AIBU to think its become shameful to admit to getting tax credits?

[smallspikyleaves]

it certainly is in my circle

I have had mine reduced recently and was moaning about it only for most of my friends to be kind of like, oh we don't get any anymore. when I would actually put money on that they actually do

It just used to be a given that most people with families got some. and people used to openly discuss it in my experience. now its all hush hush and taboo I think

[gamerchick]

Propaganda works sadly.

[Mumberjack]

It's not right but it's all part of the governments wider campaign to make benefit claimants feel like shit.

[Notasinglefuckwasgiven]

With the rules attached to them once the new living wage kicks in nobody will qualify anyway apparently. Scary times for lots of people I imagine.

[GreenishMe]

Yes spikey, this Government has demonised us all I think

[Storminateapot]

I think the threshold for losing them is so bloody low now it's quite probable that lots of people who used to get them can't any more and they are being truthful. Ours went years ago & we are by no means well off.

[passmethewineplease]

YANBU. I've found this too.

Thousands upon thousands get them! Myself included.

[sugar21]

Oh the propaganda machine is working everywhere.

[smallspikyleaves]

glad not just me that's noticed this

depressing though

they never used to be really seen as a "benefit" as such, now admitting your on them is, like, I dunno. an admission of failure or something :/

[Notasinglefuckwasgiven]

I knew the tories were bad, but fuck me, even I'm surprised! I don't get tax credits but am very socialist and would rather people got them! Ffs nothing shameful about it, you need to eat! The country is a mess and they're stamping on the most vulnerable. It's the government who should be ashamed nobody else! Lowering the tax threshold for decent earners? Wtaf? DP and I are better off AGAIN while my chronically disabled step dad and poor stressed out mother who is his carer end up WORSE off? I don't want to live in this world some days. We help mum of course but not everyone has enough help that way. Demonising tax credits is just another way to cripple our most vulnerable. Rant over, sorry, as you were.

[Tiggeryoubastard]

There's nothing shameful if you need them, but I disagree that it was a given that most people with children got them.

[smallspikyleaves]

yeah obviously not high earners tigger just most average-ish and below earners I would say

notasingle I am so very sorry to hear about your mum and step dad, the cuts to disabled are nothing short of inhuman and savage ....I have lost £18 a week which actually to me is quite a lot, but I am lucky in that I am physically able to work more to try and bring more cash in although hardly see my kids as it is me bitter oh no not at all

[ChemistryHunt]

It shouldn't be shameful to receive them but I do understand what you mean. I know a few people who have gone in for the properganda and think receiving anything means people are not trying hard enough to support themselves.

However these are far outnumber by those who see the fact that people need topping up even when working full time actually points to an issue with the cost of living vs wages, so please don't think every one is so blinkered.

The only embarrassment surrounding them should be the fact we live in a country where the cost of living is so high compared to wages that full time working can't even meet basic needs!

[Tink06]

Nothing to be ashamed at all off but we don't get them any more and we are by no means well off so am guessing lots of people in similar situations.

[Griphook]

Yes you are absolutely right, there is now a real stigma to tax
Credits. It all started with the divisions with child benefit and who could receive it and who couldn't,
Turned people against reach other

[CremeEggThief]

Nope, haven't noticed this at all. But I live in quite a deprived area, where people will wait at the bus stop longer for the bus company that's 10 pence cheaper than the one with a more frequent service.

[Notasinglefuckwasgiven]

spiky keep your strength this won't last forever. So many willing and ready to make a stand for people like you and my step dad. The safety net needs to be there, end of. We're all here but for the grace of God. Tories should remember that.

[ifcatscouldtalk]

No shame in getting tax credits. I work pt & dh ft, always skint and were talking after essentials not luxuries. I actually thought there was a mistake when I saw latest renewal and queried it to be told that we will now receive 2.60 per week. My guess would be most of your friends are just being honest that they dont receive anything anymore.

[AutumnLeavesArePretty]

The threashols have been lowered and they are now seen as a benefit (state support) rather than what was originally touted as a refund of tax.

I suspect your friends are being truthful that they no longer get them. The rise in min wage and people realising they need to work more hours before universal credit kicks in will be starting to have an effect.

[WipsGlitter]

Most families with kids don't get them. I don't, my sister doesn't, no-one in my Bookgroup. Of DS1s friends I would think one or two may get them.

[Conflictedkate]

The writings been on the wall for tax credits for ages. Most of my friends have recognised this and worked their way to not needing them ...myself included. Perhaps this has happened with your friends OP?

[smallspikyleaves]

well done to you and your friends conflicted for being so hard working, dh and I are clearly not hard working enough with our 3 jobs between us :)

£2.60 a week ifcats . jesus, that's actually an insult

The only embarrassment surrounding them should be the fact we live in a country where the cost of living is so high compared to wages that full time working can't even meet basic needs!

^^ agree

[WhirlwindHugs]

I agree I think they've become taboo.

Because they lowered the threshold a couple of times loads of people genuinely don't get them anymore though. We stopped getting anything last year.

[ouryve]

You need new friends if it's become a matter of shame.

[BeetrootBetty]

I don't get them. I never have. And I think there's nothing shameful in getting them. I think it's terrible if someone does feel ashamed. Everyone is where they are through luck and some people have better luck than others. I gate people patting themselves on the back and discounting how lucky they were to have money, or the right teacher and somehow thinking their success results from their virtues with no input from anyone else.

However - what propaganda? I haven't seen anything the Tories have said that's aimed to make people feel ashamed of being in receipt of benefits. Have I missed something?