Can't get ahead, Can't stay behind
By queenlove
@queenlove (495)
United States
October 2, 2007 11:46am CST
Let me gripe about the Government Assistance program. Not to put my business out there, but I am on assistance, but I also work. I am a single mother of 3, and you know what? I got a job making 7.00 an hour and as soon as I turned in my paperwork...my assistance got taken away from me. I get section 8, my job pays me 400.00 a month and since I work there, my rent went up to 360.00 a month! OK...for those of you who pay 7 or 800.00, I know, you want to tell me to be quiet, and I agree. I would love to be able to be complerely self sufficient. What I am complaining about, is that the system makes it so that you almost feel PENALIZED for working. I work 50 hours a week and basically only bring home 40.00 now, it kind of makes me feel like I am better off sitting on my butt, don't you think?
I think that what they should do is GRADUALLY decrease your benefits so that people don't get discouraged. I don't mind paying rent...but man...can a single mom at least bring home enough to pay ONE bill after working 50 hours a week? Yes! I said 50!
2 people like this
8 responses
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
3 Oct 07
Man, I totally agree with you!!! Actually, I wish you had responded to my discussion about government assistance. I know there are people out there that are trying their hardest to get off of it, but we all seem to hear about those that do their best to stay on!!
I commend you for supporting your family. At the same time I say "Shame on you" to the government for not helping you do that!
1 person likes this
@agnescav (566)
• United States
3 Oct 07
You aren't bringing home the right amount of money! What did you put on your W-4? If you didn't fill it out yet, you are paying a higher tax rate. If there are any federal taxes being taken out, ask for another W-4. You need to claim yourself, three kids and head of household. That should come out to six dependents actually!
And isn't the minimum wage $7.15?
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
3 Oct 07
Federal minimum wage is to increase to over the next 2 years.
$5.85 - Summer of 2007
$6.55 - Summer of 2008
$7.25 - Summer of 2009
Some states have their own minimum wage set higher.
1 person likes this
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
3 Oct 07
Is there a program you can go through? For example, in Louisiana there is a welfare to work program where if you sign up with them, they get you job skills and training and over time (i think 2 years) they decrease your benefits.
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
3 Oct 07
I know there are such big loopholes in the system. They claim to help you get on your feet and then tell you that you no longer qualify for anything. I am sorry that you are in this situation. I know that good paying jobs are hard to find. Most of them have left. The government should be helping the ones that are trying to make it. We are in a little bit of a mess also, but that is a little different story. Good luck to you, and don't give up.
@venshida (4836)
• United States
11 Oct 07
I am confuse if you work 50 hours a week at $7.00 an hour is that not $1400.00 a month. I am not knocking you its just that your figures are in conflict. I cannot see the government seeing your income as you put it at $400.00 a month and taking $360.00 for rent. I am familiar with section 8 and they take a percentage of your income not practically all of it. Your posting is not clear maybe there is some kind of error.
I agree with you however the government does penalize people who works. I think something should be in place to help people become more productive citizens especially when you see people beating the system by being dishonest etc and getting a way with it. Just keep the faith remember tough times don't last tough people do.
@sherrir101 (3670)
• Malinta, Ohio
3 Oct 07
I totally agree with you. Hard working people who *need* public assistance are getting the shaft because of people who abuse the system. I applaude you for working so hard for your children. I worked and was on public assistance and was taken off of health insurance because they thought I should be able to provide for my daughter and myself. Don't they realize just how expensive it is to live?
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
3 Oct 07
There is and always be a Big loophole in the system. Sometimes I wonder how they ever expect a person to get ahead in this world. Truthfully I commend you for wanting to be a working Mom, and not live off of the system. Too bad you cannot find something that brings in more income though, but then it sounds like they will penalize you even more.
One suggestion for you might be to find something to do from home that will bring you in some Extra income. That would be a Big plus for you, and help your situation so much more in the end. I know I am doing a couple of things from home, and work full time somewhere. I am not making a lot of money, but the extra helps. If you are interested, add me as a Friend, as ask what I am doing.
Wishing you the best.
@marylouu69 (297)
• United States
3 Oct 07
Yes I agree with you 100% they don't want to see people get ahead because no one will need the help and they will lose financial grants given to them to care for the amount of dependent people they give to. They should take a little away each month till you get weaned off the assistance, but they don't think like we do. You can alway tell a home where a person doesn't work they have the house filled with food, now you look at a working persons home and there is little or no food. Yes that is messed up !
