Not sure how Seb arrived at his figures concerning dole payments, possibly a monthly payment may well equate to his calculations, that I think would also be the case concerning fruit picking etc. Although housing costs may have been included in Sebs benefits figures.

I presume going by Sebs work record both here in Thailand and Myanmar that his dole payments were possibly received some years back.

Perhaps a monthly total is the correct income figure, shown below are the current basic level payments, housing costs etc not included.

Just did a quick check on the Dutch levels. Tjeez, you need a grade in economy and maths to make the calculation. It's split into 'werkloosheids uitkering" (a bit like JSA) for a maximum of six months after losing a job, possibly followed by Social Security. In principle you are obliged to look for work otherwise you might get less or none. Height depends on your circumstances like living alone, alone with children, living together (married, not married same), additional income, additional savings, etc., etc.

A single person between 21 and pension age living alone would get € 972,70 a month (about £870). That's 70% of the minimum wage. The JSA depends on your working history and might be 65% of your last salary (with a maximum) and for six months only.