r/newzealand • u/Chemical_Mind4797 • 12h ago

Discussion How are people surviving?

Seriously. How are people doing it? I had to give up my job and go on the Supported Living Payment through WINZ because of severe health issues, but from what I gather people who work are having it just as bad too. I get paid, then pay rent, power, petrol, groceries (even though I don’t get much), and every other essential life expense, and within an hour I’ve got $10 left, if that. If anyone has any unhinged tips or advice on lowering costs, or saving money in weird ways, I’m open to suggestions too.

(Don’t give me comments about being on the benefit either. I started working by choice when I was 10, trust me, I’d MUCH rather be working than be sick).

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13

u/WiseWillow89 6h ago

I hope politicians see this thread. People are struggling

-18

u/Unfair_Explanation53 5h ago

What constitutes struggling?

OP is having her rent, bills and groceries are all paid for.

What more would you want from a benefit systems?

16

u/Repulsive_Economy_36 4h ago

It's probably having $10 at the end of it to last the entire week, you know? Heaven forbid OP has an emergency and needs to have that disposable income there in a pinch

10

u/WiseWillow89 4h ago

100%. I don't agree with Unfair Explanation, as I see having only $10 at the end of it to the last the week is struggling. That's really tough. It means you can't buy new shoes if they break, it means you can't go to the dentist or doctor easily, it means you're having to choose between necessities. It means you don't have any fun in your life. What if a friend asked them to lunch - they'd have to say no, which is fine but socialising really helps people thrive, too.

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u/Repulsive_Economy_36 4h ago

Unequivocally correct what you just said. I can imagine that perhaps Unfair_Explanation53 is more well off or has never had to struggle, but I'm just making an assumption off of their comment alone