To think too many people are happy to live off benefits forever?

[BritishQueue]

Okay, I know this is a touchy subject here on MN, but I need to ask, AIBU to think that too many people are just choosing to stay on universal credit rather than work?

Obviously, I’m not talking about people who genuinely can’t work - disabilities, carers, etc (even though a lot of those who claim to be unfit for work are perfectly capable, and I’ve seen “carers” for people who don’t actually need any care…). But I know multiple people who are completely able-bodied and yet have no intention of ever getting a job. They say things like “it’s not worth it” or “I’d be worse off working,” and honestly, I don’t get it. I work full-time, pay tax, and yet I see people getting rent paid, extra handouts, and still managing holidays and luxuries I can’t afford. Not to mention that a lot of women think the government should subsidise their SAHM lifestyle.

I just don’t understand how it’s fair? Surely benefits should be a safety net, not a lifestyle choice? AIBU?

The only reason why they’re surviving is because the universal Credit is literally pocket money and the parents are picking up the tab. Let’s be honest.

The reason there are so many threads is the people paying all the tax to prop up the others coasting along are getting very tired of it.

Everyone I know on benefits works very hard but in low paid jobs (teaching assistant, health care assistant) so it tops up to a liveable wage, just. None of them are having lavish holidays etc. but it is likely there will be a group of people stuck on benefits and the idea of something different is terrifying because it’s out of their comfort zone. Usually low education and literacy levels come low confidence. If no one has ever made you feel capable it’s easy to believe you aren’t. Unless we tackle that with kindness, understanding and support, they won’t want to work.

Ohhh.... 'Those ones', silly us. Not the ones spouting their gobs off about their disability claims to you.

I suspect you're not racist either because you've got a black friend.

You are all types of prejudiced.

I worked in London for many years in a public facing role . There are many families generationally long who have never worked and the kids have never seen a working person in the home . They have no skills , no aspirations and their world is very small . They are essentially unemployable .

It is you that has made the claim and therefore it is you who should present the evidence. NEET statistics are to do with those not in education or training, not how many people are claiming benefits.

And how do you think a lot of those people are surviving? Because they’re not all getting parents’ money.

I can’t answer that and neither can you.

I’ve a relative who has a carer even though she seems capable, everyone thinks they’re faking it but I’ve had to help the person who needs the cared when her body has literally stopped working and I feel sorry for them both.

My question is why people care so much? You don’t want the life of a person who has to take out credit cards and go to loan sharks, who has no back up when things go wrong, who is never capable of earning that much more.

Be grateful. You should be crawling around on your elbows polishing people's shoes.
I mean I'm sure you could do that in spite of disability, pain and numerous operations. I mean OP might have had her appendix out or something, it didn't stop her from being the success that she clearly is.

We should all aspire to be more OP.

I feel a bit sick!

Your limited perception is not fact. Why do you think it’s okay to name call with the ‘benefits scrounger’ label?
For a time I couldn’t work due to leaving an abusive relationship, and was on benefits. My ex would refer to me as a scrounger and a dole moll, yet wouldn’t pay a penny for his own children.
Things aren’t always as they look at first glance.

There hasn't been a benefit bashing thread for at least 12 seconds!

You’ll probably hate me OP as I work and I get £1000 towards my rent every month. Plus a £500 top up. But without it we couldn’t afford to live . er are south east. Single mum (not by choice). Work blooming hard and could cry with exhaustion most days .

Just to add previously was in a high earning house hold. Then partner run off abroad with his 20 year old. He earns way over six figures.

Same OP, but loads won't believe us. Until one day they see it for themselves.

Not EVERYONE is like that but there is a large number who are unfortunately.

It always seems to be single mothers. What do you mean not by choice?

But those are "starter" jobs you for then for a bit whilst training to do something else, this is where it goes wrong. They are jobs not careers, people need to plan to have careers with clear progression.

Yes, you are being unreasonable. Hope that helps.

I don’t know anyone on benefits, so using your logic I don’t believe people claiming benefits actually exist.

As in I didn’t choose to be a single mum. I was in a long term relationship for 15 years. Waited 10 years before kids. Men get away with abandoning kids.

Their dad could easily afford to raise them he has loads of money but he opted out. So the benefits helps to pay where he does not. I’m doing my best to increase my earnings. Not easy on my own with two young children.

A good place to start would be holding shit men accountable.

Do you know how many bullies are in the workplace?
So great for your "self esteem"....

🙄

These threads are ridiculous.

Op if you want go claim job seekers nobody is stopping you.

Buck up and show some resilience

I don’t see that. I don’t know where most people in my neighbourhood get their money from. For all I know they’re all on benefits but how could I possibly know that? How do you know where everyone gets their money??
Focus on yourself. If people want to live a limited life like that then let them crack on.