I completely understand your pain in not finding work. Same is happening to a close family member of mine - lost his job of 24 years and has not done too much better than you. I think the comments on this thread are over the top, as so very many people who ARE NOT leeches FINALLY need these benefits and will not be afforded the help they PAID for over these many years.
I've only been out for 6 months. I'm lucky enough to have been responsible. I have no debt, a good amount of my own savings, and had the fortune to have foresight that my job loss was coming. I could not imagine if I had a family, a mortgage, medical bills, etc. It's tough to keep positive, but I do. I work hard every day to get back to work - any work. I'll take a pay cut. I'll do whatever job there is. But you know what I'll never do? I will never judge another man who's had misfortune that I know nothing about. Not here, not to his face, nowhere.