Crossword Genius

To survive on regular contrib­utions, it's problematic (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

subsist

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'to survive' is the definition.
('subsist' can be a synonym of 'survive')

'regular contributions it's problematic' is the wordplay.
'regular contributions' becomes 'subs' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'problematic' indicates an anagram.
'its' anagrammed gives 'ist'.
'subs'+'ist'='SUBSIST'

'on' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for subsist that I've seen before include "Support oneself at minimal level" , "Eke out a living" , "Get by at minimum level" , "Get by at minimal level" , "Live at a minimal level" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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