to be annoyed by this or am I benefit bashing/

[Streakywindows]

DS was given a letter from school saying he could claim up to 250.00 for a number of things including a cineworld pass,ice skating,football,swimming and various other stuff. He could also get free equipment and uniform for his chosen activity.
I thought this was brilliant but then read he can only claim it if he is getting free school meals.
This seems really unfair but I think I might be a bit touchy today as I have told ds he can't go to the cinema with his friends this week as we are really struggling so this may be making me a bit bitter .
DD also can't attend after school dance unless we pay 30.00 each term yet again kids entitled to FSM get to go.
It just all seems very unfair especially as we are about as well off as the average family on benefits after paying rent,ct and travel to work.
I am not suggesting stopping FSM or anything like that just maybe a fairer system.

OP, you have explained your point of view well, and explained that you are not benefit bashing. If people can't understand what you are saying, which imo, is entirely valid and correct, that does not make them right and you wrong. Don't give in!

streaky, I totally see your point and agree with you

the system is so so wrong on so many levels and we end up on here fighting about it when its the system that we need to fight against

the working poor are treated like shit

as are the enemployed

the only people doing at all well are those miling the system, whether its the tax avoiders (dont get me started on them ) or the parents claiming benifits they aren't due

the one and only thing that stops me reporting the couple I know who are playing the system is the fact that their kids will suffer, not them, not by a long chalk

I don't think living on benefits is easy.
I already but the cheapest food I can.
I am at home with my dc because I can't afford childcare.
Saving up .... don't make me laugh there is nothing else I can cut back on and still have about 3.00 left at the end of the week.

I am undecided as to whether to apply for FSM or not. But thank you to those who seem to know more than I do about it .

Probably not the thread to ask about how Income Support works . (Meant to be a rhetorical question there).

Maybe slightly off thread but i am looking for a job & prepared to work full time and pay for after school club for my children. My friend doesn't want to work until hers are both in Secondary school but is happy to claim tax credits. She is perfectly capable of working but choosing not to. If she couldn't get the tax credit top up she may be more willing to work - probably another thread but just wanted a little vent.

Butterfly my dc also had to leave the tiny school they loved and be moved to a new one recently and guess what? My council didn't give a shit either.

YANBU to want those things for your kids. I do worry nobody is going to get it soon with all the resentment that goes on. That would be a shame.

of course living on benefits isn't easy, show me someone who thinks it is easy??

BUT living on 20k per year with 2 kids, rent and all the usual bills with no help other than TC ain't easy either........

But if you got a letter offering your child a place on the scheme then would you take it up?

My dd has aspergers and was suddenly uprooted from all she had known all her life and moved very quickly -she could have done with the continuity too.

BUT living on 20k per year with 2 kids, rent and all the usual bills with no help other than TC ain't easy either........

Are you sure you're not entitled to any help with your rent?

If it ain't children with disabilities it's benefits on ere today.

frootshoot anyone ??

i think those working poor can be hugley affected by private rents,i think thats really tips the balance

shouldnt of sold the council houses,dont get me started on that one

I wonder if there is help you could qualify for due to aspergers. If you go on the SN board they may be able to give you advice about DLA and whether you qualify.

entitledto.com? OP they may be able to see if there is anything you are missing out on.

But I feel like you are saying I am against people claiming benefits -I am not, I am against the scheme and my dc missing out.

Don't think the OP was benefit bashing but these threads always end up attracting some very bigoted posts.

i think those working poor can be hugley affected by private rents,i think thats really tips the balance

If someone is that badly off they'll get housing benefit.

It is a myth that people on benefits are better off than working. The extras, the FSMs, the cost of travel to work, will only add up to a few thousand over the year.