('Brit') a family 'on benefits' [=('US') 'on welfare'; receiving money from the government because of a low income or lack of income]
Since he owns the land, he thinks he should be free to use it 'for his own benefit'. [=in a way that is helpful to him]
He might be lying, but we have to give him 'the benefit of the doubt' and accept what he says for now.
(..) Don't let me see you in here again. Now, Margaret Sadovsky. I think some adult guidance, supervision... could benefit you too, young lady. Because you have no legal guardian-- Is that right? Yes. And because you appear to be (..)1996 Foxfire