Do you think people should get welfare money for being unemployed or should it be sink or swim and they work?

Question

I've been in social services for 6 years now and am running into some serious burnout. I set up interviews for people and they don't show up. Or they decide they didn't want to work after all. Or they decide they don't like to have to be at work on time. Plus there is all the inefficiency, red tape, and bureacracy. Everyone that comes in for services has a barcode and is scanned in. The people are just numbers. Should I remain involved in a system like this or just let it go?

Answer 1

Wow. That's a loaded question.

I beleive services should be available to those that need it, but with that comes some responsibility to get off it as soon as possible. I beleive that if they can't be bothered to keep their appointments, or look for work, (or disability if applicable), or do any other assignment, then you shouldn't "bother" to send them their check.

I understand that some people abuse the system, but that doesn't mean the system is at fault.

I know your frustrated, but remember there are those that you are actually helping.

Answer 2

I absolutely think people should be able to get help when they need it, but I agree that sometimes the system isn't what it should be. I remember a time when I needed an job badly. I went down to the unemployment office and told them I didn't want to collect. I told them I just really wanted a job. They looked confused. The sent me to one desk or office after another until I finally got to the right person. He got me into what they used to call the CETA program (Jimmy Carter was President). I started work the next day. Eventually that situation led to a better one and things worked out well for a long time. We need people like you because our economic system has a history of creating economic hardships even for people who really want to work. Yeah, I know. Some people abuse the system or don't appreciate the help. Let me say something you probably don't hear anywhere near enough...THANK YOU!

Answer 3

I think there should be a limit of time in which applicants for welfare can receive payment. I think there should be guidelines for their participation in seriously looking for work. If it is deemed that they are not seriously participating in the job search, they should be taken off the roles immediately. If the allotted time period elapses, they should be taken off the roles.

We educate people to act in the way they do. If they knew they had to "get with the program", they would. It is the mambe pambe treatment of those on welfare that has kept them in the position of expecting the government to support them and their children FOREVER!

That kind of well meaning treatment is a disgrace. It undercuts a person's self respect and encourages them to live a lazy lifestyle. They never get to know how it feels to EARN their own way. The pride of working, and building their own life. We as a society are actually ROBBING those we have tried so desperately to help.

To your second question, "Should you stay involved in a system like this?" If there is nothing you can do to change it, and you are burned out, get out. If on the other hand there is a way that you can change your attitude, get some renewed energy by finding a way to help the system change. Then RISE UP, and be a part of the solution to this monumental problem of waste of taxpayer dollars, and even more importantly, waste of POTENTIAL in the lives of the over served.

.

Answer 4

i can certainly see why burnout is imminent. Some people are just plain lazy. Others want to work, but can't. Some find the job doesn't work for them, and sounds to me like they all have to pass your desk.

If a person can work, I believe they should. If a person desires training, I believe they should have it. There are so many jobs that need doing--like look at New Orleans. Instead of welfare, why are we not paying people who want to work to clean up that mess? And yet, I have friends who cannot work because of mental illness who cannot get enough money from the government to live on and get almost nothing from food stamps. She's going to be homeless, soon.

I probably dont' even understand the variety of people you deal with, but I can understand your feelings. Work as long as you can work without damaging your soul. At that point, you've done your best. Walk on.

TX Mom
a great admirer of vets, nurses and social workers

Answer 5

I have read the previous answers and I would say your opinion would be the most valuable-you have to deal with it everyday. No one who has answered, at the time I am writing this, works in your field (or at least has said so).
I work in healthcare and have had some experience in working on charity applications. Though I did not deal with as many people as you do, the same was true.
I would go over applications with patients before sending them on for approval/denial. In this process, there were those with real concern and need. Others, for instance, would respond to questions half heartedly, and when I followed up, would say they weren't paying attention or whatever. The interview could be the difference between them owing tens of thousands of dollars or not, but to them attention just wasn't necessary- you just wanted to scream at them!!!
I don't work on that anymore, but my advice would be to do what I did. Try to focus on the true needy, and on how much you are helping them. The others think they are entitled to handouts and you will never change them. If one system stops the handouts, they find another to carry them.
Just remember, there are people who are greatful for your help!!!

Answer 6

I think people who need help should have help. Like the single mom who busts her butt with two jobs or the person who is HONESTLY between jobs. People who keep jobs and work hard.

But I agree. There is a SERIOUS problem with a large part of our government assistance program and you don't have to be in social services for 6 years to see it. You just have to have worked a few hard days in your life and not make excuses for people.

Answer 7

Wow, talk about controversy!
I think that people who have problems with PSTD or other emtional issues (such as some of our troops when they return), or physcial problems.

On the other hand, people who use the system, who have "secret" incomes on the side, home businesses and the like, or people that take in foster kids for the money, that needs to stop.

But please don't turn you're back on the emotionally/mentally ill, or those who struggle with chronic disease. They need all the help they can get and have enough to worry about.

Answer 8

Welcome to reality.
I've studied this for years and understand the very roots of these problems. Instead of helping the vast majority of these people, the policy in your office (of money handouts) creates dependant mindsets.

Here in Canada we have 3rd and 4th generation welfare, and the problem is growing. If you want to understand a deeper concept of what's going on: read the 1 hour free online book called the "garbage generation." It will change your view on current political systems forever.

Answer 9

Will Rogers said it best, "As long as we pay people to be poor, there will be poor people."

Please keep in mind that welfare and unemployment benefits are TWO different things...

I paid unemployment insurance from MY paycheck to insure that, if I should ever be wrongfully terminated, I would have benefits to cover me until I found another job. You are not "paying" me to be unemployed, you are giving BACK to me the premiums I paid for the last 30 years of my work life...

What gets me is that our welfare program pays people who are not legal to even WORK in the United States. That is MY tax dollars at work...

But I sense your frustration is not with those of us willing to work... indeed, there are many people out there just looking for the free handout. And I think our welfare system as well as our I-9 (proof of legal right to work in the US) program is in serious need of an overhaul.

Maybe you are the person to move up the company ladder and address this issue in the future.

Answer 10

I think there are occassions when it is ok, and reasons where it isn't. If a person isn't working through no fault of their own(laid off, sick child, physical handicap etc.,) then they deserve support until they get on their feet. For those who just won't work, I believe in workfare, if you want the money we will find you something to do in the public sector,street cleaning, graffitti removal, painting, shoveling sidewalks etc.