To wonder what you think.....

[Bananallama858]

Watching a programme about young mums on benefits and one of the young girls explained ‘I paid off my debts with my own money’ to which my friend immediately said ‘it’s not her own money, she’s on benefits!’ I wasn’t so sure. What do you think? If someone claims benefits, is it their own money or not? Does it depend on what they are claiming and why?
I have to be honest, I don’t know much about the benefit system so would he interested to hear what people think of this.

No its not their own money it's tax payers money who work hard and get penalised for it!

Once the money is paid to the individual it is their money. Are you suggesting the government should be allowed to dictate how the money is spent? Surely paying off debt is a good thing?

@highlighter22 The majority of benefit claimants are in work.

As long as they are claiming legally then yes, it's absolutely their money.

Everyone pays taxes highlighter22.

It's called VAT and is a regressive tax as its primarily on items that people with a lower income buy, you can look this up.

It is their money. The government has decided that they are entitled to it and given it to them. The money I pay in tax isn't mine, it essentially becomes the government's once it's been paid. They then spend it however they please.

I don't pay my water bill and still claim it's my money once it's been paid.

It is her money, and good for her for using it to pay of debt.

So now people are being criticised for paying off debt?

It’s the money that has been deemed right to help her in whatever her circumstances may be. Good on her for putting it to sensible use

Once paid then surely it belongs to her

Or should people in benefits only be allowed to use money for certain things?!

Some people would bring back workhouses

Yes it’s her money

It gets put in to her bank account for her to use as she wishes

Yeah, cos no-one who claims benefits has ever worked and paid tax . FFS, it's what the whole welfare state is founded on - pay in when you can, take when you need. It's her money. Depending on circumstance, it may well literally be her money - I know I've paid in way more than I've ever received (and I am NOT upset about that, I'm glad).

How does your friend view pensioners? Since pensions are the biggest welfare cost? Theoretically, some of them may never have paid a penny, yet here they are, getting money and stuff. Is a pension 'their' money?

It's her money and if she's very sensibly prioritised paying off her debts then good on her.

I really can't abide the hate for people that claim benefits both on both here and in rl.

Most benefit claimants are working, they just don’t get paid enough. If you have an issue with this, campaign for a real living wage and stop voting the tories in.

Yes, it’s their money and the majority of us could easily end up in a situation where we need benefits to survive, that is why they exist.

Yes - once in her account, it’s her money regardless of whether or not you agree benefits should have been paid to her in the first place.