Have you ever been on the dole receiving unemployment benefit? Do you think it's fair or shameful?

Answer 1

i hated it and couldnt wait to get a job. i like to be responsible and earn my own way and its frustrating when u cant

Answer 2

I haven't. I've not been unemployed for 5 and a half years and last time I was unemployed I was under the age of 18 and didn't qualify.

However, actually being out of work, whether claiming dole or not, can be quite demoralising I found. I understand it's not always easy to find work but when you're the one not working it seems as though everyone else is somehow. However, its certainly not shameful to claim dole, it just means that you can't find work at the moment and are getting back some of what you've contributed to during your working life!

The only people who need be ashamed are those who deliberately avoid work to claim dole.

Good luck in finding a suitable job! xx

Answer 3

I was on benefits for a very short a time (one trip to the dole office) and hated it, the humiliation of queueing up with all the Chavs and other scroungers I found it very shameful.

I couldn't wait to get back to work, but then the guy down the road from me not worked in 10 years, brand new BMW, rent all paid for him does what he wants all day, knows he is absusing the system but doesnt give a monkeys " free money " now that I don't call fair.

Answer 4

I've received benefits on and off throughout my life,mostly whilst my daughter was pre school, much prefer working though, as there is some sense of worth and value if you work for your money. This country should be proud of the fact that we have a support system in place for people when and if they need it. It does seem unfair that some people don't realise that the system is there for those who need it, not those who just can't be bothered or don't know that they can earn their own money. All in all, it is a good system, it isn't enough to live on comfortably, but then if it was, would anyone ever work again?

Answer 5

It is fair for those who are just down on their luck, but not fair to those who work hard for a living for nearly the same money (though that's more to do with minimum wage and eligibility). The threshold for earnings is somewhat screwed up, and they treat you like a criminal if you actually do some work (paid or voluntary) and declare it, what's more they reward you for your efforts by taking away your JSA for the week(s) up to the amount that you earned or the JSA you would have received, which ever is the lowest.

They don't really encourage you to get a job either - most schemes and help is reserved until you've become a real no-hoper.

Answer 6

I have always worked since i was 16 i am now 27 even when i was at college/university i paid my way insurance/tax contributions. But for the past 3/4 years on and off i haven't be able to work due to the births of my children i do have a husband who supports us. I don't personally receive any benefits as i have not paid enough national insurance in the past 3 years which i don't think is right. i do get child tax credit due to the children. But I don't receive anything for myself. I think there needs to be something for people who have worked most of their lives but for some reasons in the past 3 qualifying years haven't been able to. That is just my opinion and i will be going back to work when my youngest who is 17 months starts nursery it's all about self respect. I CAN'T STAND PEOPLE WHO SIT AT HOME ALL DAY ON BENEFITS MILKING THE SYSTEM when there are people who wants a little help and can't get it. (By the way i am a british born and bred)

Answer 7

It's fair if you genuinely need it but too many people milk the system and have no intention of actually looking for a job.
I have never claimed unemployment benefit.

Answer 8

On benefits now and it sucks, I've applied for loads of jobs and just keep getting turned down. I can't wait until I finally get accepted for a job so I can finally get my life back on track. To begin with the free time is really cool, you can do what you want when you want and not have to get up if you dont want to, but that lasts all of about a week and then its all sh*t, when you cant go out cos you have to buy food and your clothes go down to a bare minimum.

Answer 9

There's no shame in receiving benefit. Somtimes you just can't get a job and it takes a while to find the right one.
Just don't take any advice from benefit scammers who get the benefits and work for cash in hand. SCUM!!!

Answer 10

I was unemployed for 4 months, but I never claimed unemployment because I was living on savings. But it's not a shameful thing to do--when you need assistance, you have those services available, that's why they exist.

Answer 11

while i substitute right into a young person, my mom (the breadwinner) substitute into hospitalized from Thanksgiving to Valentines Day. We did ok without welfare, and that i remember that Christmas and how grateful i substitute into for a sparkling coat (that got here from the church, no longer the government). I went to the welfare workplace as quickly as while my oldest substitute right into a toddler to confirm if i might desire to get childcare tips. money substitute into tight, yet i substitute into informed i did no longer qualify becuase I had a activity. Now, if i did no longer have a activity, why might i choose childcare? Libertarian.