to think benefits are a safety net against poverty, not a cushion against an uncomfortable life ?

[TalkinPeace2]

Prompted by a thread where somebody said "DH has lost his job, what benefits are we entitled to?"

Sorry, but its the duty of ALL those on more than average wages (£26k per household) to put money aside for a rainy day.
No wonder the country is up to its eyes in debt if people first think about benefits rather than self reliance.

The benefit system should be to prevent true poverty, no more.

The American system has too many gaps. Most European systems, including that in the UK, provide far too comfortable a cushion, at far too high a cost to the next generation (as historically current over generous benefits have been kicked down the road to be paid for by our children who will never be entitled to such things).

[monkeysbignuts]

here we go. I am off for a cuppa!

[Darkesteyeswithflecksofgold]

In which case they should do away with National Insurance then.

[Aboutlastnight]

Nice try.

Why don't you go and watch TV instead?

[McHappyPants2012]

[brightermornings]

Have my first ever

[yellowkite]

BORING...next

[monkeysbignuts]

Maybe I should watch schindlers list on repeat? It may be a while?

[Darkesteyeswithflecksofgold]

i will have some popcorn ta. Is it toffee?

[ListenToYourHeart]

YADBU too many benefit bashing threads as it is.. If the person's DH lost he's job and their going to be struggling why shouldn't they receive benefits? I'm sure they are not choosing to be on benefits they are in need of help.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Well, given that the current system does not prevent "proper" poverty, I think we may have an issue..

[TalkinPeace2]

National insurance covers around 25% of the social security budget. Where does the other 75% come from?

I'm quite ready for a mindless flaming - the hide thread button is easy - but I'd rather the grown ups came on with a few proper sentences

[PlentyOfPubeGardens]

Benefits are for buying lots of and a widescreen goat.

[SammyTheSwedishSquirrel]

They do put it aside for a rainy day: in the form of taxes and national insurance. What a strange and ill informed thread

[Mydogsleepsonthebed]

Define poverty. What is someone on benefits "allowed"? Can one have a car but only if it's more than 10 years old, a tv as long as it isn't a plasma, and only mince in the week and a roast on a Sunday?

[yellowkite]

Don't take the bait listen

[monkeysbignuts]

talkinpeace we could just let that family become homeless and starve? is that a good solution?

[yellowkite]

And if benefits are such a wonderfully comfy cushion that provide x boxes, flat screen tvs and holidays abroad why don't you all bloody well get yourselves on them. You're doing the right thing? No you just know it's not true! I'm currently doing everything I can not to land my arse on the benefits cushion, it's a big drop even from my crappy wages.

[Darkesteyeswithflecksofgold]

Talkin Peace you said it yourself in your first sentence. They are entitled to it so its not fraud.

[Mydogsleepsonthebed]

I wonder how many of those on the big huge massive salaries are actually paying tax at the same level as the rest of us or are they squirrelling money away off-shore? That might explain some of the 75% ?

[McHappyPants2012]

Of course it's toffee :)

[Mydogsleepsonthebed]

TalkingPeace - I hope you never find yourself homeless, with children, literally in the clothes you stand up in, fleeing abuse and in need of support. Because in a situation like that what you're entitled to is actually not really very much indeed.

[Darkesteyeswithflecksofgold]

Toffee Yum!

[WelshMaenad]

I like salted popcorn. Please.

[LynetteScavo]

We couldn't live off £26K, so there is no way if that were our household income could we put money away, in fact we would be in debt. So you are being funny there. Are you saying no one's household expenditure should exceed £20K pa, just in case?

The other 75% comes from other taxes.

[TalkinPeace2]

Benefits should be a stop gap.
Why are you talking about what people on benefits are "allowed"
they can spend their money as they wish - BUT it should only be to help people back into work, or to make being / caring for disabled people feasible.
"Benefits" should not be a lifestyle choice - and trust me they are.

Sammy What about those who have never paid tax or NI - 3rd generation unemployed ....

To clarify : I personally think that ERS NI for employees on under £15000 should be halved or even quartered - as it would encourage employers to hire lower skilled staff, it would dismantle the tax credits nightmare at a stroke and it would separate out the indigent from the unable ...