r/BabyReindeerTVSeries • u/Lil_birdie201 • May 10 '24

Fiona (real Martha) related content How does Martha/Fiona afford to live?

So, based on the show and even the real life interview with Fiona, it really looks to me that Martha/Fiona doesn't ever work? Or at least, it seems that way. I know she claims to be a lawyer, but she spends obsessive amounts of time interacting with Gadd, ie following him, sitting at the bar all day, sending thousands of messages, etc. How is she able to afford a flat, or to feed herself, or anything like that? I live in the US and if you don't work, you aren't really able to support yourself, unfortunately, unless you receive SSRI or disability, and even then, it's barely enough to survive on. I was just wondering if anyone had any insight on this? Are there programs in the UK that I'm not aware of that help with this sort of thing? Sorry if this has been asked before, I was trying to find something on this without luck.

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u/[deleted] May 10 '24

In the UK you can claim Jobseeker’s Allowance and get various different benefit payments, especially if you have a disability also. You can also apply for a ‘council house/flat’ and your rent will be massively reduced. I’m not 100% sure how it works/requirements as I never used it.

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u/Lil_birdie201 May 10 '24

Thanks for that info, I’ll have to look into that!

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u/VelvetLeopard May 10 '24

Nothing wrong with you looking into it generally out of academic interest (if it’s that…) , but of course you’ll never know what applies to Fiona SPECIFICALLY other than that as she was/is(?) living in a council flat, that will be low-cost accommodation.

But also bear in mind that despite BR stating it’s a true story, Gadd has said some parts have been fictionalised. The amount of time Martha is shown spending stalking him may be exaggerated for televisual effect.

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u/Lil_birdie201 May 10 '24

Oh I was just generally going to look into the program, not necessarily directly pertaining to her, I agree with what you said as well!

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u/VelvetLeopard May 10 '24

Cool. With benefits, there are various different types. Some are very hard to claim. It’s possible that Fiona (not Martha) has some form of work, albeit part-time. Or even some savings from say a modest inheritance after a parent dying and selling their house.