I am bringing up a very sensitive subject today. Government assistance.
The reason I am bringing this up is because I am a 20-year-old college student who is (at the moment) only able to work part-time. I am paying for my college education, but also receiving financial aid, and having money to eat every day is not always possible after all my bills are paid.
I decided that even though most people who receive food stamps are frowned upon, and in the worst instances, violently hurt, I would apply for Texas Benefits. I have now had food stamps for about a month, and I can tell you that not once have I heard any snickers or smart remarks from people. I do not doubt that I will eventually get it from someone, but there is no reason for me to care. I realize that people are spending tax dollars for people to buy groceries, and they are mad about that. I also understand that people take advantage of the situation and lie on their application to get more money. One of the biggest problems is the opinion that everyone on government assistance is unemployed or uneducated. THIS IS NOT ALWAYS TRUE. Almost everyone I associate with is on some kind of government assistance, and they are either in school, working their asses off, or doing both. I have had a job since I was 15 years old, and I have been continuously attending school since kindergarten. Since I have started college in 2013 I have taken one summer off, since then I have been through 5 continuous semesters. I work part time, the only reason it's not full time is because my employer is currently overstaffed. I am working towards a promotion, but even with that, I will not be able to afford everything I pay for.
I did move out of my parent's house at 18, and some of you may believe that it was a stupid mistake, and I would not be in this situation if I stayed. Sure, my life would be easier if I stayed but not everyone can stand to stay under their parent's roof after high school. I moved in with my boyfriend, and we have been able to keep up with all of our bills until now. We have hit a bump in the road, and we decided the best decision for us was to apply for government assistance. If there is any problem in doing this, please explain it to me. I do not see any harm in us maturely using the money that is given to us.
It is sad that people who sincerely do need government assistance have to explain themselves continuously on why they are on it. This will be the only time I explain myself. There is no need for me to have to ever do this again.
If you have any comments or questions, please just put them below
As always, stay rocking and stay rad!
<3 Birdie
Absolutely not! "Welfare" (income assistance by the government), was initially started because so many Americans were so destitute after the stock market crash they were literally starving and homeless. At one time, food stamps had to be purchased (ex: buy $5 of food stamps for $1). It wasn't a "handout". Assistance was available before then, mostly churches and charitable organizations, who were obviously stretched thin during the Great Depression. It was intended to be assistance in hard times. It only becomes untenable when it is a way of life (for some). As a caseworker for DHS back in the early-mid 90's, I saw 4th and 5th generations of families for which it was their lonly means of support (or the only they'd admit to having). And their children learn from them to treat it as their right to be supported by the government. I was also a recipient when I was a young single mom and a college student. It helped me to get an education when I had no resources. I, in turn, became a contributing member of society and pay plenty of taxes. You are exactly who the system was designed to help. Don't be ashamed (I know it's hard not to be; I was, too.) and don't listen to the haters. I gladly pay my taxes to help those who are trying to better themselves.
ReplyDeleteOops! Only, not lonly. :/
DeleteI remember learning about welfare around the Great Depression. Thank you for your kind words, they definitely make me feel a lot better about the situation I am in.
DeleteWell said!!!
ReplyDelete