You may have heard by now about the McDonald's budgeting tool that assumes people only pay $20 for health insurance and doesn't account for food, gas or other living expenses. 

Not only is this budget condescending and unrealistic, it underscores just how hard it is to work a low-wage job in the United States.

CNN Money interviewed McDonald's workers to see how they swing paying for everyday necessities on a McDonald's salary. First, there is Devonte Yates, who is 21 years old and working at the fast-food chain 25 hours a week to pay for getting his associate's degree. He lives at home to cut costs, but between bus fare, the rent he pays his mom, food (which is $300 a month) contact lenses and the cable/phone bill, he's short $435 a month (he only makes $525).

Then there's Tyree Johnson, who works at two separate McDonald's restaurants in Chicago trying to make ends meet. CNN Money writes:

He's worked at the fast-food chain for 21 years but said he still struggles to pay for a monthly bus pass and his prescription drugs. 

"I pray to God that I can come out of this situation and try to better myself," he said.

Read more stories about real McDonald's workers here.