reduction in our bills, oh you make me laugh. My power bills are still up around $300 owing per bill even though we've made weekly payments. Although I do admit, having candles in the bathroom to save on electricity bills, we just pretend we're being all romantic. Truth is its just too expensive to flick the light on and have the exhaust fan suck your dole money out the vent. My days of bludging on the dole are somewhat stressful. Its not easy conjuring up ways to feed your family of 5 on around $50 for the week. It does get the creative juices flowing though! Oh how we love Homebrand frozen mixed veg! You can make a 2kg bag of that stretch for miles!
Not all of us receiving Centrelink WANT to be getting it.
Not all of us getting it WANT to be on it forever.
I'd love to have money in my purse, a house that I owned, bills I could just pay without a worry. I'd love to go shopping for food and load that trolley up with brands that arent black and gold, blue and white, or black and white.
Dont judge us before knowing our circumstances, or class us as lower grade scum living off tax payer's money.
We are all individuals and each one of us has a different story to tell.
6 Replies
exactly!!! so many people judge what they obviously have not had to live xxx
Very, very true!
I count myself as one of the lucky ones, I have a kid with multiple illnesses and disabilities, meaning I can't work. I'm living the high life on carers payment! I lived in an extremely tiny place (1 bedroom) waiting for suitable accommodation for 3 years. I am one of the lucky ones compared to those struggling through on the dole. If they found a cure for my son I'd be back in the workplace in a flash!
I don't get how people think we would be living the high life. I drive a 20 year old car!
And I think I've got it better than someone on the dole
I believe that life is hard for everybody at the moment. I am a single mum who works full time with two kids. By the time I pay our rent, food, child care fees and everyday expenses I'm struggling to make ends meet as well. I'm always tired and stressed and often think it would be easier for us if I didn't put us through this for around $60 a week extra. Keep your chin up IM's and give yourself a pat on the back for just getting out of bed each day. You are the true hero's here!!!
So with a family of 5 how much money are you getting from parenting payments/family tax benefit aside from the dole? I get what you are saying. But coming from a mum that works every day and still gets less money each fort night then what most of my SAHM friends get, surely you get where we are coming from aswel, and how we can think it is unfair?
on a side note this is actually really well written, have you thought of writing a blog maybe about this? I think is an important story to tell esp the stuff about making meals for cheap, using candles ect. I like this sentence the best... "I'd love to have money in my purse, a house that I owned, bills I could just pay without a worry. I'd love to go shopping for food and load that trolley up with brands that aren't black and gold". I am a writer myself and like the way you worded it.
I have been on the dole myself in the past but am now in a great position, I own my own home and my husband is able to provide for myself and our kids while I start to find part time employment.
People Judge and people criticize without knowing you and that sucks. just know you are doing the best you can for your family of 5. X
I have a girlfriend who has 4 kids and on single parenting payment while her husband earns a wage!! They receive $1800 per week!!!!!!! While she stays at home with their kids... Talk about unfair!