There Is No Hope.....

[Heidi]

I didn't read all the comments, but how do we know it's not her paycheck direct deposited into mom's checking account, which therefor is used on her debit card?? Seems a bit rude of your to assume that it's a cash welfare card. Just my 2cents.

We didn't assume...OP said it was her Horizon card...welfare card

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Our teen's first mother did not work for 14+ years. She spent her cash on her boyfriends and beer. Our teen went without proper food, clothing, etc.
Upon him moving in with us, we attempted to report the misuse (because it should have been cut off due to him no longer residing with her). We were unable to report it. It didn't get frozen until we went to court.

We were recently awarded CHIP for him (medicaid with a co-payment) and a couple of weeks later, I was sent a Medicaid card. :confused: I don't need Medicaid. Upon calling them to tell them to cancel the Medicaid for me, they refused. I told them that I would not be using it because I pay for my insurance with BCBS, but they said that was fine. Baffling.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

The cards here are called EBT cards but are often refered to as "Everybody's Taxes Cards".

I had two DCM's last year who went to Disneyland for all of Spring Break.......both were on assistance (cash/food/child care and medical). One even left her 12 month old behind with grandma and grandma still brought him to daycare everyday.....all paid for by child care assistance too. :confused:

I have a client right now that is going on her 15th year of assistance. We have a 5 yr lifetime limit here but there are apparently loopholes that negate that rule.

I am all for a hand up but am getting really tired of the handout.

I can only provide for so many people and my tax dollars are not stretching very far anymore. FWIW~ I have NEVER been to Disneyland either.

My teen's first mother has been on assistance for 18+ years at this point. I want to say it is closer to 30 years (based on what one of her four children, who is 30, told me). Though, it may be Church/religious institution assistance 30 years ago which transitioned to welfare.

[Zoe]

That just makes me so mad. My husband lost his job a couple of weeks ago and since I only have a couple of part-time dck's right now we applied for assistance and I pray to God that we qualify for cash so we can get tp, baby wipes, dog food, that sort of thing! How can someone take advantage of something like that? If they have extra money to get living expenses why do they even need to be on welfare?! Ugh, just had to vent there, that made me mad. It's mortifying to me that we had to do this, but we had no choice, and you can sure as heck bet that once he gets a new job we won't be on it anymore!

[SilverSabre25]

That just makes me so mad. My husband lost his job a couple of weeks ago and since I only have a couple of part-time dck's right now we applied for assistance and I pray to God that we qualify for cash so we can get tp, baby wipes, dog food, that sort of thing! How can someone take advantage of something like that? If they have extra money to get living expenses why do they even need to be on welfare?! Ugh, just had to vent there, that made me mad. It's mortifying to me that we had to do this, but we had no choice, and you can sure as heck bet that once he gets a new job we won't be on it anymore!

Sent you a PM Let's just say, I know the feeling...

[PitterPatter]

This is what I mean when I say entitlement syndrome. People who abuse the system because they think they are owed and God forbid they not get thier charity on time or thay are reporting peopl including the case workers. The clients I just let go are the same using the system for life instead of a leg up. My clients bragged about all they could get for free even used the free handouts as excuses for not having supplies.
"The kids dont have diapers today because the _(charity organization)___ didn't drop them off this week like they are supposed to". "The kids wont be there today because the damn welfare didnt put the money on my gas card yet so I have to call off work because I don't have gas in the car" (welfare -dhhs gives them a card they reload every month for gasoline!) When the kids were wearing capris in winter I told her they needed long pants her excuse "I have to take what _(charity organization)___ donates to me and that's what they gave me this month". When I complained about the kids shoes being so small toes were sticking out and the sole was peeling off she said "well I only get 2nd hand from goodwill and they dont have any in their size right now" I got fed up last yr with all the 2nd hand things that dont fit or had holes I went and bought them outfits and shoes. Kids dont have to have the best but it is nice for them to have something decent!
They still owe 2 months copay the subsidy doesnt pay but they can't afford it yet they have been seen at McDonalds eating. They have Marboro cigarettes and snuff. They brag about selling food stamps because they don't use them all becaue they "hit 6 churches every month for food donations".... The Govt helps them TOO much yet when my family member who held her job for 10 years got laid off and needed help last month she made $17.00 too much!?!

Oh and lets not forget because she was on a special working program she (and all others in that program) was given vouchers to use to get NEW furniture from ANY furniture store! She bought a living room suit and the kids have cracked beds the Dad got out of a dumpster!

Sorry this turned into a vent, this subject just hits a nerve with me.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Meeko, I think there is hope. Maybe these kids will have a better economic situation than their parents did and not have to rely on assistance. Its not those kids fault their parents needed help. I'd hate to assume these kids will grow up to also be on assistance, if that safety net even exists in the future. Maybe those kids will remember the help they received and "pay it forward" in their adulthood. Maybe I am just looking for the bright side here.

Dave, don't mean to come down on you, I know you are struggling in life too, but its just not kind to compare the needy to animals. Correct me if I am wrong, but on our judgement day, are we not first judged on if we fed the poor? Wasn't Jesus the advocate for the poor, the sick, the powerless and the downtrodden? I don't pretend to know scripture, but I did read the words in red in my family bible. Judge not, lest we be judged?

I think the whole debate over welfare belongs on the news/politics blogs. I try not to politicize anything having to do with children. I'm thinking Meeko was trying to make the point these kids are learning how to scam the state, not work very hard for things they want, grow up feeling "entitled". Perhaps. But maybe not. I know where the other posters are coming from, that it seems unfair and a waste of tax $$. Yes, there is abuse of the system. Yes,.sometimes we as providers see waste and abuse. But I feel it is the state's problem to ensure people aren't cheating and really do qualify, not ours. Our job is to treat children on assistance the same way we treat kids of the wealthy, without bias or judgement. (not directed at you Meeko) They are just kids, they didn't ask to be on assistance. Personally, as a provider who accepts state subsidy, I am just glad these kiddos are with me, and not being watched by some crappy boyfriend, or a grandparent who can't give good care sure to illness or.age, or some sub-par babysitterwho is barely providing basic supervision for the $10 a day they are getting paid. Maybe I am just a bleeding heart, but I truly feel sorry for the kids who didn't ask to be born into poverty. And I don't think any adult living on poverty enjoys telling their child they can't afford to do activities or get a toy because they can't afford it. I have been that parent in the past. No, not on assistance, but not having enough gas money to drive my kids to the free public beach. It ****s. I don't wish that on anyone. Ok, stepping down from soap box. Sorry, just feel strongly on the issue of children and poverty.

[PitterPatter]

Meeko, I think there is hope. Maybe these kids will have a better economic situation than their parents did and not have to rely on assistance. Its not those kids fault their parents needed help. I'd hate to assume these kids will grow up to also be on assistance, if that safety net even exists in the future. Maybe those kids will remember the help they received and "pay it forward" in their adulthood. Maybe I am just looking for the bright side here.

Dave, don't mean to come down on you, I know you are struggling in life too, but its just not kind to compare the needy to animals. Correct me if I am wrong, but on our judgement day, are we not first judged on if we fed the poor? Wasn't Jesus the advocate for the poor, the sick, the powerless and the downtrodden? I don't pretend to know scripture, but I did read the words in red in my family bible. Judge not, lest we be judged?

I think the whole debate over welfare belongs on the news/politics blogs. I try not to politicize anything having to do with children. I'm thinking Meeko was trying to make the point these kids are learning how to scam the state, not work very hard for things they want, grow up feeling "entitled". Perhaps. But maybe not. I know where the other posters are coming from, that it seems unfair and a waste of tax $$. Yes, there is abuse of the system. Yes,.sometimes we as providers see waste and abuse. But I feel it is the state's problem to ensure people aren't cheating and really do qualify, not ours. Our job is to treat children on assistance the same way we treat kids of the wealthy, without bias or judgement. (not directed at you Meeko) They are just kids, they didn't ask to be on assistance. Personally, as a provider who accepts state subsidy, I am just glad these kiddos are with me, and not being watched by some crappy boyfriend, or a grandparent who can't give good care sure to illness or.age, or some sub-par babysitterwho is barely providing basic supervision for the $10 a day they are getting paid. Maybe I am just a bleeding heart, but I truly feel sorry for the kids who didn't ask to be born into poverty. And I don't think any adult living on poverty enjoys telling their child they can't afford to do activities or get a toy because they can't afford it. I have been that parent in the past. No, not on assistance, but not having enough gas money to drive my kids to the free public beach. It ****s. I don't wish that on anyone. Ok, stepping down from soap box. Sorry, just feel strongly on the issue of children and poverty.

ITA I actually treat the needy kids better as I do more for them simply because they do not get much. Just a couple months ago the same family who couldnt pay me because tehy have no money were at a festival. The mom was getting the dad a steak sandwich. I let it go and asked if the kids enjoyed the fest. He told me they want to ride and jump in the bounce house but we cant afford it. OK the steak sandwich you just got cost $10 and the kids can't have $1 to bounce? I took the kids for a ride on everything and they had a ball! Sure it cost me and I dont really have the extra but the smiles and laughter from the poor kids really over paid me! They talked about it for weeks!!

The kids are gone now I had to term for a serious issue and I miss them. I was trying so hard to hang on because I feel the same as you. When the kids are here they are safe, they are FED they are cleaned up and not sitting in filthy diapers etc. They have fun here and the learn. I have a soft spot in my heart for the needy especially kids. I just hate to see parents like theirs teaching them to expect handouts and get revenge if you dont get it. I hope the kids learned real love and real support here but they are so young I will never know sadly.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Pitter, you are truly a saint. You gave so much to those kids, and put up with so much from the parents. I bet those kids really appreciated all you did for them, even if the parents didn't. Thank you.for also providing love and stability to the kid. I know you treated themthe (the kids) with the dignity and respect they deserved. Are you still accepting subsidy kids? I hope so, and if you are, I hope you get appreciative and responsible parents. The parents you just got rif of, they were the poster children of abuse, selfishness and entitlement. They are exactly what is wrong with the system. But we shouldn't scrap the system. Maybe, someday, some politician will actually "eliminate fraud and abuse." They ALL SAY they will. They NEVER DO. Wasn't it Jedi Master Yoda who said "Try not. Do." ? May the Force be with you Pitter.

[PitterPatter]

Pitter, you are truly a saint. You gave so much to those kids, and put up with so much from the parents. I bet those kids really appreciated all you did for them, even if the parents didn't. Thank you.for also providing love and stability to the kid. I know you treated themthe (the kids) with the dignity and respect they deserved. Are you still accepting subsidy kids? I hope so, and if you are, I hope you get appreciative and responsible parents. The parents you just got rif of, they were the poster children of abuse, selfishness and entitlement. They are exactly what is wrong with the system. But we shouldn't scrap the system. Maybe, someday, some politician will actually "eliminate fraud and abuse." They ALL SAY they will. They NEVER DO. Wasn't it Jedi Master Yoda who said "Try not. Do." ? May the Force be with you Pitter.

LOL You sound like my Son and all his Star wars talk!

Not a saint just a caring person. Thank you Sugar!

Yes always accepting subsidy. I have seen too many kids go without and I have seen many changes here. All it takes is some patience and quality time to make a dif. I just still hate that we can't save them all. I still see some of my old kids that are almost grown now and they say they miss me as much as I miss them so that's what makes it worth it. Have a great weekend!

[Meeko]

I didn't read all the comments, but how do we know it's not her paycheck direct deposited into mom's checking account, which therefor is used on her debit card?? Seems a bit rude of your to assume that it's a cash welfare card. Just my 2cents.

The mom herself has often told the kids at pick up " Get your stuff! We're going to the pool....I got money on my Horizon card!"

What I found most sad...and why I made the post is that her kids think that's life and everyone gets it. They have learned that "Horizon card" means "blow money"

She gets a cash benefit every month. She can simply draw out the cash at any ATM...so no record of what it gets spent on.

She has 7 kids in my care. They all have season passes to the local ski resorts every year. We have a water park here called Seven peaks. They have season passes to there too.

She is often too lazy to transfer her day care money to me each month. Especially if the 1st is on a weekend. So she handed me her number and told me to transfer it. When you put in the number over the phone, a recorded voice tells you the benefits on the card.

For July: daycare $2315.......food stamps $997............cash allowance $752.
She also gets housing.

So she spends the $752 each month on whatever she wants. as her housing, utilities and food are well taken care of. Both her and her live-in boyfriend work also.

[Heidi]

The mom herself has often told the kids at pick up " Get your stuff! We're going to the pool....I got money on my Horizon card!"

What I found most sad...and why I made the post is that her kids think that's life and everyone gets it. They have learned that "Horizon card" means "blow money"

She gets a cash benefit every month. She can simply draw out the cash at any ATM...so no record of what it gets spent on.

She has 7 kids in my care. They all have season passes to the local ski resorts every year. We have a water park here called Seven peaks. They have season passes to there too.

She is often too lazy to transfer her day care money to me each month. Especially if the 1st is on a weekend. So she handed me her number and told me to transfer it. When you put in the number over the phone, a recorded voice tells you the benefits on the card.

For July: daycare $2315.......food stamps $997............cash allowance $752.
She also gets housing.

So she spends the $752 each month on whatever she wants. as her housing, utilities and food are well taken care of. Both her and her live-in boyfriend work also.

Wow...just wow!

[PitterPatter]

The mom herself has often told the kids at pick up " Get your stuff! We're going to the pool....I got money on my Horizon card!"

What I found most sad...and why I made the post is that her kids think that's life and everyone gets it. They have learned that "Horizon card" means "blow money"

She gets a cash benefit every month. She can simply draw out the cash at any ATM...so no record of what it gets spent on.

She has 7 kids in my care. They all have season passes to the local ski resorts every year. We have a water park here called Seven peaks. They have season passes to there too.

She is often too lazy to transfer her day care money to me each month. Especially if the 1st is on a weekend. So she handed me her number and told me to transfer it. When you put in the number over the phone, a recorded voice tells you the benefits on the card.

For July: daycare $2315.......food stamps $997............cash allowance $752.
She also gets housing.

So she spends the $752 each month on whatever she wants. as her housing, utilities and food are well taken care of. Both her and her live-in boyfriend work also.

UGH that's the situation I have had here, makes me sick literally! Def scamming the govt!

[e.j.]

http://bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20220709gov_vetoes_budget_bills_ebt_reforms_patricks_move_will_allow_buys_banned_by_legislature

I usually stay away from posts that can become heated but this issue upsets me to no end. Here is what's going on in our state with regard to EBT cards. I'm all for helping those in need but expecting tax payers to support people who then turn around and spend money they've been given on tattoos, guns, body piercing, jewelry, fines and bail, etc? No! It's just not right!

[juliebug]

http://bostonherald.com/news/politic...by_legislature

I usually stay away from posts that can become heated but this issue upsets me to no end. Here is what's going on in our state with regard to EBT cards. I'm all for helping those in need but expecting tax payers to support people who then turn around and spend money they've been given on tattoos, guns, body piercing, jewelry, fines and bail, etc? No! It's just not right!

Wow I can't believe they can use their cards at those places! That is an outrage and i would be totally for that law to be passed cards can't be used there.

I know there is real need out there but also a lot of scamming too.

Zoe,
I understand were you are coming from too! My husband was diagnosed with Esophageal cancer at the beginning of summer he can no longer work. He physically is not able. WE applied for Social Security right away so we could get money well there is a 6 month waiting period! so yes SS says he is Disabled but we will not get paid until NOV 22. We have disconnected the cable, refinanced our house, cut every bill we could and still just don't have enough. We had to apply for snap(food stamps) just so we can keep going and get to Nov 22. Will we abuse it no we need that food. I loose all my kids but 2 in 2 weeks as school starts up. There are those of us out her that don't abuse it and really do need it!