To think it's a bit harsh to say people who've never worked shouldn't get benefits?

[DonaldBiden]

Was reading another thread where many were saying if someone has never worked they shouldn't get any benefits but couldn't comment because it had reached 1000 comments.

I know this might be an unpopular opinion but I don't agree because that would include young mums who can't work because they have a baby to look after. Most of them will get a job when their child is a little older. Why are they any different from older mums who've fallen on hard times and need help?

And I know people will say it's because they've never worked and haven't proven themselves unlazy etc and could be on the dole forever but why should they have their lives ruined just because of something people think MIGHT happen.

I had an abortion when I was young. I did NOT want an unwanted child. Termination at six weeks. No further consideration.

On similar threads @Jamesblonde2 posters like op usually bleat on about how lucky those of us work and pay taxes to support those who won't work, how lucky we are to have a work ethic, how we should have empathy and care for those won't work as it's so much better to live pay to pay, stressing about bills, when there's other people who won't ever get the luxury of that responsibility....

In this fantasy world where only people who have paid into the system can receive support, is there an amount they should have to pay in before they're eligible to receive support?
Or would they be able to work for a day and then receive support thereafter?

Then it’s adoption. Plenty of people would love to adopt a new born.

Rage bait.

Then it is even more imperative they use contraception. Pill condom and If it fails there is the morning after pill. No excuses.

How can anyone not know about contraception in 2025?

On balance, I probably would suggest that you don't seem to realise that disabilities can, and do vary in severity, in people who are disabled.

I was a SAHM for most of married life. Never claimed benefits. Only started work 2 years ago. Had DH died or divorced me I'd have eventually found some work somewhere.

Lol I'm very glad people who think like this haven't been in charge for over fifty years. Thank god

It’s not harsh, it’s fair.

The entitlement to other people’s hard earned money is incredible.

Ok… your username speaks volumes.
some of these comments are awful, including yours!

I don’t think the “ young mum’s who have had a baby” example, is going to wash. There is provision in the way of nurseries/funding for when they are older/ childminders/ wraparound care etc. Also, one would hope that the parent would have had some employment, prior to being at home?

I couldn't disagree, but I am only saying that I would never have taken an unwanted pregnancy to term, under any circumstance. I know disabilities come in a range.

If you are daft enough to have a child at 16 then your parent can pay? Why the tax payer. I am sure if there were no benefits for this scenario then not surprisedly these silly 16 year old girls having babies would drop like a stone.

Had I had a major catastrophe and no longer had my DH I wouldn't have been on benefits forever. I have a master's in civil engineering for god sake. Eventually I'd have found my way to work. Why do people expect to be able to live off the taxpayer forever?

I've never said anything like that. I'm just saying sometimes the reason someone needs benefits before they've worked isn't as simple as laziness.

Fair enough if someone is 30 no kids no disabilities and has never worked. But there's also disabled people and young parents. Even mildly disabled people can struggle to find a job because employers won't hire them.

Plenty of European countries have benefits that relate to what you paid in.

We should have cheaper childcare so the young mum in your example can then go to work.

But people who think like you were in charge in the 90's and created a benefit lifestyle choice. When it became out of control it wasn't possible to stop the gravy train because the riders screamed it was unfair. Now look at the mess we're in!

My son has high SEN needs and the LA won’t give him an education. I fight for his future every day. I worry he will reach adulthood without any qualifications or skills and not be able to get a job. Should he not be supported because he was failed as a child? He’s not got severe and multiple learning difficulties so can’t attend a SEN School but he soils himself and has no danger awareness and eats non food items. He should grow out of these things I’m told but age 8 he’s not close and his mental health deteriorates all the time he’s left to rot without access to education or society. I hate the judgement of people on benefits. Yes I could work and I do a bit around my caring responsibilities but the fact is I don’t even have school hours free from my high need child and no childcare will take him I have tried. All the hate I get for living off the state from people who have no problem getting their child a school place.

I think we need a universal income or something. Everyone gets it and it’s enough to live off without great luxuries. But those who work have more disposable income because of that.

I have a friend who is vocal about benefits and how people should get them. This friend had a child straight out of school and got a council house, her partner works and supports them without benefits. She doesn’t work. Isn’t married. If he leaves her she will need benifits and she won’t have paid in anything.

it’s dumb luck half the time. I don’t want to live in a country that lets the unfortunate starve and live on the streets

I had a baby and worked full time. I dont want to pay tax for somebody to have a child and live on benefits.

I left care, got pregnant and had a baby at 17. I was on benefits (income support and child benefit). I also had my rent paid in full, and I was able to go to college and do an IT course. My child was given a funded place in the college crèche for me to be able to study.

I am forever grateful to the taxpayer for giving me that opportunity. After two years studying I began working full time (whilst continuing to study part time) and have never claimed benefits since (aside from a 3 month period 15 years ago when I was made redundant). I have been a high rate taxpayer for most of my career and ended up setting up my own business and employing 80+ staff.

I have given back a huge amount to the taxman over the decades, and I am happy to do so because I recognise that I wouldn’t have been successful without the initial investment that the government put into me.

Yes, agree.
They’re not so much opinions, more of a dictatorship!

How is it fair? My 25 year old has never worked. I don't know if they ever will. Not because of fecklessness but because of severe autism. If they couldn't claim benefits (well, have me claim on their behalf) they would literally starve. They didn't ask to be disabled.

What do they do everyday?

I'm a carer to DC with disabilities and also OU student part time. I don't work as my life is busy as it is! Been a SAHM for 17 years now.