Food Stamp question

[Hannathy]

My state if starting a program to take into account a person's assets before receiving food stamps. Unbelievable that this hasn't been done before. My friend who works for the welfare office said one family was getting benefits while driving a Lexus with $200,000 in the bank because they had no income and this was not an isolated incident!

Good it is about time. I hope more places take this into account.

 

[leahjade]

And this is why I love self-checkout lines! No waiting behind gossiping cashiers discussing things which are none of their business and holding up the line.

This is every taxpayer's business and if concerned citizens don't speak out, nothing will ever change. Some people need to get their heads out of the sand and become educated to the fact that there IS a lot of abuse and fraud in the system and it needs to be revamped.

 

[angierae]

I have no problem with being upset at people who abuse the system. I do have a problem with gossiping about strangers when you have no idea if they are abusing the system or not.

And that's really the last thing I have to say on this subject. 90% of this thread makes me sick.

 

[punkin]

Aaah the monthly rant against those on welfare.

It does seem to be a regular occurrence, doesn't it?

One of my good friends applied for food stamps. Her DH lost his job. They have 3 children, including an infant. Something happened at the food stamp office, and their benefits were delayed. When they do get their benefits, they will have several months' worth on the card. My friend plans on re-stocking her pantry. Hey, maybe she finally got the food stamps and OP was behind her in line.

In the mean time, they are down to eating beans, rice, and pasta every day. The older boys eat breakfast and lunch in school for free, and my friend has WIC for her and the baby. They are barely surviving and her DH is constantly looking for work. There is nothing out there in his field. Nothing at all.

 

[luvdzny]

I am a cashier at a grocery store and sometimes it is hard not to judge people. We have customers that come in every week and buy their groceries with EBT cards (food stamps) and then pay for 2 cartons of cigarettes, a case of beer and a few bottles of booze with their debit card. Sometimes the beer & cigarettes cost more than the food does. If they can spend that much on non-essentials, why can't they afford to buy food.

Sometimes the comments the customers make also make it hard not to judge. I had one couple use their EBT card for groceries, and pay for the rest with a debit card, not a problem, but they were discussing what bar they were going to that night and if $100 in cash would be enough for the night.

Many people on food stamps truly need them but there are others that seem to take advantage of the situation.

 

[leahjade]

90% of this thread makes me sick.

Watching this clip makes me sick seeing so many able-bodied people making a mockery of a system that was meant to help people. There will never be change until people know the reality of what is going on in this country.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2kGPdxkofo

 

[momto2inKC]

And a lot of people haven't paid into the system though. A lot of people are just milking the system because they can and because they are lazy. Most of the people that are "judging" know people personally that are abusing the system. And there are a lot of people that are abusing the system.

So true. It is hard to not judge when you personally see people abusing the system. I have a brother who does. I see how he does it. It pisses me off to no end. His only child he has custody of is now old enough to have a job and car but he won't let her because then it'll affect *his welfare. It's ridiculous.
I realize there are a LOT of people who do not abuse the system and truly need the help. But there are also a LOT who do abuse it.

 

[eliza61]

This is every taxpayer's business and if concerned citizens don't speak out, nothing will ever change. Some people need to get their heads out of the sand and become educated to the fact that there IS a lot of abuse and fraud in the system and it needs to be revamped.

Be see this is what I don't understand. You just said you're friend knows many clients who have tons of money in the bank. Is she reporting them?

I have no problem with changing any system that is riddle with fraud, but I require more facts than the "Cashier" at the local supermarket said or my "friend" in the welfare office said so. He said/she said is not a proof of fraud.

Once again, here are the guidelines from the ssa.gov. If you know of these supposed people driving lexuses and Mercedes benzes with hundreds of thousands of dollars in the bank, by all means turn them in. It can be done anomously (sp)


Generally, your household cannot have more than $2,000 in resources (things you own). But, if your household includes a person age 60 or older or
who is disabled, the limit is $3,000. Resources of people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program are not counted for
food stamp purposes.
Resources include cash, bank accounts and other property.Not all resources you own count. For example, your home and the land it is on do not count for food stamp eligibility. A car or truck counts differently depending on how it is used. Most states now use TANF rules in place of food stamp vehicle rules if the TANF rules are more beneficial to the
food stamp household. Most households also must meet an income
limit. Certain things do not count as income
and can be subtracted from your income. Your
household may qualify for other income exclusions
if it includes a person age 60 or older or disabled.
The income limits vary by household size and may

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10101.pdf

 

[kt_mom]

I am a cashier at a grocery store and sometimes it is hard not to judge people. We have customers that come in every week and buy their groceries with EBT cards (food stamps) and then pay for 2 cartons of cigarettes, a case of beer and a few bottles of booze with their debit card. Sometimes the beer & cigarettes cost more than the food does. If they can spend that much on non-essentials, why can't they afford to buy food.

Sometimes the comments the customers make also make it hard not to judge. I had one couple use their EBT card for groceries, and pay for the rest with a debit card, not a problem, but they were discussing what bar they were going to that night and if $100 in cash would be enough for the night.

Many people on food stamps truly need them but there are others that seem to take advantage of the situation.

That's exactly what I'm talking about too. The ones who abuse the system are usually obvious and open about it. But I'm sure someone will come along and tell me not to judge this couple and that I don't know their backstory or some other nonsense that justifies them being able to afford to go out to bars but have to use food stamps to buy groceries.

There's something I say to my DD all the time that can be used to cover this topic also. "You do what you have to do first and then and only then, can you do what you want to do"

Only for her I'm saying about getting ready for school in the morning and doing her afternoon chores and homework because she'll spend 20 minutes picking out which purse to take before she brushes her teeth and then its time to go and she's not ready.

But you buy and pay for your necessities first. The things you need to survive. Then if you have money left over for 160 channels of satelllite TV a Lexus an Iphone and a case of beer be my guest, go for it. But you put food on your table and pay your own rent first. We as a society have totally blurred the lines between needs and wants.

 

[leahjade]

You just said you're friend knows many clients who have tons of money in the bank. Is she reporting them?

Report them for what? It's LEGAL in our state at this time to have hundreds of thousands of dollars in the bank and still collect benefits if you have no income. That's why the system needs changed and why people need educated! It is very naive to think that every person who collects from the system is in need and unable to work. It's become a way of live for many generations of families and we need elected leaders who are not afraid to talk about and change the broken system.

 

[bgirldeb]

I had an interesting experience checking out at Kroger in a nice neighborhood one day. I had a full cart of groceries that I had carefully budgeted/planned out for, and this happened to be the day after we paid a good chunk of money on our taxes. My husband didn't have enough taken out of his check for a while It was a tight month, to say the least.

The chatty young lady behind me said "you know that would be a lot cheaper if you got food stamps", like she had some good money-saving advice for me. Needless to say it didn't go over very well. I just said well, "unfortunately I don't qualify for them", but then I was paranoid about why she thought I would benefit from advice. I think she was just an idiot that didn't understand how things work. The sweet cashier said that she gets some food stamps to supplement her income so not everyone on food stamps doesn't have a job.

 

[SteelerCountry]

Is it fair that a "never worked a day in her life woman" CHOOSEs AND PLANS to have multiple kids KNOWING SHE AS NO INCOME? Where is the sense in that? people coming over to the USA and cannot even speak the language,,,how will they work? How will they live? Its called responsibility people!!!!!! This makes no sense. Who plans and chooses to have a child KNOWING you don't make a freaking dime? I understand things happen...mothers left by a dead beat dad, but don't go have another knowing I am paying for your first!!!! Instead of having sex and getting pregnant again while on welfare knowing ur food is bought by the working people use your time more wisely and go to night school or get a job. I've worked since I was 15, I see the welfare cards out in full force at Walmart, at least thank me once in awhile for picking up your tab.

 

[leahjade]

He said/she said is not a proof of fraud.

No one is saying it's fraud - it's all legal in a broken system. I'm glad we have a governor now in our state who is not afraid to change things from how they've always been and is trying to fix these entitlement programs that have gotten way out of hand. Unless you have ever worked for a government agency, you probably believe that every benefit recipient is noble and needy but the FACTS are that this is just not true.

 

[eliza61]

Report them for what? It's LEGAL in our state at this time to have hundreds of thousands of dollars in the bank and still collect benefits if you have no income. That's why the system needs changed and why people need educated! It is very naive to think that every person who collects from the system is in need and unable to work. It's become a way of live for many generations of families and we need elected leaders who are not afraid to talk about and change the broken system.

Please link.. The Food stamp program is a FEDERAL program administered by the USDA. It is 100% funded by federal government money with the states paying the administrative parts.

What state do you live in if you don't mind me asking?

The SNAP/Food Stamp Program is the largest nutrition assistance program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The goal of the program is “to alleviate hunger and malnutrition … by increasing food purchasing power for all eligible households who apply for participation” as stated in the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended (P.L. 108-269). The program provides monthly benefits to eligible low-income families which can be used to purchase food. Through the electronic benefit transfer systems (EBT) the use of food stamp “coupons” is no longer the means in which a client receives their benefits. EBT replaces paper coupons through use of a benefits card, similar to a bank card. USDA reports that all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico are now using EBT systems.

The federal government pays 100 percent of SNAP/Food Stamp program benefits. Federal and State governments share administrative costs (with the federal government contributing nearly 50 percent).

Every 5 years, the SNAP/Food Stamp program is reauthorized by Congress as part of the Farm Bill. The reauthorization establishes who is eligible for SNAP/food Stamps and addresses program access, benefit levels, and other matters.

Man, I would be up in arms because your state taxes must be through the roof to allow this while the Congress sets much more ridged guidelines.

Feel free to educate me at any time with any solid proof you have. I would love to read your states requirements on assistance.

 

[leahjade]

Republican Gov. Tom Corbett has announced a major assault on the food stamp program that feeds 1.8 million Pennsylvanians, including 439,245 in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania's Department of Public Welfare announced that on May 1, people under 60 with more than $2,000 in savings or other assets will be barred from receiving food stamps. People over 60 would have a $3,250 cap.

We need more elected officials like this with the courage to try to change the system. Though it's getting harder and harder to get people like this elected when almost 50% of the citizens PAY NO FEDERAL INCOME TAX at all and will continue to vote for the candidate who provides them cradle to grave government support.

 

[cm8]

So true. It is hard to not judge when you personally see people abusing the system. I have a brother who does. I see how he does it. It pisses me off to no end. His only child he has custody of is now old enough to have a job and car but he won't let her because then it'll affect *his welfare. It's ridiculous.
I realize there are a LOT of people who do not abuse the system and truly need the help. But there are also a LOT who do abuse it.

Have you reported your brother or how are they supposed to know if someone does not tell them?

Watching this clip makes me sick seeing so many able-bodied people making a mockery of a system that was meant to help people. There will never be change until people know the reality of what is going on in this country.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2kGPdxkofo

I agree, but we are only as strong as our weakest.

It does seem to be a regular occurrence, doesn't it?

One of my good friends applied for food stamps. Her DH lost his job. They have 3 children, including an infant. Something happened at the food stamp office, and their benefits were delayed. When they do get their benefits, they will have several months' worth on the card. My friend plans on re-stocking her pantry. Hey, maybe she finally got the food stamps and OP was behind her in line.

In the mean time, they are down to eating beans, rice, and pasta every day. The older boys eat breakfast and lunch in school for free, and my friend has WIC for her and the baby. They are barely surviving and her DH is constantly looking for work. There is nothing out there in his field. Nothing at all.

This is why we need assistance to remain in place for those who actually need it. I pray that they will get back all they've lost and more

I have no problem with being upset at people who abuse the system. I do have a problem with gossiping about strangers when you have no idea if they are abusing the system or not.

And that's really the last thing I have to say on this subject. 90% of this thread makes me sick.

This is every taxpayer's business and if concerned citizens don't speak out, nothing will ever change. Some people need to get their heads out of the sand and become educated to the fact that there IS a lot of abuse and fraud in the system and it needs to be revamped.

Are you including corporate welfare into this abuse You are aware that corporate welfare and entitlement far exceed what the working poor and "abusers" receive in assistance.The only difference is you rarely hear about people/taxpayers being upset about the corporations and millionaires and billionaires receiving government assistance and subsidies that they do not need.

Be see this is what I don't understand. You just said you're friend knows many clients who have tons of money in the bank. Is she reporting them?

I have no problem with changing any system that is riddle with fraud, but I require more facts than the "Cashier" at the local supermarket said or my "friend" in the welfare office said so. He said/she said is not a proof of fraud.

Once again, here are the guidelines from the ssa.gov. If you know of these supposed people driving lexuses and Mercedes benzes with hundreds of thousands of dollars in the bank, by all means turn them in. It can be done anomously (sp)


Generally, your household cannot have more than $2,000 in resources (things you own). But, if your household includes a person age 60 or older or
who is disabled, the limit is $3,000. Resources of people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program are not counted for
food stamp purposes.
Resources include cash, bank accounts and other property.Not all resources you own count. For example, your home and the land it is on do not count for food stamp eligibility. A car or truck counts differently depending on how it is used. Most states now use TANF rules in place of food stamp vehicle rules if the TANF rules are more beneficial to the
food stamp household. Most households also must meet an income
limit. Certain things do not count as income
and can be subtracted from your income. Your
household may qualify for other income exclusions
if it includes a person age 60 or older or disabled.
The income limits vary by household size and may

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10101.pdf

Agreed I work on a base and at the clinic we sign up families after families who are eligible for WIC and Active Duty who still fall under the poverty limits. Theses are men and women who took an oath to serve and protect their country and still don't make enough to buy enough formula and or groceries to provide for their family

The working poor are often overlooked and the myths of what abuse looks like and must be gets perpetuated year after year Help should be for those who need it not those who want others to take care of them

 

[cwasil]

No matter what you do you judge and that's because the system is far from foolproof. I like the WIC program...I'm sure there were ways ingenious people found for cheating that system but it must've been alot harder. No way money I earned should go towards people eating better than my family. If that's the case there is no reason for people to ever get off public assistance. I have no problem helping a family out with milk, eggs, bread, formula, diapers, etc., etc., but when I see them in line with a bunch of steaks then, yup, I judge and I get angry while I look in my cart at the sale items that I can match up with coupons.

Living in a country that has a system that helps people in need is a wonderful thing but it needs to be monitored because bad people do bad things. If the government is going to run a program like this then they need to take responsibility in making sure it isn't abused...and they clearly are not. People on drugs should not have access just the same as people who've won the lottery should not either. Whether you're the socialist type on the this board who feel it's none of our business what is done with FS's or the soccer mom's who, for some reason, tell us how hard they worked for their GAP or Lexus's or whatever (ego trip)....we all know right from wrong and what is taking place out there is clearly wrong. I'd like to think 90% of the people on FS's use them responsibly but that still leaves, sadly, millions abusing the system. I don't like it...I am angry...and I will judge you if I see it. Fix the system. Allow families to feed their kids but do it responsibly by not letting them think it's a lifestyle, it's only meant as a safety net. Grilled cheese and tomato soup never killed anyone.

Now what does this thread have to do with Disney and Budgeting again?

 

[ccgirl]

Oh don't get me wrong. I'm very thankful that I don't need assistance. I would much rather be in a postion to pay in then have to collect out. I'm thankful for what I have and what my DH and I can provide for our family. We are not rich by any means, but we are blessed. And we give back.

But not everyone that pays in can afford a big house, private school or cookouts with filet and lobster.

And not everyone that is collecting and living in a small apartment on government assistance is unhappy about it. Many are perfectly happy as long as they don't have to take personal responsibility for their lives and can just hold their hand out. And there are a lot of them and they work harder finding ways to keep their handouts then actually trying to better their lives. I see it and hear it everyday.

Bolded mine. So, work harder and you can. (I am being sarcastic by the way) Isn't that what posters are saying; work harder and you don't have to rely on public assistance? What's the difference?

If you (a general you, not you specifically) know of someone, for a fact, that is abusing the system. Report them. So many posters say....I know this person and that person. Have you reported them??? That is what should be done. IF you know someone is abusing the system, report them. Else, stop judging those you know nothing about.

 

[SteelerCountry]

If you can save up for a trip or a car then you can save up for nutrition for you and yours and not get food stamps for a month!

 

[momto2inKC]

Have you reported your brother or how are they supposed to know if someone does not tell them?

There is nothing 'to report'. These people know how to work the system. Why work when the state will give him all this money and food? It goes a lot deeper in a lot of these instances of people who abuse it. They find a way around the requirement to job hunt or have a job, they work for cash so it doesn't have to be reported, there are a lot of ways for them to do it.
I'm just saying like others on this thread, there are plenty of people who know how to abuse the system without breaking rules of the programs in the states eyes.