SAHP's Using Public Assistance - Page 14

[That Is Nice]

Originally Posted by mammal_mama

I agree!

I know! Seriously, wouldn't it be wonderful? I mean, I keep thinking over and over again how policies like universal health insurance and extended paid family leave are so supportive of children and families.

It makes everything - parenting, breastfeeding, etc - so much more doable. What a great public investment that would be.

[mammal_mama]

Originally Posted by That Is Nice

I am not saying one is wrong or right, or placing any sort of value on one or the other. I am saying they are NOT the same.

Right, I guess there really is no parallel situation.

I guess it all boils down to whether our getting assistance gives people the right to scrutinize our lives, and make themselves the judge of what we do or don't have the right to provide for our children.

Some people truly believe (I'm not saying you believe this) that "If I'm working and paying taxes and not getting any public assistance -- then, by gum, the people who do get assistance better not have life any easier than me -- and they better not drive a nicer car, wear nicer clothes, or have any extras I can't afford."

If they feel this way, then of course that is their right -- and they certainly have a right to express themselves just as I do. They can keep expressing themselves and I'll keep expressing myself.

I guess my perspective is hard for many to understand, because I believe we should all be able to enjoy life, not because of having "earned" the right -- but "just because."

[That Is Nice]

Originally Posted by mammal_mama

Right, I guess there really is no parallel situation.

:

I think that, too. Or at least, I can't come up with any. I definitely don't think government employees are a parallel. I don't see a difference between government employees and private sector employees.

[That Is Nice]

Originally Posted by mammal_mama

Some people truly believe (I'm not saying you believe this) that "If I'm working and paying taxes and not getting any public assistance -- then, by gum, the people who do get assistance better not have life any easier than me -- and they better not drive a nicer car, wear nicer clothes, or have any extras I can't afford."

Yeah, I definitely don't believe that personally, but I do see why some people might.

I don't think this is the case, by and large, though.

And I think if working and paying taxes, etc, doesn't provide a better life than living on public assistance, then we have real problems with our economy. Not because it should pay more or any value judgement, but just if working isn't a viable option then the government, private sector, citizenry better start looking at our economy and figuring some stuff out, you know?

It's a shame that minimum wage laws are what they are. It's a shame more people (all people, really) don't have access to health care. It's a shame that a living wage isn't part of every single job. We sure need to work on our economy, and not just in light of what's been in the news recently.

[That Is Nice]

Originally Posted by mammal_mama

Right, I guess there really is no parallel situation.

I guess it all boils down to whether our getting assistance gives people the right to scrutinize our lives, and make themselves the judge of what we do or don't have the right to provide for our children.

Some people truly believe (I'm not saying you believe this) that "If I'm working and paying taxes and not getting any public assistance -- then, by gum, the people who do get assistance better not have life any easier than me -- and they better not drive a nicer car, wear nicer clothes, or have any extras I can't afford."

If they feel this way, then of course that is their right -- and they certainly have a right to express themselves just as I do. They can keep expressing themselves and I'll keep expressing myself.

I guess my perspective is hard for many to understand, because I believe we should all be able to enjoy life, not because of having "earned" the right -- but "just because."

The pursuit of happiness is in our Declaration of Independence. And woven into the fabric of American life. And I think all kids have a right to not go hungry, not be exposed to the elements, and not have access to medical care when needed. Unfortunately, we don't often talk about basic human rights. It's more pointing fingers and stuff.

[happyhats]

When I first started public assistance I felt guilty you could say. I did feel as if I shouldn't have as many "frivolities" as other people because of my financial situation. But if I'm honest, I DON'T have the same frivolities. That's not to say I never spend my money on nonessentials, or that I don't feel like I have any fun in my life,etc. But the fact is I do have a lower income so I don't have the same "oppourtunities" as other people that have a higher income bracket, and that's going to be a fact whether or not I receive aid. In any income bracket different people share different views on standards of living, and what is a luxury to some can sometimes be a necessity for others.

I also totally believe in karma. I don't feel I just take from the world,I also give back in ways that I can. I feel "right" about the choices I'm making in my life right now...to have less money so my husband can focus on schooling to better himself and so that we can actively raise our upcoming daughter. I think that people know what is right and wrong for them, for the most part, and deep down they know if they are abusing the system. I'm not. Am I using it to my advantage? Yes, but that's not the same thing.

[That Is Nice]

Originally Posted by happyhats

When I first started public assistance I felt guilty you could say. I did feel as if I shouldn't have as many "frivolities" as other people because of my financial situation. But if I'm honest, I DON'T have the same frivolities. That's not to say I never spend my money on nonessentials, or that I don't feel like I have any fun in my life,etc. But the fact is I do have a lower income so I don't have the same "oppourtunities" as other people that have a higher income bracket, and that's going to be a fact whether or not I receive aid. In any income bracket different people share different views on standards of living, and what is a luxury to some can sometimes be a necessity for others.

I also totally believe in karma. I don't feel I just take from the world,I also give back in ways that I can. I feel "right" about the choices I'm making in my life right now...to have less money so my husband can focus on schooling to better himself and so that we can actively raise our upcoming daughter. I think that people know what is right and wrong for them, for the most part, and deep down they know if they are abusing the system. I'm not. Am I using it to my advantage? Yes, but that's not the same thing.

:

Great post!



You are so right. It's not as black and white as many people see. I don't like people who judge others who receive public assistance. They have not walked in their shoes, you know? Public assistance is needed for exactly the reasons you said. And, also, because no child should go hungry. And because a compassionate society with saftey nets is a well operational society, in my belief. People are naiive if they think they may never need a safety net. And, yes, you are so right that there aren't many so called luxuries that are affordable when on public assistance. It boggles my mind that people think there are.

And you are so right. Using the system is not taking advantage of the system. People usually know right and wrong, and they know when it is right and they know when it is wrong. And there are rules in place. And I agree with you about karma. I'm a strong believer in that. Sometimes we need to receive and other times we need to give. That's what keeps our society going strong. People need a safety net for the worst of times so that they can contribute to that safety net for others in the best of times. It's actually a pretty great system of give and take. We humans really are symbiotic.

[mammal_mama]

And we are symbiotic all the time -- meaning that we are still giving even while receiving. I think it's important to remember that, because I often hear people say things like, "It's okay for a person to receive for a while -- but then that person needs to start giving back." I say they already are giving!

[That Is Nice]

Originally Posted by mammal_mama

And we are symbiotic all the time -- meaning that we are still giving even while receiving. I think it's important to remember that, because I often hear people say things like, "It's okay for a person to receive for a while -- but then that person needs to start giving back." I say they already are giving!

I think both ways are good, and necessary.

[mammal_mama]

Originally Posted by That Is Nice

I think both ways are good, and necessary.

You mean both giving and receiving -- which we're all doing all the time? If so, then I definitely agree.

[That Is Nice]

Originally Posted by mammal_mama

You mean both giving and receiving -- which we're all doing all the time? If so, then I definitely agree.

Yes, I mean that. But I also mean paying taxes is important. It's not the only contribution, not by a long shot. So, I do agree with you whole heartedly. But I think paying into the tax system is necessary to keep the system going, including entitlement programs disbursed directly to people, and also infrastructure and other programs used indirectly. So, not just in the realm of public assistance because that is a very small portion of the tax system, but for all the public goods and public infrastructure, and public programs that need to be funded. Yes, there is some waste and redundancy, and change is needed, but there is a lot of good that comes out of public funded programs, and so I feel taxes are a universal good.

I've relied on public assistance in bad times, and I daily use public infrastructure, and benefit from the vast majority of publicly funded programs and publicly funded initiatives. I will everyday for the rest of my life. And it's tax dollars that keep those programs going, so I feel it is necessary to pay taxes (especially federal taxes but also local), and a benefit to us all.

[happyhats]

Something to point out though is that many people are paying taxes while still getting government assistance. Many, many people recievind aid or the working poor..that's actually the majority, despite what some people vocalize. I am paying into taxes right now, and I had paid into taxes for years before I ever qualified for aid at all.

In the long run, when it comes to giving through taxes, I will have defenitely given more than I have taken in aid. The truth is most people want to work, and many people on aid will get to a point they no longer qualify and then they will still be paying taxes. I don't think it's so much of an issue of "wow, I want to pay taxes!" but that human beings do want to pursue happiness through careers, and also financial security.

[That Is Nice]

Originally Posted by happyhats

Something to point out though is that many people are paying taxes while still getting government assistance. Many, many people recievind aid or the working poor..that's actually the majority, despite what some people vocalize. I am paying into taxes right now, and I had paid into taxes for years before I ever qualified for aid at all.

In the long run, when it comes to giving through taxes, I will have defenitely given more than I have taken in aid. The truth is most people want to work, and many people on aid will get to a point they no longer qualify and then they will still be paying taxes. I don't think it's so much of an issue of "wow, I want to pay taxes!" but that human beings do want to pursue happiness through careers, and also financial security.

:

Absolutely.

[heidirk]

Just popping in to say 'hi' and bump the thread so I can find it again.


We're still waiting to hear from medicaid, and the baby could come any day. I'm just trying not to think about it, I have too much else on my plate right now.


Fascinating discussion by the way.

[rockportmidwife]

With my last pregnancy, I didn't get approved for Medicaid until the day he was born. They first denied me over information that was never requested from me. When I appealed, it took like 5 months for it to go through.

[tuppence]

Hey!

Hey, Y'all! This has been a fascinating thread and I'm subscribing so I can come and lift my spirits when I need a boost---just knowing other folks going through the same things is so helpful.

After the baby comes, so after Xmas, I won't be working. I'm pretty sure we'll qualify for WIC and FS (SC has a nice calculator on their website), and medicaid for me for 2 months post partum and for the kids for however long (the program is up to 18 within income limitations). I think we'll be just out of the income limit for DH to qualify or me after the post partum period, so I'm trying to figure that out. I won't apply for TANF because there are work requirements and I'm going to school and staying home with the kidlets on purpose.

Looking in to food banks and energy assistance since out gas bill is extreme in the winter!

[happyhats]

Just so you know, in some states you can qualify for TANF if you are going to school full time and not have to do the work search. Also, in my area, it was next to impossible for me to find a job that qualified when I was first on FS (I don't have to do a job search now because I'm in my last trimester). I could only take a job that made so much money a week, etc. Well, I'm SURE that you COULD take another job, but these were the only jobs that actually qualified as a job you should search for. So TANF may stilll be something for you to look into. If the required jobs are honestly not available or your schooling qualifies you you're not taking advantage, imo. If you are told differently you can always change your mind and decline TANF since it does change from state to state.

[transformed]

ok guys, so can you help me figure out what exactly I should do right now? I applied for every kind of assistance under the sun 2 weeks ago, and none of them have arrived yet, but the reason was that no one had a job and we were almost out of food and we havent paid ANY of our bills this month. we have $100.

We racked up our credit card 5K.

We just got a check for 4K, which we weren't sure we were going to get from a 401K-because it had to be forwarded all over the US. (I have no idea how much I need to save for taxes or how to figure that out.) We will surely need the assistance, but are ok for today...should I just call them and tell them to cancel it? or what? My husband got a job but wont make any money until November. (commission)

[heidirk]

Wow.

Did they not ask you if you wanted them to take care of the taxes/penalties when you cashed it out? Our 'people' did. What we got a check for was ours free and clear, they'd withheld the taxes for us.

[baileyandmikey]

Originally Posted by transformed

ok guys, so can you help me figure out what exactly I should do right now? I applied for every kind of assistance under the sun 2 weeks ago, and none of them have arrived yet, but the reason was that no one had a job and we were almost out of food and we havent paid ANY of our bills this month. we have $100.

We racked up our credit card 5K.

We just got a check for 4K, which we weren't sure we were going to get from a 401K-because it had to be forwarded all over the US. (I have no idea how much I need to save for taxes or how to figure that out.) We will surely need the assistance, but are ok for today...should I just call them and tell them to cancel it? or what? My husband got a job but wont make any money until November. (commission)

Beware the tax rate always seems really high on cashed out 401ks. put money away, but probably not in the bank, because that can disqualify you for assistances in some states.