It's the wording in many of the above responses that's ironic. Feeling compelled to do something in character (caring) or averting potential embarrassment is a reason to be suspected of fraud and/or penalized?
I realize snowy's situation may be different, but this has evolved into a discussion about abuse of privileges. There seems to be an acceptable consensus that most people on government assistance are committing fraud and abusing the system.
Sure, there probably are a great many that abuse the system. But there are a whole lotta folks who get it because they need it. It's extremely difficult to realize you are so broke that your children won't eat unless you apply for food stamps. It can take months of denial and hell before someone gets over their pride to apply for something they need because of the stigma that goes with the word
assistance.
Please. Step outside your cynical white bread world once in a while and take a look at what you may not see from where you sit.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Halanna
If you can afford to use your government entitlement to feed other people, then pay to feed yourself and family the rest of the month, you probably don't need food stamps to begin with.
I'm voting no, reimbursement is not warranted here.
|
Really? How about this? You're not on food stamps. All you have is $20 in your pocket to pay for dinner, but you need to gas up your company car. So you spend your $20, go to work and request reimbursement, right? What's the difference? I don't know if I know how to verbalize this, so let me try again ...
A baby shower or pot luck at work. Everyone must bring a side dish. If the EBT recipient brings food, are they abusing? If a recipient has a valid reason to purchase food for a business, they've spent money allocated to them by the government and deserve to be reimbursed. It's hardly a scam if it's a one-time thing, and I think that those who truly qualify to receive the benefit shouldn't be penalized because of those who abuse it.