"Ruth Patrick's brilliant new book [...] provides a considered and constructive starting point and should be essential reading for social policy reformers." Fabian Society "[has a] deep understanding of the problems facing our social security system" Citizen's Income Trust "We hear plenty about benefit claimants but it's rare to hear from them. This important book starts with their perspective. It demonstrates - partly through their words - the damage social security reforms have done to people on low-incomes over time. Sadly there is more damage to come in the next few years when a range of further cuts and changes take effect or bite down harder. Anyone concerned that we should have a social security system that is fair - and that works for people rather than against them - will find the testimonies and the analysis here invaluable." Alison Garnham, Child Poverty Action Group "We must hope that the designers and implementers of future reforms read this book and hear the voices it puts forward." Poverty magazine "Offers much needed analysis of the experiences of those at the sharp end of welfare reform in the UK. The human costs and negative consequences of an increasingly austere and conditional social security system are clearly set out and considered. This thought provoking book should be widely read by all." Peter Dwyer, University of York "A compelling, timely and important account of everyday life for those most affected by austerity policy. Essential reading." Jane Millar, University of Bath "The demoralising insecurity of claiming and being on benefits is starkly revealed in a penetrating analysis of people's own accounts over time." Adrian Sinfield, University of Edinburgh