AIBU to think those who never have kids should get a lump sum from the government because they haven't burdened the state?

[daytimelightning]

Starting at this from two viewpoints
a) having children is a lifestyle choice, not a necessity. In much the same way, my dog is a lifestyle choice, not a necessity. The government currently asks some taxpayers to subsidise the expensive lifestyle choices of others (but I don't see my dog getting 30 hours free daycare)
b) the world as a whole is overpopulated. Should the UK find itself short of labour in the future, immigration will provide a source of educated healthy adults in the required numbers.

AIBU to think that anyone who does not have children when they reach the menopause (or equivalent for men, to be clawed back if they subsequently have their first child unusually late in life) should be given a lump sum in recognition of the fact that they have not burdened the state. This could perhaps include

• child benefit, equivalent to 2 children for 18 years = £32198.40 at current rates
• two uncomplicated births on the NHS = £5580 (Guardian figures)
• putting two children through state education age 4-18 = £154,000 (IFS figures; add more for your free nursery hours and any higher education)

(Full sum to be paid to married couples, half each to single people)

I'd also pay those who have only adopted or foster children (as they not responsible for bringing the children into the world) or only children who have died before their 18th birthday (because otherwise it seems a bit harsh).

I'd oppose removing child benefit and the like from those who have children purely because of the impact on child poverty, which impacts those who did not choose to be in that situation and has all sorts of counterproductive effects on things like educational attainment and health outcomes.

However, in short, why are people who choose not to, or who are unable to, have children, asked to pay for those who do choose to have children? Why shouldn't they get something in recognition of how much money they've saved the state? It might also concentrate the minds of those considering having children on a whim / because that's what people do / just because. With the above, everyone ends up getting the same amount sooner or later, it's just that some have it spread out over time and others get it as a lump sum; it would be fairer than the current system.

Oh dear OP. Not the sharpest tool in the box are you?

How much do you earn, OP?

Lemon your privatised children are still stealing air from those who haven't given birth to air stealers.

OP My kids will be paying for your sad, lonely old future. Try having dementia with no children, grandchildren or younger generation. It won't be your generation supporting you through that I can assure you.

I know that I'm a strange person (I was watching Alien only hours after a c/section) but ... when our son was in NICU, I kept thinking "finally I'm getting my money's worth from the NHS" Now I'm getting more than my money's worth, as our son is disabled, and gets specialist education as well as complicated healthcare. I'm kinda grateful for our lovely welfare state.

That said, can I have half the money please, as we only have the one child.

OP This is. MUMS net. You know what MUMS means, right?

Eh? What makes you think that parents don’t pay in though? I pay a huge amount of tax and don’t get any CB. I’ve paid way more in than my birth cost.

And as many others have stated, who’s going to be paying your pension if not the next generation?

I don't even know where to start. This post is so completely ridiculous.

OP you sound very articulate but utterly deranged.

Back to reddit you go, OP.

Loooool

However, in short, why are people who choose not to, or who are unable to, have children, asked to pay for those who do choose to have children?

Um, because thats literally the point of the welfare state. Those who need it, get it, those who don't, don't.

In the same way, every so often the Daily Fail discovers Northern Ireland gets more money per head than England and they are outraged, completely ignoring the fact that the money is supposed to go where there is NEED.

So precisely who do you think will pay taxes and contribute to your pension when you’ve retired?

Ah yes, other people’s children. So you may not like nor want children, but you sure as hell need other people’s.

Sadly the child free by choice brigade don’t seem to have thoroughly worked out the argument.

I'm childfree. So OP when all the other countries follow suit where are these "immigrants" going to come from? With a shortage of local educated adults the immigrants will be able to ask whatever they want. Are you going to stop them having children?

Also I've cost the NHS more than I'll ever be able to pay in to the system so do I get to keep the money?

OP - when you walk past a school or a nursery remember the children in there will be your carer, IT tech, plumber, shop assistant, porter or surgeon. They will be paying the tax for any state pension you get or contributing through work or using goods for companies to keep your private/employer pension going.

So by your “logic” I should then get money from the government due to being a non smoker, eating disorder, and any other lifestyle choice that cost the NHS!

Laughable post really, even more so on a parent website!!!

Well, this is clearly a goady thread but I'll bite anyway. My siblings and I are currently saving the state about £1500 per week by keeping both of our elderly parents out of full time nursing home care.

So, swings and roundabouts, isn't it?

The money is for the children

You were a child once

Bridget is right, and others. Have you or anyone in your family never had an operation, done higher education (perhaps not!) or even had your bins emptied. From each according to their means, to each according to their need.

Because the children are our future! Possibly your future carer when you become a 'burden' on the state for 20 years (possibly)

As you a bit dim OP?

Anyone for popcorn? I have some salted right here.

We shouldn't be feeding it, really. We're just playing right into its hands.

What an ill-thought out and ignorant original post.

The majority of us work hard, pay our taxes and invest our time and money into bringing up our children to be useful members of society.

They will be teachers, lawyers, carers, doctors, nurses, taxpayers who will be contributing to the education of the young and the care and pensions of the old.

Surely we all pay in so everyone benefits?( well in theory)
My main concern is that crooked politicians benefit a bit too much and too much is spent on killing other people in other countries.
I am disgusted with how disabled people are having to cope on such low amounts. It's frightening, as is the number of homeless.

Does that mean I can get it too? My kids are privately educated and I don’t get child benefit. Sounds good!

IS this a Daily Mail early April Fool's??? :)