Trevor Goddard is one of the hidden victims of York's Great Flood of 2000.
The rampant Ouse has closed Mexican restaurant Fiesta Mehicana on Clifford Street leaving him out of work - but the DSS won't let him sign on because he still has a job.
And 42-year-old Trevor, of Branton Place, Chapelfields, says he is worried for his two children, aged three and four.
"I can't claim because I am working," he told the Evening Press.
"And I can't work because of the flooding. It is ridiculous situation - this flooding has caused me all kinds of problems."
Trevor, who has only been working at the restaurant for four weeks, failed to pay £57 a week rent and is worried about paying again soon.
He said he has looked for other work but there is nothing available at such short notice.
"It is very frustrating," he said.
"I am willing to work but there is nothing for me to do."
A spokesman for the council has urged Mr Goddard to come and talk to them about his problems.
"We always encourage our tenants to come and meet us when they have financial problems," he said.
"If he comes to us arrangements can be made."
Joe Ferrailoi, manager at Fiesta Mehicana, said: "We have no work at the moment as the restaurant has had to close because of the flooding.
"As we have no work for him we can't pay him."
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