Am I being Judgemental?

[Liljam]

Sorry Tasha, I guess I should have made it a little clearer. I don't have a problem with EIC or assistance when people are making an effort to do all they can. In the area where I live, people work minimal hours and low paying jobs (almost on purpose) so that they do qualify for all this stuff. I quit working at my family's business to care for our son and there's a chance we may get some sort of tax break, but if it meant going on assistance or not working only to get the extra money I wouldn't do that. It's just the way people are in my town. I do apologize if I didn't state things clearly... I would rather see a single parent use EIC to take their children to WDW than to put speakers in their car and then ask if I have a job for them because they still owe me money Maybe my frustration is more personal considering that I have to pay taxes while 2 of my friends got at least $10k between the two of them and they each owe me $200! and they won;t get married because that would mess up how much assistance and EIC they get.... UGH!
After reading back through my post and even this one, I'm still not sure I got it out there the right way!

 

[darlak]

Like hentob, I don’t begrudge those who need assistance. Welfare programs are meant to offer temporary help to anyone who is in a short term crisis situation. It was NOT intended to be a way of life passed down from one generation to the next.

I have a client who proudly told me that she and her family have lived in their “house” for three generations. They are considered to be the neighborhood historians in their community. My client or her mother or grandmother can tell you all about changes in their neighborhood for the past 40 years. Sounds like a neat family story of a family who’s proud of their accomplishments, doesn’t it? Well, at least it does until you know that their ‘neighborhood’ is a large public housing community in my city and that their ‘house’ is in those projects.

I asked this recently on another thread, but again, what happened to pride? I come from a long line of blue collar workers and was one of the first in my family to go to college, but not one person in my large extended family has ever been on public assistance. Yes, I'm proud of that. I think we need more of that kind of pride today. We aren't wealthy, but we are pretty comfortable now and I can look anyone squarely in the eye and say with considerable pride that we worked for everything we have.

 

[mrsklamc]

Everyone I know knows stories of clear welfare abuse. It is seriously time to push back and tell your representatives you aren't going to be stolen from anymore!!!!

Write your representatives, people! If enough people complain, they have to pay attention eventually!

 

[dsnycrzy]

Why don't those rich relative buy your kids food and you can get off the dole? But it would reduce that huge inheritance you are going to get.

SOME OF YOU DO HAVE A CELL

 

[mrsklamc]

SOME OF YOU DO HAVE A CELL

Huh?

 

[Crankyshank]

I've never known of a teacher to be paid hourly.

 

[darlak]

SOME OF YOU DO HAVE A CELL

Huh?

I didn't quite get that either. dsnycrzy, could I ask exactly what subject/grade you teach?

 

[Missy1961]

WHATEVER YOU HAVE YOUR OPINION HONEY SO PEOPLE ARE JUST BITTER. i TEACH MY KIDS TO STRIVE FOR THE BEST!!! PERIOD BECAUSE I DON'T WANT THEM WHERE I AM MYSELF BUT WHERE I AM, I AM MAKING IT AND DOING QUITE WELL. AS FOR MY "STAYING PAID UP AS POSSIBLE GOES", I SLACK WHEN I WANT BUT I SET GOALS BY WHEN I NEED IT PAID. (EX. I NEED MY ELECTRIC BILL PAID DOWN AND SOME IN CREDIT BEFORE I LEAVE FOR WDW. THERE IS NO LEAVING BILLS HANGING ALL AROUND WHILE I JUMPING AROUND IN FLORIDA. MY KIDS HAVE COLLEGE MONEY PUT AWAY BY MY FAMILY MEMBERS (AGAIN THEY DON'T HAVE KIDS) AND I INHERIT EVERYTHING FROM EVERYONE SO I TEACH BECAUSE I LOVE IT NOT BECAUSE I NEED THE BIGGEST HOUSE OR THE BEST CAR,ETC. LIKE MOST HIGH HEAD PEOPLE DO. TO BUSY TRYING TO OUT DO THERE NEIGHBORS INSTEAD OF ENJOING LIFE. I WILL NOT REMEMBER HOW MUCH FOOD STAMPS I EVERY RECEIVED FROM THE GOV'T BUT I WILL REMEMBER EVERY BEAUTY MOMENT WITH MY KIDS. THAT IS MY LAST COMMENT FOR THIS THREAD BECAUSE I HAVE CHILDREN TO TEACH.

Did you know that posting all in caps is considered rude? (because it is the internet version of yelling at someone).

 

[Tigger2252]

As many of the previous posters said. I don't begrudge the EIC for those who need it. I have an aunt that works very hard 40 hours a week but as unskilled labor she only makes about $8.50/hr. Even with child support she struggles every single day. When she gets her EIC she uses it to try to get a little ahead on her bills, stock the freezer and pantry and buy clothes, etc. for the kids that she can't afford during the year. She and her children have never been on a vacation ANYWHERE. No matter how bad things are for her she has NEVER asked for help from anyone. She is a remarkable woman with unbelievable resilience. However, I really resent it when people get this huge amount of money and blow it on things that are not essential. My husband and I both work. I don't have a big house, and our cars are 10 & 12 years old. My children don't go to Disney every year. I can't afford it. I have bills to pay and no "rich relatives" to shore me up. The sense of entitlement that some people have is astounding to me.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I didn't quite get that either. dsnycrzy, could I ask exactly what subject/grade you teach?

Our cell is taxes that we pay so others can cheat the system.

At least I can hold my head up high knowing I pay my own way and make good choices.

 

[kimsuenew]

Week before last, dh's family was around. One family member shares her woes about how her husband works only such and such hours because if they work too many more, they'll lose food stamps and goes on to whine that they don't have $350 for their heating bill. She further talks about how she can't work b/c she can't afford a sitter and of course, if she works, she'll lose govt assistance. Which really began to irritate me. Her husband works less than 20 hours per week. She doesn't work at all. Haven't they heard of working opposite shifts? Both kids are in school from 8-3. Can one of them not get a full time and the other a part time working opposite shifts? And then comes the clincher for me--somehow, she was able to pay $2000 for an upcoming Disney trip! Now, how do you pay to go to WDW when you don't have $350 for your gas bill?

I said nothing to her, but my question is this, am I being too judgemental?

I would think that the EIC refund would have to be counted in/accounted for with the welfare/FDS department (any income has to be when people receive aid or food stamps of any type).

If it was counted, their aid would then be reduced/taken away in accordance to the amount they received.

Personally, I would let the local welfare/DFS office where they live know about the funds received from EIC, the situation in general, and that they spent it (large EIC refund) to plan a WDW vaction!

If they have an available $2000.00 then aid is not neccessary!

While they do have a right to vacation, they need to pay for it themselves with money earned, and not while they are receiving government assistance!

Two able bodied people... they can work! It disgusts me, when WE have to support them. I know many families that would love a WDW vacation but cannot go due to finances and they work!

 

[creativeamanda]

I asked this recently on another thread, but again, what happened to pride? I come from a long line of blue collar workers and was one of the first in my family to go to college, but not one person in my large extended family has ever been on public assistance. Yes, I'm proud of that. I think we need more of that kind of pride today. We aren't wealthy, but we are pretty comfortable now and I can look anyone squarely in the eye and say with considerable pride that we worked for everything we have.

My family actually was on government assistance for some amount of time when I was a child. I don't remember the specifics, but I do remember that my mother felt it was necessary to shop in not the closest town where our family was, but in the next closest town (don't hold that against her--it was only an additional 5 minutes). The reason I remember so well was she bought only the generic boxes of cereal, etc, and at the register had to put one box back because there weren't enough food stamps. I think that amount of embarrasment as a child made me think--I'm not going to ever go through that. I think it is sickening that a family of 4 gets $150 a week in food stamps when with cash I spend maybe $110-$120 for a family of five. I find it further disgusting that they can somehow on govt assistance go to McDonalds 2 times per week for dinner and to a buffet one time per week.

This family 5 years ago went to see afamily member in NY. When they got there, they had brought only $20 with them and had to borrow $ to get home. They asked to visit us for their anniversary and then asked me where I was going to take them for their anniversary dinner. The husband says his sister's boyfriend is a "low-life" because the BF stole his marijuana. Hello?!? This sister and brother in particular get as much govt assistance as possible and when they can't make the bills, they call the family and beg for money. One family member is willing to help them by matching dollar for dollar how much they can contribute (ie--if they can afford to pay $25 towards the heating bill, and she can see it being spent there, she'll pitch in $25.) But they think that is below them. If someone is not willing to try to contribute themselves, then why should we be helping? And why should we allow anyone to receive full govt benefits for working a parttime job?

 

[Missy1961]

I must add that my frustration is not directed towards people who TRULY need assistance (EIC, welfare, food stamps). It lies with people that take YEARLY vacations to Disney while on assistance.


How can you vacation when you need the government (taxpayers) to help you with your day to day responsibilities? How does that compute in your brain that it is ok? Why does anyone think they DESERVE to go to Disney very year

I agree. I understand the need for a vacation. But it doesn't have to be Disney. When I was younger & couldn't afford anything fancy, a vacation to me meant a week off from work & going to local attractions. Later it meant going to visit family. Only in the last few years has it meant Disney.

 

[creativeamanda]

I didn't quite get that either. dsnycrzy, could I ask exactly what subject/grade you teach?

I've been wondering the same thing. Apparently she may be working with some of the teachers I deal with on a daily basis--no knowledge of grammar and I'm the "bad guy" because I reccommend educational assistance to them by their building principals.

 

[kimsuenew]

No you can't. You receive food stamps. That is government assistance. Which means you need ASSISTANCE to feed your children. You can't feed them on your OWN.



Use them for a snack while you vacation Have fun! You must be full of pride. Keep teaching your children they DESERVE a yearly trip to Walt Disney World, even though mom can only afford to "stay as paid up on my bills as possible".

You know it is wrong. You know you are teaching them to stay in The Cycle.

What kind of teacher are you? You don't have a four year degree according to your previous posts

I am guessing a Head Start Teacher, which is hourly pay (low scale) and does not require a degree per se, in Ohio an Associates is preferred but classes can be taken while you are already considered a teacher (also, the JVS EC degree allows someone straight out of HS to teach at Head Start as well).

And yes, her situation disgusts me as well. Taking gifts from family (trips, money, ect...) needs to be counted and reported to the caseworker so it is absolutely illegal for her to take these "gifts" she speaks of unless she does report them, which I doubt as the FS, Medical Card, subsidized housing, help with heating bills, ect... would all be affected or done away with.

Disgusting!

 

[darlak]

As many of the previous posters said. I don't begrudge the EIC for those who need it. I have an aunt that works very hard 40 hours a week but as unskilled labor she only makes about $8.50/hr. Even with child support she struggles every single day. When she gets her EIC she uses it to try to get a little ahead on her bills, stock the freezer and pantry and buy clothes, etc. for the kids that she can't afford during the year. She and her children have never been on a vacation ANYWHERE. No matter how bad things are for her she has NEVER asked for help from anyone. She is a remarkable woman with unbelievable resilience. However, I really resent it when people get this huge amount of money and blow it on things that are not essential. My husband and I both work. I don't have a big house, and our cars are 10 & 12 years old. My children don't go to Disney every year. I can't afford it. I have bills to pay and no "rich relatives" to shore me up. The sense of entitlement that some people have is astounding to me.

I totally agree!

I've been where you are. We too always drove older (meaning fully paid for) cars for many years. We choose to have 4 children and wanted to ensure that they would all be able to go to college. Our vacations mostly consisted of short trips to a beach near our home. We lived within our means and now, at almost 50 and with only 1 child left at home, we vacation frequently and go to WDW twice a year. In my opinion, you're on the right track and you'll see the rewards of your hard work in a few years.

 

[Mickey & Minnie Mom]

I TEACH BECAUSE I LOVE IT NOT BECAUSE I NEED THE BIGGEST HOUSE OR THE BEST CAR,ETC. LIKE MOST HIGH HEAD PEOPLE DO TO BUSY TRYING TO OUT DO THERE NEIGHBORS INSTEAD OF ENJOING LIFE.

Yes...it would be easier to do what we loved and enjoy life if we didn't have to worry about paying to feed, clothe, educate our children... IN ADDITION TO YOURS. Us "High Head" people do have our priorities wrong.

I WILL NOT REMEMBER HOW MUCH FOOD STAMPS I EVERY RECEIVED FROM THE GOV'T BUT I WILL REMEMBER EVERY BEAUTY MOMENT WITH MY KIDS.

Seriously...the irony of this has me near tears!

THAT IS MY LAST COMMENT FOR THIS THREAD BECAUSE I HAVE CHILDREN TO TEACH

And I do hope that it is not English you are teaching.

 

[hentob]

I've been wondering the same thing. Apparently she may be working with some of the teachers I deal with on a daily basis--no knowledge of grammar and I'm the "bad guy" because I reccommend educational assistance to them by their building principals.

She is not a teacher. She is an aide.

She is accustomed to not telling the entire truth, therefore she claims that she is a teacher.

 

[mickeyfan2]

As many of the previous posters said. I don't begrudge the EIC for those who need it. I have an aunt that works very hard 40 hours a week but as unskilled labor she only makes about $8.50/hr. Even with child support she struggles every single day. When she gets her EIC she uses it to try to get a little ahead on her bills, stock the freezer and pantry and buy clothes, etc. for the kids that she can't afford during the year. She and her children have never been on a vacation ANYWHERE. No matter how bad things are for her she has NEVER asked for help from anyone. She is a remarkable woman with unbelievable resilience. However, I really resent it when people get this huge amount of money and blow it on things that are not essential. My husband and I both work. I don't have a big house, and our cars are 10 & 12 years old. My children don't go to Disney every year. I can't afford it. I have bills to pay and no "rich relatives" to shore me up. The sense of entitlement that some people have is astounding to me.

To you Aunt. She is doing her best and showing her kids a strong work ethic that will benefit them for years to come.

 

[creativeamanda]

I am guessing a Head Start Teacher, which is hourly pay (low scale) and does not require a degree per se, in Ohio an Associates is preferred but classes can be taken while you are already considered a teacher (also, the JVS EC degree allows someone straight out of HS to teach at Head Start as well).

And yes, her situation disgusts me as well. Taking gifts from family (trips, money, ect...) needs to be counted and reported to the caseworker so it is absolutely illegal for her to take these "gifts" she speaks of unless she does report them, which I doubt as the FS, Medical Card, subsidized housing, help with heating bills, ect... would all be affected or done away with.

Disgusting!

You know, you are right. When my MIL (who was VERY disabled) lived in assisted living, we paid her bills. We actually had to send a letter to Medicaid to report where the money came from. And they go back 60 months. How in the world is this trip getting past Medicaid is what I'm wondering unless they withdrew the cash and had receipts that showed them buying stuff other than the trip costs. They have to be cheating the system somehow.

ETA: Isn't taking money "under the table" illegal, too?