Documentary following lives of people who rely on benefits, beginning with those who cannot find work as they are obese. Amy Johnston is 18, weighs more than 30st and is virtually housebound, and her mother Sharon claims that being on benefits has contributed to her daughter's problems. Stephen Beer has not worked in five years and thinks that bosses are prejudiced against fat people and says that he wants to lose weight to try to make himself employable as he prepares for his wedding to partner Michelle Coomb. Cameras also follow Rachel Lacy as she undergoes gastric bypass surgery, which she believes will save the taxpayer money in the long run.
Three generations of the Kerrigan family live in one of the most deprived parts of Sheffield and claim tens of thousands of pounds in benefits each year. Mum-of-five Rose volunteers with sister Annette at the local food bank, but neither has ever had a full-time job, while her nephew Adam is a father of four and has been on the dole for three years. Another nephew Robert is also on benefits, but insists his children won't be dressed in `cheap tacky clothes' and buys himself at least one pair of designer trainers every few weeks.
This episode focuses on Richard who is determined not to get a full-time job while pursuing his dream of becoming an actor, while looking after his 61-year-old mum and his 60-year-old fiancee. At 40 years old, Lee has never had a full-time job saying foreigners have taken all the jobs he can do, while Phil and Sue are on benefits and have their accommodation paid for while they spend their days volunteering at a local food bank.
This edition focuses on three women on benefits who are struggling to bring up their children. Kailey has five kids and has not worked in 10 years, but insists that single parents like her get too much undeserved criticism, while mother-of-seven Claire says it is a massive battle to raise her large family and pay the bills despite claiming more than £30,000 a year in benefits. Lisa is also a mum of seven and asserts there is no way she could cope with a job while looking after her kids and caring for her husband Paul, who has health problems.
A look at the lives of former stars and professional high fliers who now live on the poverty line. The programme features Bruce Jones who played Les Battersby in Coronation Street, whose divorce and struggle with the booze has left him skint. Former Big Brother contestant Lisa talks of her 15 minutes of fame but how she now lives below the breadline.
Stephen has been jobless for seven years and, despite being a qualified chef, says he is not keen on working evenings. Michelle has not had a job this century and suffers from MS. She is dependent on state help, some of which she spends on cannabis. And Keith is approaching 60 and may hold an unwanted record - more than 2,000 job applications without success.
Documentary following a couple from South Wales on long-term benefits who are determined to have the wedding day of their dreams, despite the cost. The film tells their story and follows their preparations, though to the exchange of vows in front of family and friends in a live ceremony.
Benefits meets the people who are fighting desperately to make ends meet. Since Ian has been signed off work after injuries he received nearly 30 years ago reappeared, he has modified his mobility scooter to go faster and pursued his DJ dreams.
This episode focuses on a woman regularly vilified by the tabloid press who is expecting her 12th child, and claims nearly £40k in benefits a year.
Kim claims to have shoplifted more than £2 million worth of goods. After 30 convictions she has finally gone straight, but can she find a job that will pay her what she thinks she is worth? Daniel says he wants a job, but that the government is stopping him - they are paying him so much in benefits, why should he bother?
Looking at some large families whose sole source of income is benefits. Cases featured include Paula who has seven children after first falling pregnant at the age of 14, and Mohammed who has 11 children, and, even though he has been signing on for ten years, is still confused by the benefits system.
A look at the lives of people existing on state welfare in Yorkshire. Steve is signed off sick and thinks his tattooed hands are partly responsible for his lack of job offers, while John blames the demise of traditional industry for his situation and claims that working for the minimum wage would leave him poorer than on benefits.
Some people believe that fame is just around the corner, and they have every intention of staying on benefits until that opportunity comes knocking. Robert spends all his money on unpaid entertainment gigs, Kimberley is an aspiring mature model, and Donna's stage persona has not been bringing the money in.
Documentary looking at families on benefits who aspire to glamorous lifestyles. Kim in Portsmouth is desperate for her three children to take the pageant world by storm and has spent thousands pursuing their dreams. But her partner Matt is juggling one obsession with another - his online gaming habit.
Documentary about people living on benefits in Portsmouth. Chris lives at home with his dad, his collection of energy drink cans and his moped. He is looking for work, but claims that there are more shops closing down than opening up. Carly and Drew spend their time playing darts, shopping and looking after the children, but they long for a better future.
