Ms Biddle dreams of being off the domestic purposes benefit in five years.
For now, though, she lurches from benefit day to benefit day.
Ms Biddle said she has debts totalling more than $2000, including hire purchase arrangements, some rent arrears and $771 for an outstanding power account.
The power bill got out of control when she had some other adults in her house and the cost-sharing arrangements fell through, she said.
After her rent ($275), power, phone, hire purchase and debt repayments are deducted from the $690 she received each week she had $130 left to pay for food (other than the special dietary requirements for two of her children for which she receives a disability allowance) and items such as disposable nappies for her 18-month-old and the running of her 1984 Mazda car.
When the Otago Daily Times visited, friends were bringing her food because she said she had run out of most things four days before benefit day.
On a couple of occasions, she had phoned her children's school to say they would not be attending that day because she did not have lunch for them.
The school said they would feed the children and it was important they attended.
Ms Biddle said she was highly embarrassed about it.
Although her school provided breakfast for anyone who wanted it, she did not use the service.
"I'm a person who has a bit of pride," she said.
Clothing the children was not easy, and they relied on hand-me-downs.
Being under constant stress over money did not help her cope as a mother, she said.
She did not drink alcohol and was trying to give up smoking to save $20 a week.
Sometimes she got into a state where she did not want to do anything and had to seek help from a health worker.
Often she did not eat properly, so her children could get proper nutrition.
Food was basic, with meat being mainly mince and sausages.
Vegetables were often donated.
Also, if other people in need came to her when she had food she would share what she had.
Her upbringing, in the Whangarei area, had been tough and she wanted a better life for her children.
Entertainment was limited.
Friends would lend DVDs and they would view them at home on Friday nights - "that's our bonding time".
She knew people were often critical of beneficiaries - "I'm not a bum.''
''I'm a full-time mum who has to be at home to look after her kids."
Ms Biddle said she was keen to get a part-time job, but this was difficult until her youngest child had more day-care hours.
She could earn $80 without it affecting her benefit and this would make a big difference.
She hopes she will be able to get out of debt in about three years.
She has had budget advice from two organisations, but now does her own budgeting.
Her biggest worry about future increases is for electricity.
She has a heat pump and uses a drier in the winter.
It was important the children kept warm if they were to be healthy, she said.
She dreams of being a designer.
To that end, she has begun flax-weaving and sewing classes, but does not have money for materials.
She wants to be able to own her own business and have her own label so she can show her children they "don't need to end up stuck on a benefit".
"It's only hope I'm holding on to.
I can't give up on it."
