Case study: 
'I am living from week to week. If you only have e200 a week, it runs out very fast'

SINGLE mother Jillian Godsil was recently declared bankrupt, which means she and her two daughters live on the tightest of tight budgets.

She lives in Wicklow with her daughters Kathryn (17) and Georgina (20).

Kathryn is doing her Leaving Cert this year.

The trio live on €200 a month from social welfare.

Ms Godsil lost her house and her business in the recession.

The family's straitened circumstances means Kathryn qualifies for the €200 
back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance.

And Ms Godsil has managed to keep costs down to that, with the help of the book rental scheme in the school, Colaiste Bhride in Carnew, Co Wicklow.

"The school recognises that money is tight so there is no huge demand for funds."

Ms Godsil, who is part of the online parenting community MummyPages, is attempting to get back into work, doing PR and journalism assignments. She has just signed up for the Start Your Own Business scheme, which allows her to work and keep her social welfare payments.

"It is a struggle. Next year I hit my 50s. That means it is getting harder to find work, but I will come good again."

"I am living from week to week. If you only have €200 a week it goes out very fast."

She adds: "The kids have plenty to eat. We are not on the breadline, but even small bills are big bills when you have a limited budget.

"But I am not complaining, it is just that it is a bit tighter."

- Charlie Weston

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