Public Assistance

[Krisha]

What do you think about those who get any sort of public assistance (wic, welfare etc.) yet live in a nice home, drive nice vehicles, have nice things, and mulitple children? This is a hot debate in our community right now. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Well, we had WIC until Dominic got to old. but living on one income a privatre at that (at the time) it helped us loads.

But I know what you mean I know this chick who just got a nice ride... among a couple of purses.. and was going in to get WIC. But then when she got it.. she hardly used it.. so it was a waste that it could have gone to someone who really needed it.

I have one child... I know it helped me loads when things are in a bind. But after we got off.. we just budgeted better... I mean a check would come out to be 12-15.00 or so... and that saved us on milk, eggs, cheese etc.. but i cant believe how the essentails are expensive.

I think if you can have all the nice things.. to let it be.. for thos who need it more.. etc.

[ImNoOliveOyl]

I don't have a problem with people being on WIC, but I do have a problem with people using food stamps as an "income" or living in public housing while they drive brand new cars and keep having kids just to get a raise in their government benefits!

[Rach]

Originally Posted by snooniesmom What do you think about those who get any sort of public assistance (wic, welfare etc.) yet live in a nice home, drive nice vehicles, have nice things, and mulitple children? This is a hot debate in our community right now. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Well, I have a really nice ring & I get WIC. Sometimes I don't even wear my ring when I go in for my apts b/c I'm stupid and care too much what people will think of me. He got me that ring & while I did try to take it back for something cheaper and he refused, it's mine and has meaning. We don't piss away our money, but that ring does make me feel embaressed sometimes.

That is the only really expensive thing we have bought taht we didn't really need. We also are using b.c. and one of the factors being that I don't want another kid anytime soon is b/c we need to be more financially stable.

So, no I don't get why people keep popping out babies if you really can't afford the 1 or 2 you have. I understand accidents, but after the 2nd time... I also wonder those that get assistance that have all these nice things...Sure, we could be racking up debt like no tomorrow on our cc's which I'm sure is what their doing, but we suck it up and live w/in our means (usually).

[Amber V]

I have major issues with anyone living off the system who can afford nice things than I can living off the system!!

[April]

If they truely qualify I see no problem with them using it. If they are hiding income so that they do qualify that peeves me. However, WIC income limits are at 185% the national poverty level. MANY people qualify for WIC under their income requirement but quite a few qualify for other reasons.

[Rach]

I think what people are generally doing when they are getting assistance is that their using credit cards to buy those nice things

*edited

[Krisha]

How does one get cc's to live off of when they have NO income other than assistance? That in itself is a problem in our country.
Our town is having problems with the wealthy (for this area) going to the local food bank. We had a meeting on Thursday but since it's a non profit and not funded by the state we cannot stop anyone from coming and getting a box of food.

[Krisha]

Originally Posted by Rach I think what people are generally doing when they are getting assistance is that their using credit cards to buy those nice things So, in a way, it really doesn't affect the tax payers- just screws them, themselves, over.

I feel if they ARE using cc's for their Louie purses, nails, cars, and clothes, they should be cut off of assistance and forced to either a. use the cc's for food, rent, and bills OR get a job!

[Rach]

I dont know, but I take back what I said about it not affecting the tax payers