Food stamp benefits

[mum4jenn]

Ummm don't you not have a job out of choice because you don't like working? and live off your girlfriends paycheck ? Pot ? Kettle ?

Glad you had the same thought many of us were!!


A thought popped into my mind....forogt really but something to do with Apples and trees and falling....hmmmmmmmmmmm.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Ummm don't you not have a job out of choice because you don't like working? and live off your girlfriends paycheck ? Pot ? Kettle ?

I don't know anything about that poster, or his/her history, but it sound from their post that their family is living off the government, and that poster is not.

I think there's a difference between government assistance and household income, and that seems to be the OP's case. (The OP of that post, not of this thread.)

 

[Magic Mom]

My family makes me sick sometimes... I just try to avoid them as much as possible.
My mom has barely worked in her life, yes my brother is severly handicap and needs constant 24hr care, but there were enough government help out there to help take care of him for her to work. Now that he's in a Home, she doesn't know how to be a productive person.

Maybe she's one of those people that decided early on that work wasn't something she was really interested in.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

And the Grinch's heart grew three sizes that day....

nevermind. Not in the mood to be snarky

Merry Christmas all!

 

[thebeesknees]

I don't understand why these threads tend to turn into debates and mud-slinging fests, off-topic from the original posts? Along that line: the system is in place for the people who need it. Yes, there is occasionally going to be some abuse of the system, but I believe for the most part that the people receiving these benefits truly need them. If you go around looking for a goblin behind every bush, you're going to find one sometime or other, but you are also going to pass by any number of decent, honest people who have fallen on hard times. That could very well be you standing there with your benefit card one of these days, due to any number of unforeseen circumstances. Don't judge everyone the same way - you have no idea what their true situation is.

 

[SandrA9810]

Ummm don't you not have a job out of choice because you don't like working? and live off your girlfriends paycheck ? Pot ? Kettle ?

I might be a rusted pot... but I'm not the black kettle. I don't recieve food stamps, unemployment, or any other assistance. We make it work with the money we have. And I've never even applied for it. Plus we don't even get the tax benefits of being together. So she has to file under single. My mom and sister know how to use and abuse the system. That's what makes me sick.
Sure I could go screw a guy, have a child, a disabled one at that, and live the rest of my life off the government. But at least I have more sense than that.

** You probably don't even realize how comfortably we could live if that happened. The max is well over 500$ a month on SSI (because any permenantly disable person can get it), get another few hundred in food stamps... And because we're not seen as a legal couple, I wouldn't even have to mention a penny of Kari's income. Ohh then when tax season comes around, file and get like another 2 grand back for just one kid, and I still wouldn't have to work... **
You can thank me later for at least not screwing over your tax dollars.

 

[Magic Mom]

Yes, there is occasionally going to be some abuse of the system, but I believe for the most part that the people receiving these benefits truly need them.

I think abuse happens much more than occasionally. However, I am truly happy it's in place for people that really need it. I can't imagine how scary it must be to not know where your kid's next meal is going to come from. Hopefully one day we can have reform that will weed out the freeloaders without hurting those in real need.

 

[Magic Mom]

I
Sure I could go screw a guy, have a child, a disabled one at that, and live the rest of my life off the government. But at least I have more sense than that.

Are you equating having a disabled child and subsequently having to rely on govenment assitance with not having any sense? That seems cruel.

 

[mum4jenn]

Anyway....I am glad that the programs are out there for those that really need the help. I wish there was a better way to find out about the ones who are just using the system and don't really need the help.

When my Dh lost his job due to his employer of 18 years leaving, we really thought we might have to get some of this help. My Dh went out and found a job as a school bus driver/substitute teacher in order to prevent this from happening.

 

[bumbershoot]

Are you equating having a disabled child and subsequently having to rely on govenment assitance with not having any sense? That seems cruel.

She is saying that the fact that she hasn't gone and gotten herself pregnant JUST to be on welfare means she has more sense. I can't possibly believe you didn't know that.

I might be a rusted pot... but I'm not the black kettle. I don't recieve food stamps, unemployment, or any other assistance. We make it work with the money we have. And I've never even applied for it. Plus we don't even get the tax benefits of being together. So she has to file under single. My mom and sister know how to use and abuse the system. That's what makes me sick.

I know lots of people give you trouble..funny, but no one gives ME trouble for knowing that I don't like working for money, and being so so happy that the man I met and married doesn't mind being the sole provider. Funny, how minds work that way, eh?

I'm glad that your sig o likes (I assume) to provide for her family just as my sig o does. Sure, I bet they wouldn't mind winning Mega Millions...but until then, I know that DH enjoys bringing home the (soy) bacon, and I'm glad your sig other does too.

And for not being able to file as married. Rotten.

Food stamp benefits for a family of 4 in my state are at $668 per month. Why do I get so upset when I spend $600 plus a month in groceries then? I'm always trying to cut my budget and think that $500 should be enough. I guess I am under budgeting and expecting too much for too little money??? I think I will make that my new monthly food budget and we will eat really well. My DH may even get steak once a month.

I don't mean this thread as a slam toward food stamp recipents. I just found this information out and I am really rethinking what is/should be healthy eating.

It's an interesting thought! Most definitely. I've been trying to get our food budget down too...and that's definitely worth thinking about...

 

[Kay1]

Just so you know, a lot of people paying with food stamps ARE shopping for those too disabled to go out and buy for themselves. Also, foster parents are given those cards when they are kind enough to welcome abused or orphaned children into their homes.

You really shouldn't be judging them.

 

[natenapril]

I might be a rusted pot... but I'm not the black kettle. I don't recieve food stamps, unemployment, or any other assistance. We make it work with the money we have. And I've never even applied for it. Plus we don't even get the tax benefits of being together. So she has to file under single. My mom and sister know how to use and abuse the system. That's what makes me sick.
Sure I could go screw a guy, have a child, a disabled one at that, and live the rest of my life off the government. But at least I have more sense than that.

** You probably don't even realize how comfortably we could live if that happened. The max is well over 500$ a month on SSI (because any permenantly disable person can get it), get another few hundred in food stamps... And because we're not seen as a legal couple, I wouldn't even have to mention a penny of Kari's income. Ohh then when tax season comes around, file and get like another 2 grand back for just one kid, and I still wouldn't have to work... **
You can thank me later for at least not screwing over your tax dollars.

Was I the only one who found this crude?

 

[SeansMom]

$668 does seem high. When my family had food stamps (2 adults and a toddler), we had $278/month. I was thrilled; one less thing to worry about!

When I lost my job and looked into food stamps, the BASE amount, or the amount that it started at, was something similiar to the $668.00. Then, if factored in: House payment, # of people in family, elderly/disabled in family, electric bills, other income, etc. By the time I got through the calculations we would have gotten $12.00 a month. SO...just because the base is that high does not mean that is what everyone is getting.

BTW, it does bug me when folk on assistance use it to buy prime meat cuts, prepared food (like vegie trays) etc. Why isn't that regulated?

 

[DonnaL]

Anyway.......as MagicMom said hopefully someday our country will figure out a way to control the fraud and still help the needy. And, also as other posters have said.......please don't lump everyone who receives these benefits all together. We have truly needy people in this country, especially in these economic times.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

People keep claliming broad brushing, but don''t seem to get that it goes both ways. Rather than listening to those who think the system stinks and needs reform you want to say that people are cruel and do not want people who need to receive to receive.

 

[jodifla]

People keep claliming broad brushing, but don''t seem to get that it goes both ways. Rather than listening to those who think the system stinks and needs reform you want to say that people are cruel and do not want people who need to receive to receive.

It's a matter of priorities.

With one broad brush stroke, people are ripping us off. Big surprise...that happens with any system. There will ALWAYS be those people. (As well as the people who think they should be the ones who get to tell the "have-nots" what they get to eat.)

But with the other brush stroke....people don't eat.

I know which one is more important.

 

[CobraBubbles]

I know this has gotten into a shouting match, but I just wanted to say that I never said that I begrudge people who genuinely need it. And even temporarily if they are willing to try to get off of it and better themselves...that's why it's there, and fine.

I work at Walmart and it's the norm for people to be on food stamps...I would say probably half of the people who I check out (though I've not done a scientific poll) are on some kind of assistance and/or WIC. I don't understand how financially all of these people can be supported. It is only a matter of time before the system collapses.

There is also judgment against the people who are against the ridiculously large amount of assistance that people in need get. People assume that because I don't get assistance that I couldn't get it or couldn't use it, or don't need it.

For almost a year I supported a family of 4 on just my Walmart income, and it sucked and I wanted to cry a lot, and I gave up a lot, and I sold a lot of my possessions just to keep food on the table. My husband couldn't work because we were going through the green card process. I could have gone on assistance but I made it without going on assistance. Maybe that makes me a dummy, but I think there's lots of times when people would rather not make sacrifices instead it is easier to go on assistance, and not work rather get a crappy job. I have a bachelors, but I got what job I could to support my family.

So, yeah it hurts when you are working your butt off and sacrificing and other people come through with their designer clothes (because they don't have to sacrifice buying things like clothes to pay for food) and all of their prepared foods and snacks and their ending balances of $600 after they just bought about $100 worth of food. I see it over and over and over everyday. If you think it is just a small percentage of people, you are naive. I didn't believe it till I saw it. I don't see how the system is going to keep going much longer, and then you know what? The people who really need it get screwed over. I would never begrudge a person who is disabled in some way, or who genuinely is in a rough situation help. I've known too many people who live off the system and advocate others to do it to not know how it is, and they are going to ruin it for people who really need it.

Sorry that was long, but for those in the know it is very well known how to take advantage of the system. Why work if you can get everything for free?

 

[jodifla]

I know this has gotten into a shouting match, but I just wanted to say that I never said that I begrudge people who genuinely need it. And even temporarily if they are willing to try to get off of it and better themselves...that's why it's there, and fine.

I work at Walmart and it's the norm for people to be on food stamps...I would say probably half of the people who I check out (though I've not done a scientific poll) are on some kind of assistance and/or WIC. I don't understand how financially all of these people can be supported. It is only a matter of time before the system collapses.

There is also judgment against the people who are against the ridiculously large amount of assistance that people in need get. People assume that because I don't get assistance that I couldn't get it or couldn't use it, or don't need it.

For almost a year I supported a family of 4 on just my Walmart income, and it sucked and I wanted to cry a lot, and I gave up a lot, and I sold a lot of my possessions just to keep food on the table. My husband couldn't work because we were going through the green card process. I could have gone on assistance but I made it without going on assistance. Maybe that makes me a dummy, but I think there's lots of times when people would rather not make sacrifices instead it is easier to go on assistance, and not work rather get a crappy job. I have a bachelors, but I got what job I could to support my family.

So, yeah it hurts when you are working your butt off and sacrificing and other people come through with their designer clothes (because they don't have to sacrifice buying things like clothes to pay for food) and all of their prepared foods and snacks and their ending balances of $600 after they just bought about $100 worth of food. I see it over and over and over everyday. If you think it is just a small percentage of people, you are naive. I didn't believe it till I saw it. I don't see how the system is going to keep going much longer, and then you know what? The people who really need it get screwed over. I would never begrudge a person who is disabled in some way, or who genuinely is in a rough situation help. I've known too many people who live off the system and advocate others to do it to not know how it is, and they are going to ruin it for people who really need it.

Sorry that was long, but for those in the know it is very well known how to take advantage of the system. Why work if you can get everything for free?

Sorry you went through a bad patch.

But designer clothes. Like REAL designer clothes of $1,000 and up for a skirt?

Or nice clothes, like the kind you can get at Goodwill. Or maybe you've had for 10 years, before you lost your job.
''

 

[eliza61]

People keep claliming broad brushing, but don''t seem to get that it goes both ways. Rather than listening to those who think the system stinks and needs reform you want to say that people are cruel and do not want people who need to receive to receive.

Not me, I'm fully aware as are most people that the system has abuses. Just like any system used by people rich or poor.

The problem is that statistic don't bear the "every one who uses food stamps" is abusing the sytem people love to believe in.

In fact the numbers and research bear out a very different story. So if in 2008 (the last year my organization has figures for) 29 million people used food stamps, less than 5% were fradulent. Sure that's still a problem that needs to be address but that's still 95% who use the system honestly and ethically.

A far cry short of the scenario people love to portray here and in the media.

And just want to mention to all the folks who know and see all the "get over on the system people' you can call (anonymously) the DHS hotline at 202-673-6946 and report all abuse.

Assistance Fraud
Residents who know of, and wish to report fraud or abuse of the cash assistance, food stamp, Medicaid or any other benefit program provided by the Department of Human Services, should call the 24-hour hotline for fraud at (202) 673-4464 in the Office of Investigations and Compliance (OIC). Anonymous calls are accepted. Callers who give their names can request confidentiality at (202) 673-6946.

 

[C.Ann]

Not me, I'm fully aware as are most people that the system has abuses. Just like any system used by people rich or poor.

The problem is that statistic don't bear the "every one who uses food stamps" is abusing the sytem people love to believe in.

In fact the numbers and research bear out a very different story. So if in 2008 (the last year my organization has figures for) 29 million people used food stamps, less than 5% were fradulent. Sure that's still a problem that needs to be address but that's still 95% who use the system honestly and ethically.

A far cry short of the scenario people love to portray here and in the media.

And just want to mention to all the folks who know and see all the "get over on the system people' you can call (anonymously) the DHS hotline at 202-673-6946 and report all abuse.