I'm sure you will pull yourself out of it. Like you said, you're a smart girl and you really don't WANT to be on benefits.. it's just a rough time for everyone with the economy right now.

This is not what you want so people can not stereotype you! Ignore all negative comments, its your business and stuck up nobody's should not make you feel bad about it

i second what jenny_wren says
won't retype it all but *hugs* any way hun
and your oh's mom charging you ent knowing your on benefits is really bad and illegal(don't mean to be rude or nothing)

x

Sorry I'm gonna go against the grain here. You are a stereotype but so what? Stereotypes don't make a person, its just the way society like to group people together. I'm a stereotype in that I'm a teenage black girl that got A's in GCSE, dropped out of college and is pregnant before 21. Am I bothered? No. Because there are other factors that make me, me. I got a damn good job but statistics and stereotypes don't make room for stuff like that just like you lost your job and are only on benefits because of 'the credit crunch'. Its not the end of the world. Go and apply for your council house and forget everyone else. I would. You've paid taxes if you're 17 and worked so you're entitled to claim benefits and get a council house. Don't get caught up on the negatives.

Don't be s hard on yourself, at least you didn't get pregnant just to get the benefits. You really need them and that's what they are there for. Also be happy that you have them, here we don't get any money for baby, they don't provide us with housing (there are programs for low income housing and government healthcare but you have to jump through hoops to get it) We are just lucky that we get healthcare through my DH's job, and that his mom is letting us stay with her. I had a small business selling my art and doing hand painted onsies, but with the economy so bad, no ones buying (it wasn't that much extra $ but it helped). Times are tough, just ignore the looks and remind yourself that if any one of those people giving you a look lost their jobs, they'd be depending on benefits and stuff too.

Its just the same here in the U.S. People have fallen upon hard times financially. No matter if you are a teen or an adult, its hard for everyone right now! I dont think of you badly at all! Keep your head up, It will get better! At least you are trying! You dont like your situation and want better for yourself, thats all anyone needs to hear. But its not anyones business. Tell them to screw off!

Just look at it this way, You know what you want and that isnt sitting around on benefits untill your child is 5 or older like some people. Im on benefits now (im 19 and single) but not because i wanted too or im lazy, my partner left and i wasnt going to get paid maternity leave so i thought it was for the best in my situation right now to go onto benefits. But i will be going back to work when im ready, maybe when baby is 9months. I dont know many other young parents who even bother to look for work.. They make excuses and sit at home when they have toddlers and older children doing nothing with their lifes! I learnt not to care what other people think because you can and will prove them wrong in the future and not everything always goes to plan in life.

huni u have just hit a rough patch, there is nothing wrong with claimin benefits, if ur intilled to them you should have them, i hope everything works out and u get a house soon x

I cannot agree more - you never chose this - but a lot of scrounging shites do! (before anyone starts I know all too many people who did get pregnant for this reason!)

I do hope things pick up for you - but this wasnt how you planned or expected it to be. This doesnt make you trash. You never CHOSE to be in this position!

noooo dont think any of that! Circumstances cannot be helped at all! You yourself know you are not one of the spongers who are more than happy and willing to claim the benefits etc.Ignore all the negative comments... I get it as well... although not a teen mother (anymore...I was with my 1st daughter) I am on benefits too but because of my health. I have been on DLA for the last 5 yrs due to arthritis and other health probs...every 3 yrs you get a review of your circumstances and a physical exam etc by a doc and they decide from there if you are fit to work or not. I failed my last one however my nxt one is in 2010 I think. I wish I could go back to work. I was diagnosed with the arthritis at 12 but did not feel the affects this bad until a few yrs ago.

Dont listen to ppl and their negative attitudes. I get alot of ppl questioning why I dont work but it is none of their busness that I have a genuine reason. As do you. The credit crunch is hitting everyone and job loses ar at an all time high



concentrate on you and OH and LO.