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Stop child benefit to middle/high income parents?

  • 05-12-2009 9:02pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 867 ✭✭✭


    I understand that children can't work and get an allowance because of this, but i dont think all families (esp. the rich) should get it.

    I believe this because children in middle/high income families will get plenty off their parents, but those whose parents can only earn enough to take care of themselves should get some money for their children.

    Now would be a good time to impose this as the economy is leaking money and we need to think of simple ways to cut govt. expenditure.

    Thoughts?


«134

Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,609 ✭✭✭Flamed Diving


    But what is the purpose of CB? Is it to alleviate those in poverty or is it some kind of compensation for the cost of reproduction?

    If we did implement your plan, should be apply the same to disability benefit? Should a rich/middle income disabled person have this benefit removed?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,441 ✭✭✭jhegarty


    What do you define as middle/high income ?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,497 ✭✭✭omahaid


    Should a rich/middle income disabled person have this benefit removed?

    Ummm, why should a rich disabled person get disability allowance? They're rich after all :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,987 ✭✭✭Trampas


    Then you have why should anyone be given child benefit.

    If you can't afford children then people shouldn't have them.

    Free education and medical care should be enough


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,609 ✭✭✭Flamed Diving


    omahaid wrote: »
    Ummm, why should a rich disabled person get disability allowance? They're rich after all :D

    This is an argument. This is why we need to ask why we are giving out benefits in the first place. What is their purpose?





    (I am certain this post will be misinterpreted)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 867 ✭✭✭stainluss


    jhegarty wrote: »
    What do you define as middle/high income ?

    That would have to be decided, the threshold would be high enough so that no children would experience any lower level of living standard or anything.

    It would just be taken away from those who dont see it as help in raising their children, but just another source of income.

    They created these kids, so if they have enough money for them, why do they deserve to take a bonus?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,609 ✭✭✭Flamed Diving


    stainluss wrote: »
    That would have to be decided, the threshold would be high enough so that no children would experience any lower level of living standard or anything.

    It would just be taken away from those who dont see it as help in raising their children, but just another source of income.

    They created these kids, so if they have enough money for them, why do they deserve to take a bonus?

    You could measure is based on the Console Index.

    One Console = Lower Band
    Two Consoles = Middle Band
    Three Consoles = Higher Band


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,025 ✭✭✭muboop1


    stainluss wrote: »
    I believe this because children in middle/high income families will get plenty off their parents.

    Not necessarily true at all...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,441 ✭✭✭jhegarty


    stainluss wrote: »
    That would have to be decided, the threshold would be high enough so that no children would experience any lower level of living standard or anything.

    But your definition of middle/high earner has a massive bearing on peoples option.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 99 ✭✭maryjane007


    jhegarty wrote: »
    What do you define as middle/high income ?


    this is exactly the problem who are middle income earners? you can be sure that a lot of those who are defined as this are struggling just as much as anyone else.

    we would probably be considered middle income but find it really really difficult to make ends meet if ours was taken away we would be in big trouble. i dont mean in luxuries such as cinema trips etc i mean getting the kids uniforms and keeping boys in shoes (huge expense :eek:) and necessities that it was intended for.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 867 ✭✭✭stainluss


    Trampas wrote: »
    Then you have why should anyone be given child benefit.

    If you can't afford children then people shouldn't have them.

    Free education and medical care should be enough
    So the low-income child should suffer and starve for the parents mistakes?

    The way i proposed would mean that child benefit would only be given to those who couldnt afford to feed and clothe their kids.

    The parents may not deserve it, but the kids deserve a certain standard of living.

    But the people who don't need it, shouldnt get it.
    If the can feed the kids on their income, then they shouldnt be given extra.

    Im not saying its fair to everyone, but it ensures that all kids get a good standard of living and we save mental amounts of cash


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 867 ✭✭✭stainluss


    muboop1 wrote: »
    Not necessarily true at all...

    If they're earning enough, then they wont starve their children and build a constervatory instead, would they?
    Im talking about the necessities (the whole purpose of child benefit)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 867 ✭✭✭stainluss


    this is exactly the problem who are middle income earners? you can be sure that a lot of those who are defined as this are struggling just as much as anyone else.

    we would probably be considered middle income but find it really really difficult to make ends meet if ours was taken away we would be in big trouble. i dont mean in luxuries such as cinema trips etc i mean getting the kids uniforms and keeping boys in shoes (huge expense :eek:) and necessities that it was intended for.

    Its a theory. All of those costs would be factored in and a cutoff would be made.

    If the cutoff was set correctly, if a family would need it, then they will get it.

    Even if the cutoff positioned, say 60% of families entitled, then 40% of families multiplied by the amount given out anually is going to give the government more money!

    Better than imposing more taxes or pay cuts IMO...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,288 ✭✭✭✭ntlbell



    we would probably be considered middle income but find it really really difficult to make ends meet if ours was taken away we would be in big trouble. i dont mean in luxuries such as cinema trips etc i mean getting the kids uniforms and keeping boys in shoes (huge expense :eek:) and necessities that it was intended for.

    A middle income familiy who strive to live within their means shouldn't ever be in financial difficulty while in employment.

    If they over extend themselves with large mortgages, car finance, loans, credit cards and re-mortgaging then they will find it tougher than others.

    if you buy uniforms in the right place they're pretty cheap (as long as you're not buying for a football team) something that can be expsensive is the yearly book change which could be looked into.

    a good pair of doc shoes/boots should last years. if you're forking out for exspensive nike apron runners that last a few weeks, then really the goverment shouldn't be subsidiising people's poor descision making.

    (i'm not suggesting you do any of the above, i mean in general)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 695 ✭✭✭RealityCheck


    stainluss wrote: »
    I understand that children can't work and get an allowance because of this, but i dont think all families (esp. the rich) should get it.

    I believe this because children in middle/high income families will get plenty off their parents, but those whose parents can only earn enough to take care of themselves should get some money for their children.

    Now would be a good time to impose this as the economy is leaking money and we need to think of simple ways to cut govt. expenditure.

    Thoughts?


    The problem is your idea is'nt the simplest option. Cutting it across the board is and is the option the government will most likely go through with. A reduction in the region of 10% is on the cards. Now whether thats fair or not is another question.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,644 ✭✭✭✭nesf


    ntlbell wrote: »
    a good pair of doc shoes/boots should last years. if you're forking out for exspensive nike apron runners that last a few weeks, then really the goverment shouldn't be subsidiising people's poor descision making.

    For older kids in their teens sure, for younger kids their foot size changes rapidly. You're doing well to get a year out of a pair of shoes a lot of the time. But yes, buying sturdy shoes makes a huge difference.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 78 ✭✭louisa200


    ntlbell wrote: »
    A middle income familiy who strive to live within their means shouldn't ever be in financial difficulty while in employment.

    If they over extend themselves with large mortgages, car finance, loans, credit cards and re-mortgaging then they will find it tougher than others.

    if you buy uniforms in the right place they're pretty cheap (as long as you're not buying for a football team) something that can be expsensive is the yearly book change which could be looked into.

    a good pair of doc shoes/boots should last years. if you're forking out for exspensive nike apron runners that last a few weeks, then really the goverment shouldn't be subsidiising people's poor descision making.

    (i'm not suggesting you do any of the above, i mean in general)

    a pair of shoes lasting a child years?? erm.. do you have children.. do your children have crippled feet if you do??? School uniforms not expensive... lol.....

    Cut middle income families child benifit and they wont be able to work cause they wont be able to afford childcare... only people who can afford children should have them lol... brings me back a bit to the nazis.. what are we going to do, force terminations (I doubt it in this country) to any woman whos income is under a certain amount... send her to the laundries, starve her childlen? make her children wear docs for years on end till their feet curl... this board does amuse me sometimes, people spout about things they have absoloutely no knowledge of... try walking in someone elses docs for a while lol..
    Child benefit helps not only the poorest but often the middle income families who both work and who are struggling to put food in their fridge... ST. Vincent de paul has had a huge increase of families seeking help where both parents are earning but just cant afford food and oil ontop of childcare etc.
    I think unless you are in receipt of child benefit there is no point commenting because it is all pie in the sky.. yes, maybe tax it for those who are wealthy, but this small amount of money per month should be for every child, and ensure every child is helped by our society....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 867 ✭✭✭stainluss


    The problem is your idea is'nt the simplest option. Cutting it across the board is and is the option the government will most likely go through with. A reduction in the region of 10% is on the cards. Now whether thats fair or not is another question.

    True, the numbers getting it would change every year as familys incomes change, but this would save even more than a 10% overall cut,in exchange for some paperwork. They will always take the easier option:mad:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,496 ✭✭✭Mr. Presentable


    So, what you are saying is: If I sit at home and breed I should get child benefit, but if I work my ass off and earn a decent living I should be penalised?

    Is that what you are saying?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 695 ✭✭✭RealityCheck


    nipplenuts wrote: »
    So, what you are saying is: If I sit at home and breed I should get child benefit, but if I work my ass off and earn a decent living I should be penalised?

    Is that what you are saying?

    Do you see the contradiction. Sure im sure raising loads of children is a bundle of laughs and will turn you a decent profit after 18 years:rolleyes:.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,288 ✭✭✭✭ntlbell


    louisa200 wrote: »
    a pair of shoes lasting a child years?? erm.. do you have children.. do your children have crippled feet if you do??? School uniforms not expensive... lol.....

    Erm, I have one yes.

    As nes said in younger years there will be rapid growth, but unless the child is some sort of freak a good pair of shoes should last at least a school year. no crippled feet, just a bit of common sense when purchasing them.

    How much do you pay for a uniform and where do you buy them? I'm sure plenty of people could point you in the right direction.
    louisa200 wrote: »
    Cut middle income families child benifit and they wont be able to work cause they wont be able to afford childcare... only people who can afford children should have them lol... brings me back a bit to the nazis.. what are we going to do, force terminations (I doubt it in this country) to any woman whos income is under a certain amount... send her to the laundries, starve her childlen? make her children wear docs for years on end till their feet curl... this board does amuse me sometimes, people spout about things they have absoloutely no knowledge of... try walking in someone elses docs for a while lol..



    lol, it's a hilarious subject.

    You think people shouldn't take their financial circumstances into consideration when thinking about planning a familiy? LOL? is that too much to ask a responsible adult? lol?
    louisa200 wrote: »
    Child benefit helps not only the poorest but often the middle income families who both work and who are struggling to put food in their fridge... ST. Vincent de paul has had a huge increase of families seeking help where both parents are earning but just cant afford food and oil ontop of childcare etc.

    As I said, if middle income families had put more thought into their spending habbits, they _should't_ be struggling, BUT if they didn't they will. Once again, it's about evaluating your own circumstances, it will lead to less dependancy on the state to pay for thier school uniforms and what not.
    louisa200 wrote: »
    I think unless you are in receipt of child benefit there is no point commenting because it is all pie in the sky.. yes, maybe tax it for those who are wealthy, but this small amount of money per month should be for every child, and ensure every child is helped by our society....

    I'm in receipt of it and would much prefer it went to a much better cause, I decided to have children, I'll support them, I don't expect anyone else to.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,496 ✭✭✭Mr. Presentable


    Do you see the contradiction. Sure im sure raising loads of children is a bundle of laughs and will turn you a decent profit after 18 years:rolleyes:.

    No, you may have to point it out to me. One of these people contributes to the state coffers, the other sucks at it's teat.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,288 ✭✭✭✭ntlbell


    nipplenuts wrote: »
    No, you may have to point it out to me. One of these people contributes to the state coffers, the other sucks at it's teat.

    You're right, same as the crowd on the social.

    lets just pull everything from everyone, survival of the fittest!!:rolleyes:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,496 ✭✭✭Mr. Presentable


    ntlbell wrote: »
    You're right, same as the crowd on the social.

    lets just pull everything from everyone, survival of the fittest!!

    You understand! Great :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 695 ✭✭✭RealityCheck


    nipplenuts wrote: »
    No, you may have to point it out to me. One of these people contributes to the state coffers, the other sucks at it's teat.


    Were you ever a child at any stage :D ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 867 ✭✭✭stainluss


    louisa200 wrote: »
    a pair of shoes lasting a child years?? erm.. do you have children.. do your children have crippled feet if you do??? School uniforms not expensive... lol.....

    Cut middle income families child benifit and they wont be able to work cause they wont be able to afford childcare... only people who can afford children should have them lol... brings me back a bit to the nazis.. what are we going to do, force terminations (I doubt it in this country) to any woman whos income is under a certain amount... send her to the laundries, starve her childlen? make her children wear docs for years on end till their feet curl... this board does amuse me sometimes, people spout about things they have absoloutely no knowledge of... try walking in someone elses docs for a while lol..
    Child benefit helps not only the poorest but often the middle income families who both work and who are struggling to put food in their fridge... ST. Vincent de paul has had a huge increase of families seeking help where both parents are earning but just cant afford food and oil ontop of childcare etc.
    I think unless you are in receipt of child benefit there is no point commenting because it is all pie in the sky.. yes, maybe tax it for those who are wealthy, but this small amount of money per month should be for every child, and ensure every child is helped by our society....

    These people dont sound like the middle income people im referring to.

    Im talking about people who are not struggling in any way shape or form.

    Maybe you didnt read other posts, i was talking about a cutoff point where the 'middle class' to which you refer would be certainly under(definitley not those getting helped by SVP)

    As for all that forced abortion/nazi stuff, you're just making yourself sound stupid
    :rolleyes::p


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78,580 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    Trampas wrote: »
    Then you have why should anyone be given child benefit.

    If you can't afford children then people shouldn't have them.

    Free education and medical care should be enough
    Children shouldn't be penalised for their parent's mistakes.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,156 ✭✭✭SLUSK


    stainluss wrote: »
    I understand that children can't work and get an allowance because of this, but i dont think all families (esp. the rich) should get it.

    I believe this because children in middle/high income families will get plenty off their parents, but those whose parents can only earn enough to take care of themselves should get some money for their children.

    Now would be a good time to impose this as the economy is leaking money and we need to think of simple ways to cut govt. expenditure.

    Thoughts?
    Scrap child benefits, privatize education altogether. If you can't afford kids, don't get them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,924 ✭✭✭eamon234


    stainluss wrote: »

    The way i proposed would mean that child benefit would only be given to those who couldnt afford to feed and clothe their kids.

    You obviously don't have kids. It involves slightly more than feeding and clothing them.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,288 ✭✭✭✭ntlbell


    eamon234 wrote: »
    You obviously don't have kids. It involves slightly more than feeding and clothing them.

    can people stop saying

    "do you even have kids"

    "you obviously don't have kids"

    You don't need to have a poxy child to understand what's involved.

    people have younger brothers/sisters/neicies/nephew's

    It's a trait of parents on here i can't stand.

    "if you don't have kids your too stupid to understand"

    get a grip.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 867 ✭✭✭stainluss


    nipplenuts wrote: »
    So, what you are saying is: If I sit at home and breed I should get child benefit, but if I work my ass off and earn a decent living I should be penalised?

    Is that what you are saying?

    First off, youre not being penalised. You are living a normal life and able to provide for your children.

    Secondly, if you sit at home and breed, doing **** all work, your kids should get child benefit, because their parents are lazy and unable to provide, the children should not be penalized (as you put it)
    (That said, most who need child benfit work hard, they just arent getting paid very well.
    Though it happens, many middle class cling to the perception of all people on lower income who need these benfits as lazy people who just keep producing kids. In most cases, the people who get it are trying there best but need a little help)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 622 ✭✭✭Pete4779


    stainluss wrote: »
    I understand that children can't work and get an allowance because of this, but i dont think all families (esp. the rich) should get it.

    To make it extra fair, also stop making the "rich" familes from paying it for everyone else.

    Where do you think money comes from? The magic money tree?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 867 ✭✭✭stainluss


    eamon234 wrote: »
    You obviously don't have kids. It involves slightly more than feeding and clothing them.

    I use those two essentials as an example, you know what i mean.:rolleyes:

    I mean all essentials for children

    And no, i dont.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,070 ✭✭✭✭My name is URL


    SLUSK wrote: »
    Scrap child benefits, privatize education altogether. If you can't afford kids, don't get them.

    Sure lets go all out and introduce a One-child Policy like communist China :rolleyes:

    If people don't have kids because they can't support them then who will support the childless couples in their old age?

    It's a very simplistic view to have on the whole thing tbh, and easy to picture when you're not in a position where conceiving is likely.. ie single or whatever


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 695 ✭✭✭RealityCheck


    Pete4779 wrote: »
    To make it extra fair, also stop making the "rich" familes from paying it for everyone else.

    Where do you think money comes from? The magic money tree?

    God theres an awful amount of liberal right wingers on here tonight :p.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 39,022 ✭✭✭✭Permabear


    This post has been deleted.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 157 ✭✭CeNedra


    The reason for child benefit is to encourage people to have children. The reality is that without a reproductive % of more than 2.x per couple (x = some number that I can't remember off the top of my head) we will be in trouble i.e. we won't have enough working people in the coming years to support pensions etc etc. Declining birthrates are not something Govts want, you want a thriving birth rate ..... hence an encouragement to people to have kids i.e. child benefit, long maternity leave etc etc etc.

    It may be something that we can no longer afford ... but then again we can't afford a declining birth rate ............


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 39,022 ✭✭✭✭Permabear


    This post has been deleted.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,288 ✭✭✭✭ntlbell


    stainluss wrote: »

    I mean all essentials for children

    Like gripe water ;)

    (in house parents joke, you won't get it ner ner ner ner ner)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,070 ✭✭✭✭My name is URL


    This post has been deleted.

    Catch 22 much?

    The people referred to are too 'poor' to have kids, so saving for retirement wouldn't be so easy presumably


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,288 ✭✭✭✭ntlbell


    Catch 22 much?

    The people refereed to are too 'poor' to have kids, so saving for retirement wouldn't be so easy presumably

    It's grand, they can sponge around in the state nursing home's

    what's the biggie?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 867 ✭✭✭stainluss


    Pete4779 wrote: »
    To make it extra fair, also stop making the "rich" familes from paying it for everyone else.

    Where do you think money comes from? The magic money tree?

    I understand your feelings, but where else would the get the money.

    Some middle class workers would even be paying for their own child benefit:)
    It should be treated as a charity contibution because thats what it is.
    Just to recap, its for the kids, not the parents.

    At the moment, youre taxes are paying for child benefit for those who dont deserve it and probably use it to pay a butler.:P

    How does this make you feel?
    Yes, its in Frankfurt:p


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,441 ✭✭✭jhegarty


    stainluss wrote: »
    and probably use it to pay a butler.:P

    So your idea of a middle/high earner is someone who has a butler ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,288 ✭✭✭✭ntlbell


    jhegarty wrote: »
    So your idea of a middle/high earner is someone who has a butler ?

    I think the hint was in the :P <--- ?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,496 ✭✭✭Mr. Presentable


    stainluss wrote: »
    First off, youre not being penalised. You are living a normal life and able to provide for your children.

    Secondly, if you sit at home and breed, doing **** all work, your kids should get child benefit, because their parents are lazy and unable to provide, the children should not be penalized (as you put it)
    (That said, most who need child benfit work hard, they just arent getting paid very well.
    Though it happens, many middle class cling to the perception of all people on lower income who need these benfits as lazy people who just keep producing kids. In most cases, the people who get it are trying there best but need a little help)

    If I am not getting the benefit, why would I contribute to you getting it? I'd sooner spend it on birth control or sterilisation for those who can't live and breed within their means.........


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 689 ✭✭✭tudlytops


    I totally get you, i was a financial analyst and entitled to children allowance, but if I'm to be honest I didn't need it.

    Children allowance should be means tested as should all other benefits, all of them.

    People like moaning, to me is simple if you can't afford to have children, then don't have them.

    We live in a nanny state, whatever happens there will be a benefit for it, claim for this or that, social welfare will sort it out.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,496 ✭✭✭Mr. Presentable


    stainluss wrote: »
    I understand that children can't work and get an allowance because of this, but i dont think all families (esp. the rich) should get it.

    I believe this because children in middle/high income families will get plenty off their parents, but those whose parents can only earn enough to take care of themselves should get some money for their children.

    Now would be a good time to impose this as the economy is leaking money and we need to think of simple ways to cut govt. expenditure.

    Thoughts?

    If you only want thoughts that agree with your own, why bother starting the thread? It comes across as mealy-mouthed and agendaist.

    And let's call a spade a spade here: Those who don't provide for their children are not using the child benefit to provide for them either. If it is truly to be for the benefit of the child it should be in the form of clothing and food etc where required. Not cash.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 689 ✭✭✭tudlytops


    And another thing if they want people to go to work, its simple, make all those on benefit, do a course or attend a job centre from 9am to at least 4PM, if they don't show up don't pay them their benefits, children or no children.

    they would so get a job, because they could make more money working 9 to 4 then they would on benefits.

    And don't tell me people with children can't, I have children and have always worked, when i had my frist baby i was working 12 hour days as a security guard, all I could get, paid 2 child minders, yes it was hard but my children will never think money comes from the post office.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 689 ✭✭✭tudlytops


    If it is truly to be for the benefit of the child it should be in the form of clothing and food etc where required. Not cash.[/quote]


    Yes what a great idea


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,288 ✭✭✭✭ntlbell


    tudlytops wrote: »


    Yes what a great idea

    the problem is the cost to admin it.

    deafeats the purpose.


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