I am a single Mum. I work part-time, so I receive working tax credit, child tax credit and housing benefit - which is about 2/3 of the rent.
I was unemployed for a while (made redundant from previous job) and I then had my full housing benefit paid, and got Income Benefit, Child Tax credit and council tax concessions.
You have to battle with bills a bit, it's a juggling act, but somehow or other you get on with it.
Either working or not, basically you are worth about 1100 pounds a month, and with that you have to manage. It is do'able but you have to pinch the pennies. I work part-time so I get less housing benefit now as I am earning, and it all balances out to about the same 1100 - 1200 a month.
BUT... peace of mind and independance... it's worth more than money can buy!!!!
I have meters on my gas and electricity and I find it's easier to manage than a big bill coming in as a surprise. I often get my BT line suspended but I consider that a luxury and if I don't have it then they can wait. Luckily for me I don't have a lot of debt, but then I live frugally... I ride a bike (no car) but then I don't think I could afford a car, to be honest. But that doesn't bother me as all I need is close by and within reach. The main thing is to get life 'manageable' so that you can control everything, distance to schools, trains, bus stops and shops, Dr's etc.
I bought all my first set-up furniture from second hand stores, and slowly, a bit each time, settled for less and things I could pay for. Slowly I have changed my possessions to things I 'wanted' rather than could afford... but to be honest a second hand table feels just the same when you put a pretty table cloth on it. It's all a matter of making concessions and if you allow yourself to, you can be very happy on very little. Just don't aim too high and be content with things that work and are servicable rather than 'modern and classy'. You'll be amazed at yourself and at the end of the day, it's all yours and not bought with money you don't have. Good Luck!