Debit card distribution

[peachgirl]

Just as an FYI, anyone who had a job was able to file for U/E benefits on the spot in TX and have their claim paid that way. Also, they are distributing emergency food stamps and WIC vouchers. People who were in that cusp of "working poor" should be able to use the benefits available to them and get back on their feet. A hand up, not a hand out.

Thanks, I wasn't aware of all the benefits and how they were getting people signed up for them.

They have to do something I suppose, and this is certainly better than doing nothing.

 

[poohandwendy]

I agree that 2000 dollars per HOUSEHOLD is not going to do diddly squat to help these people get what FEMA expects, 'clothing, food, rental housing, etc'.

There is no way in hell anyone can feed, clothe and set up a home (including a rental agreement) for $2000. And I agree that many of the people are not going to manage the money very well (even if it was an appropriate amount), by sometime next week they will be in the exact same dire straits.

 

[WDWBetsy]

Nothing gets past you, does it.

Honestly, peachgirl was offering an opinion that many might be thinking. I don't think it's necessary to make a personal jab.

 

[poohandwendy]

$2000 in my pocket would still feel a whole lot better than lint.

I agree...but seriously, is it really going to do any good? I think they would have been better off doing a voucher system. Like vouchers for food, clothing and housing. They could put limits on it...but the way it is...the money will be gone in a week.

 

[Charade]

Honestly, peachgirl was offering an opinion that many might be thinking. I don't think it's necessary to make a personal jab.

Peachgirl and I have this "love-hate" relationship. It's what we do.

And honestly, I was just offering my opinion as well.

 

[Charade]

I agree...but seriously, is it really going to do any good? I think they would have been better off doing a voucher system. Like vouchers for food, clothing and housing. They could put limits on it...but the way it is...the money will be gone in a week.

But does it mean they won't get any other immediate assistance? Once they run out of vouchers, they have to get more. The debit card and be reloaded with more money if need be. I guess I just don't understand it fully.

 

[ThAnswr]

Nothing gets past you, does it.

$2000 in my pocket would still feel a whole lot better than lint.

I'm with you, buddy. I'd rather have it than not.

 

[Southern4sure]

I think the point of the $2000 advance (it will be deducted from the total compensation given according to FEMA), is to aid those in the most dire of circumstances, in other words those people who are in shelters.

I agree, it should be deducted the total compensation BUT with the overwhelming about of people who are going to receive this, I cant see FEMA taking the time to figure out who got what and start deducting. I dont expect it to be deducted.

Im just stating that those even with ins still are having a hard time also so the excuse you had insurance so your OK isnt always the case.

 

[ThAnswr]

Peachgirl and I have this "love-hate" relationship. It's what we do.

You cheating swine!

 

[Charade]

You cheating swine!

Crap. Did I say that out loud??

 

[ksjayhawks]

While the concept is great, I'm not sure handing people a debit card with money on it that can be used for anything, anywhere is a good idea. For some people it won't even take a week for it to be gone (as another poster said) and it won't be for their needs. I would rather that basic goods could be supplied somehow--yes I know it would be a logistical nightmare.

I heard on a talk show yesterday that some of the evacuees are sheltered next to or near to casinos and some have missed curfews as they are in gambling. So they are not allowed into the shelters at night. Now, I don't know who these people are, but I can't imagine that they have money to burn that way. Their money could be better spend on necessities for themselves and/or their families. How many of them will come crying to us later that they need help?

 

[ThAnswr]

Crap. Did I say that out loud??

Thanks, we all needed the laughs.

 

[poohandwendy]

But does it mean they won't get any other immediate assistance? Once they run out of vouchers, they have to get more. The debit card and be reloaded with more money if need be. I guess I just don't understand it fully.

I don't really either. But from what FEMA says it is for (food, clothing, housing)...well, I just don't see that happening. I agree that I would rather have it than not. Since it is basically just a 'get you through the meantime', I think it should be distributed to everyone who is displaced, insurance or not.

 

[Southern4sure]

I don't really either. But from what FEMA says it is for (food, clothing, housing)...well, I just don't see that happening. I agree that I would rather have it than not. Since it is basically just a 'get you through the meantime', I think it should be distributed to everyone who is displaced, insurance or not.

Exactly!

 

[Charade]

I don't really either. But from what FEMA says it is for (food, clothing, housing)...well, I just don't see that happening. I agree that I would rather have it than not. Since it is basically just a 'get you through the meantime', I think it should be distributed to everyone who is displaced, insurance or not.

I agree but then I read the post from ksjayhawks and it has me worried that some will use it for non essential things and complain when it runs out. I think that the Casino's should deny the cards especially if they FEMA on it.

 

[peachgirl]

I'm not sure handing people a debit card with money on it that can be used for anything, anywhere is a good idea. For some people it won't even take a week for it to be gone (as another poster said) and it won't be for their needs.

That's a risk you run during any disaster. When we were hit by a tornado, the Red Cross offered emergency stipends with no strings attached. We could've spent the money on anything had we chosen to take the offer. The insurance company didn't put any limits on the checks they issued as emergency cash.

Honestly, I've never seen a disaster where people were so critical of the victims. Nearly every offer that has been discussed, the subject comes up as to why the victims should receive the "benefit" and in what ways they might abuse it. Why is that?

 

[poohandwendy]

I agree but then I read the post from ksjayhawks and it has me worried that some will use it for non essential things and complain when it runs out. I think that the Casino's should deny the cards especially if they FEMA on it.

There is NO WAY it won't be abused by some...that is why cash (on a card) is a bad idea...it should be a voucher system. But it is already out there. So there you have it. It will be a mistake because it isn't enough for even the frugal...but enough to be a waste if it is abused. Everyone is going to come back saying it's gone and they need more. guaranteed.

 

[ducklite]

I agree...but seriously, is it really going to do any good? I think they would have been better off doing a voucher system. Like vouchers for food, clothing and housing. They could put limits on it...but the way it is...the money will be gone in a week.

I agree that a voucher system would have been a better idea, only because most people who live near, at, and below the poverty line have poor money management skills, and this is perhaps not the time to teach them.

Anne

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Well, as of yesterday there WEREN'T any cards in Dallas. They were estimating it would be another 10 days before the cards will be distributed. The one VERY vocal girl on TV yesterday was demanding that she be given a paper check. I wonder WHERE she thought she might cash such a thing? And I wonder how long she would have actually managed to keep $2000 in cash before somebody knocked her in the head and took it?

Our news was saying if you know your bank account # and routing # that FEMA will do a direct deposit for you so you won't have to wait for the cards. For people who got out before the storm who have their ATM cards that would be a good way to go. BUT they were saying it is "one per household" and they are supposedly using photos from something like Google Earth to make you prove your house washed away? Not sure how they will enforce that. At any rate, I would think there is a good chance that at least some people who evacuated ahead of time with all of their documents or know their banking info off the top of their head might also have insurance. I didn't hear that they were excluding anyone based on the status of "insured" or "uninsured".

 

[Geoff_M]

I agree but then I read the post from ksjayhawks and it has me worried that some will use it for non essential things and complain when it runs out. I think that the Casino's should deny the cards especially if they FEMA on it.

Debit cards, even ones issued through VISA and MC can have restrictions on them as to the places where they can be used. FEMA may have a group of retailers (such as Wal-Mart, Winn-Dixie, Home Depot, etc.) set up that are the only establishments that can accept the cards. However, it probably is still true that some could get a case of beer at the Winn-Dixie.

As far as people's basic needs are being meet at the shelters (food, shelter, clothing, bathrooms and showers) I don't see great harm in asking those insured to contact their insurers for such emergency disbursements.