Originally Posted by Willow:
I was definitely poverty level when I was going through my divorce.
We qualified for every single program under the sun but you know what? That didn't mean we *NEEDED* them.
Ability to qualify does not equate to NEED.
The only program I utilized was school lunch assistance. Although my kids qualified for free lunch I insisted on at least paying the discounted rate. I used it only because my income barely covered the bills my abusive, squandering ex left me buried in and I wanted to make sure there was at least food in my kids bellies. I had paid in via taxes for the previous dozen years or so felt that was fair.
Once I got back on my feet I immediately started paying the full rate again even though I could have taken advantage for the whole rest of the year.
Taking a whole lot more may have made my life easier but it wouldn't have been right. I could have taken cash assistance and kept our satellite tv. I could have taken food stamps and used what little grocery money I had to go to McDonalds instead of eating Ramen 2-3 nights a week. I learned to shop for everything else at thrift stores. To do otherwise would have been wrong. Sacrifices may be uncomfortable, but that's life. You do the best you can and if that means having less sometimes so be it. If you NEED the help that's one thing, but it's another entirely to take advantage when you don't in the true sense of the word.
Be glad you at least have your husband to pool your resources. I had no one but myself to fund my family of 3 and I did it just fine on my own (by my accounts anyway).
Most people on welfare and help don't have your mentality.
We had a stretch that was very tight for us and didn't qualify for anything. We made dollars too much to even get help with reduced lunch. Both of us working, scraping for hours at the time and high bills not because of foolish spending but just trying to get by. Starting off and the year that everything could go wrong did. We didn't qualify. This was years ago. Now it is just handed out.
I feel limits should be set on it and rations given out instead of $ and a debit card to buy what you want. Those that are truly in need will take what is given, those that are dependent and making it a way of life will B**** I say let them B**** enough to want to get off the hiney and do something with themselves. Most of these people need something to do, they would be a better asset to the community if they had purpose. Start getting the doctors to hand out vitamins instead of all these synthetic wonder drugs to just anyone that says they are depressed. (don't get me wrong, these drugs are for people who truly need them) I just don't believe that as many people that are on them now truly need them. We need coping skills and purpose and vitamins -
ok jumping off..... not trying to offend anyone. I live in a community that welfare is a way of life for many and see to much of what I don't want to see and can't change. I agree with you and I think we should get back to the mind set of need, true needs.