been getting by
Living with the minimum amount of necessities required to survive; barely making ends meet. The phrase is often used in response to questions about one's wellbeing. Ever since my husband lost his job, we've been just getting by.
(I've) been getting by.
Inf. a response to a greeting inquiry into one's well-being indicating that one is having a hard time surviving or that things could be much better. (See also (I'm) just getting by">(I'm) just getting by.) John: How are things? Jane: Oh, I've been getting by. Sue: How are you doing? Mary: Been getting by. Things could be better.