by Gillian Taber

Created on: March 09, 2011   Last Updated: March 12, 2011

Living on welfare payments can be incredibly difficult. Trying to eke out the money to cover bills, clothing, food and all the small things which many take for granted, can become a nightmare juggling act which involves constantly robbing Peter to pay Paul. The following are a few simple ways to manage living life on welfare benefits.

A key thing to remember is that those on benefits are simply trying to live as best they can. For most people, living on welfare isn't a choice, but a necessity. Circumstances usually force people onto benefits, but this doesn't stop others looking down on those claiming welfare. Don't let this become an issue. Benefits are a stop-gap, a way to hold on until something changes and circumstances become better. Living on benefits does not make anyone less of a person. Always keep that in mind.

Be sure to claim everything the family is entitled too. There are plenty of advice sites online, usually government run, which will lay out exactly what a particular family can claim for. From free milk for babies to help with mortgage payments, claim everything available until the family is able to cope without those benefits.

Food is one of the major expenditures for any household. Getting enough good food to feed a family is a major factor in how benefits are divided up. Most parents will choose to feed their children rather than pay the phone bill. This is often how debt begins to build. These tips will help reduce the budget a little, and every little helps when times are difficult.

1 - Buy home brands - For years home brands have been ignored, thought the lesser product, but standards have improved greatly. Home brand products are now close to their branded makes and the best option is to use these instead of the more expensive name brands.

2 - Stretch the meat - Meat is expensive. Even buying cheap cuts or ground meat can break the bank. Instead of buying enough meat to feed the family per person, buy enough to make a casserole. Cut the meat into chunks and stretch it by adding tinned vegetables (a good option when fresh is out of reach) and jars of sauce to bulk up the meal.

3 - Use potatoes - Mash, chips, fries, baked, fritters; the list of ways to use a potato is massive. Potatoes are filling and help bulk up what might otherwise be a thin meal.

4 - Use canned goods - Like home brands, canned goods have risen in quality and are an excellent option to replace fresh vegetables and fruit.

5 - Watch for reduced items - Head to the supermarket

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>