I used to work for a "Community Action Program". Most countys have them. They are not-for-profit organizations that assist individuals with lots of things. Many people came to us to help them sign up for government aid. We had a lady that her only job was to convince people to sign up for food stamps. She told me she always got upset by the fact that the people who should be taking advantage of the programs won't, and the people who are using it shouldn't be. There was one couple who actually told her that they got a divorce just to take advantage of the system. She had legal custody of the kids but nothing changed. They still wore their wedding rings and lived under the same roof, but legally they were not married and she qualified for Food Stamps, Wic, Medical and even a tax credit at the end of the year.

Bee

I have never been in the position of taking benefits - we've had poor times, we're in one right now, but we've always had food on the table. And I don't have a problem with people getting health care for their children and providing for their families. I do have problems with the couples that have children and never get married because of the benefits that they receive. For our daughter's birth we had insurance but it did not include maternity and we paid, slowly, for her birth. My husband was talking to a friend of a sorts, he drives a new car, has a HUGE house, and has like five or six kids now and my husband asked him how he afforded the birth. His response was, "We're not married, the state pays for it." Here we were busting our behinds to pay for one birth and he's had several and never paid for any of them! And we know another couple that waited until they were done having children, to get married because the state would pay for their births! They have three children. It is abuse of the system that really gets to me.

That said, and Kim made me think of this, I'm in the process of getting my unemployment - so I guess I am getting some extra benefits!

I agree with the majority here - if you qualify and really need it, use it. I work full time and support my husband and 3 kids. My husband has several learning disabilities, but doesn't qualify for disability or social security. He gets minimum wage jobs, but they usually don't last more than 2 months because he is slow. We do not qualify for food stamps, or any type of money. However, we do get WIC and my kids get Medicaid as a supplement to my insurance. My husband and I rarely go to the doctor even when we are sick, because we can't afford the co-pays. Thank goodness my kids get the Medicaid, or we'd be broke. While I was nursing my last baby, I declined WIC for myself, because we were getting enough milk with my 3 year old being on it. I was honest, because I didn't want to waste the milk, cheese and eggs.

i agree i actually receive wic and food stamps if you need the help you should get it. if it wasnt for wic and the foodstamps i would not be able to feed my family. with the way my family drinks milk i would not beable to afford it. but we are currently going off of foodstamps in the next month or 2 when my dh gets his raise we will be able to afford food. he will finally be enough. with all of our bills right now we are just making it. but if you need the help get it. my friend is using the system it make me so sick her boyfriend my pretty good money and their oldest ds gets the max out of ssi she wants foodstamps and other help but they gott refused which i am glad they can afford everything. plus some so if you need the help get it.

I was a welfare worker for 6 yrs. I saw many people thruout those years. I was a worker prior and during the reform of that systsem. I have to say that most people used it as it was meant to be. As assitance, as a supplement to their wages. Or if they lost their job or got layed off. That is what it is for. We all need help once in a while. Don't feel ashamed. This is what our taxes dollars where ment to be used for. There where a few people who used it as their only source of income and who considered it a entitlement. These are the people that had the greater dificulty during the reform. Take advantage of the help.

I have checked into and am eligible for assistance with my heating bill in the winter and electric in the summer, but I haven't utilized this yet. The main reason is because they make it so difficult to get.. I would have to miss work in order to get an appointment and you have to jump through hoops of fire in order to qualify and treat you like you are dirt poor.

I just want to say thanks for all your responses. I don't know why I care what other people think, but I can't help it. I'm in the application stage waiting for an interview so I don't know if I'm over income yet or not. Thank God for programs like this. Bill collectors don't care if you have food on the table and the choice between food and the monthly living expenses (mortgage, utilities) is a choice no one should have to make. Thanks girls.

I totally am all for people getting help if there is a Need for it!! Of course that is what it is there for!!
I Think a lot of people have a Different View on Need though.

If My Family "needed " More Money or food - I would Be getting a Job or Dh would Be Getting another Part time job -

And We have been there before.
I really dont think its Right to get Food from a food pantry - just because we were short on money cause we were one income with A Few kids.
I know some people use a food Pantry Regularely - Just so they dont Have to Buy food.
It drives Me crazy that our food pantry is always in desperate need for food and supplies , still Our Church hands out Vouchers To anyone in any type of need.


If my house Burnt down tonight or some other Catastrophic thing Happened then I would Be on the phone for assistance immediately -

I used Only Wic when I had my Baby at 16.
Once I got Married - I was determined to Make more than We needed.


...
I Have lots of pride - UNLESS there is no other way then i Feel Its a Right to Get assistance.
All just My opinion!