to expect to have more disposable income than single mums claiming benefits PART 2

[Tortington]

just in case you have a comment and can't comment anymore

last post from lazyemma

"inthegutter, are you being deliberately obtuse? You wouldn't get any of your rent paid if you were working, that's the point. If you were on income support, which you seem determined to paint as some desirable lifestyle option, the rest of your rent (assuming housing benefit coughs up a proportion) would have to come from your income support and tax credits."

I can't understand why you should compare your disposable income with anyone else's. What does it nmatter what anyone else earns or doesn't earn?

Custardo, Lucyellensmum - I think you guys have really hit the nail on the head.
One thing we have to be aware of when discussing topics of this nature is how influenced we are by the media, who report on the sterotypical mum with 6 kids by 6 different dads living the high life on benefits. This person may exist, but they are not even the tip of the iceberg with regards to the whole picture of benefit claimants. But the vast majority of benefit claimants who struggle on every day to ensure they and their kids are fed, clothed and healthy aren't really considered to be news worthy. So we never really hear about them expect through our own direct experience.
I often see these surveys claiming most women have X or do Y, and I think to myself WTF? I don't know anyone like that!
BTW am also disgusted by some of the comments made against "Single Mum on Benefits". I personally have never been unfortunate enough to have needed benefits as I have always worked, but my mum has. As someone else said - there for the grace of God go I. We should consider ourselves lucky that we do have a welfare system better than a lot of countries, however improvements still need to be made as some people are still slipping through the gaps, and missing out on their entitlements. Mainly because of the torturous application process involved in getting benefits!

aggh! That should have been "Except through our own experience"

I dont work anymore but Im fortunate my husband does as we have a son who is severely disabled.

If he walked out on me now I would be a single mum on benefits also.

I would never slag someone off who is on benefits as unless you know the circumstances, it is only speculation.

Incapacity benefit is actually the most abused benefit. There are currently 3 million. That aside you should be able to have a debate on the pros and cons of a benefit system. Such as why we can't get men to accept more responsibility for their off spring or why so many young women think that having a baby on their own in their teens is a viable option.

Complete digression there rebel mum how do you tangentially associate disability benefit with "teenage" "pregnancies"

govt and DWP are collaborating with DoH and clinicians to reduce disability /incappacity payments inc compulsory health checks, liaision with physios and OT to address musculo-skeletal issues (major reason for incapacity is musculo-skeletal difficulties)

I was looking at the benefits system as a whole.

incapacity bemnefits and disability allowances are subject to medical checks, and increasingly GP's and clinicians are under pressure to assess ongoing suitability. Job centre plus can also request additional medicals and visits

Slightly off topic here, but it's in response to Scottishmummys last post

she wrote
govt and DWP are collaborating with DoH and clinicians to reduce disability /incappacity payments inc compulsory health checks, liaision with physios and OT to address musculo-skeletal issues (major reason for incapacity is musculo-skeletal difficulties

yet, the same lot told me, who has been self employed for 6 years paying all my NI and Tax, that as a self employed person I wasn't entitled to jobseekers allowance whilst waiting for my CM reg to come through, BUT, I could claim Incapacity benefit If I said I was unfit to work!
Just doesn't make any sense does it

yes DWP staff are notoriously inconsistent.my trust employ a benefits adviser to assist pts and it is a baffling/difficult job