Tried to leave at 16, got out at 17 (year was 1994) when 'D'M decided it suited her at that point. Family breakdown. She skipped town left me to fend for self. I quit school, worked in bars and shops, paid rent on tiny room in cash. Eventually got benefits, flat, back to school, now do post grad profession and pay my taxes etc so will never hear a bad word about benefits system. You have to support people when they need it.