This happened at my last job, but still makes me shake my head when I remember it.
For background, I work in a field that requires a specific degree. It was my first job and was massively underpaid, being barely over minimum wage considering the complexity of the role. When my colleague and I eventually asked about salary reviews, my boss basically said I should be fine on what I had because I lived with my parents. Yeah, and why’d you think that is?? Because I can’t afford rent or a mortgage!!!!!
Personal circumstances are of no concern to your employer when requesting a raise/salary review. I could have been the queen of England and I’d still deserve to be paid exactly what I’m worth, regardless of my level of ‘need’.
A few months later they tried to match the pay of my new job offer. Amazingly they came up with the money somehow!! I still left lol.