Impossible choices: Everyday realities on social security
© M-A Ventoura
Through firsthand accounts, this collection of realities sheds light on the impossible choices faced by individuals and families who have either been, or are currently, part of the UK social security system.
Read all individual stories
Anxiety, extra costs and harmful errors led to paying a premium to get around.
Looking after daugher 24/7 but struggling to provide the best possible care.
Single parent had to get into debt and instability due to stressful issues with UC.
Doubted through assessments and tribunals; errors and stigma left her anxious and exhausted.
Distress from applying for PIP led to a sense of helplessness and suicidal thoughts.
Lost his engeniering job and found support on UC too low to pay his mortgage.
Providing 24/7 care on £83.30 a week, draining savings as bills rise.
Sanctions pushing Gaia to food banks and loans while trying to feed her children.
Juggling remote caring, monthly UC budgeting and high prices in an isolated area.
Never thought he'd need support but MS changed everything.
Put electric and gas on or do the food shop. Skipping meals so her kids are fed.
Living with muscular dystrophy and in fear of support being cut to a level where he can't survive.
No payments for months; a dehumanising and mistrustful system that harms families.
Working part-time to spend time with and support children, but high costs led to debt.
Restoring PIP 8 months after payments were suddenly cut, costing her essential discounts.
Endless PIP re‑assessments, intrusive questioning and constant stress to keep support.
Mental health strained after missed UC payment meant he couldn't afford to visit him.
Survivor risks stability due to malicious allegations, intrusive reviews and rising costs.
Battling the complex system and racism, and still finding the strength to be a carer for family.
Lives with osteoarthritis; UC and PIP cover basics, but not enough to visit family.