But to the pp who said the amount is the same so what difference to anyone whether they claim or work, you've missed the point of the work concept. You give and you take. When the benefit system becomes a want not a need, it should be eased away. Like Nanny McPhee!
I said something similar up thread, and I agree that working for the money you have coming in shows work ethic and a want to do right etc etc.
But there's the fact that most people say they have the right to judge because it's their tax money, concerns over how much is spent on benefits for single mums at home on benefits because it means less for others etc, so pointing out that more is usually spent from tax payers money on a single mum working and being supported through childcare than to not work and have benefits is a valid point. When you're talking about simply what's coming out of the pot, it's often less for someone who doesn't work than someone who does.
Why should other hard working tax payers pay for your life choices.
In my case, and many others, they're not. They're paying for my ex's choice to absolve himself of any responsibility. I have stuck by my side of the decision, I've worked to support my DD and continue to do so, I cannot physically work enough hours to support us both alone. I can't get blood out of a stone either, and those with more powers than me gave up trying. He is the one that backed out of his side of the bargain, not me. And I'm the one being told I'm responsible for that too.