Social Welfare in general

scotgirl

Im like many others who, although a disabled person, used to work and contribute to society, as does my other half since leaving school. After my health started to fail and the economy went to poop, along with most peoples wages, we had to go cap in hand to Social welfare for the first time since applying for children's allowance. At present we have 2 claims in different departments and been told to expect a wait of at least 20 weeks. Fair enough if the backlogs are so long, staff shortages rife and checks are so thorough. Its unbelievable, but what can you do but wait? Yet, you hear all the stories on here, people in need being turned down flat, others who are obviously bluffing, getting everything they apply for and then some. We all know one example. I know of a couple myself, who have the life of riley, both he and his wife got redundancy, stashed the money in his son's bank account, both of them put in for benefits, got their house done up by the housing grant. All the while they have a nice holiday home abroad to escape to whenever a cheap flight comes up. Trust me, if I knew his surname and address, I'd ask some searching questions to SW. We have had our lives turned inside out being examined by means tests etc. Yet, some people can just have a great life without looking over their shoulder once. Why aren't the government putting the stops on all the fraud?? The reason genuine cases are waiting so long for a decision is because half of these people aren't put off applying. The rules look stringent on paper but what if they did what the American's do. For instance, instead of handing unemployed families cash on a monday, have a percentage automatically paid towards bills and a percentage in vouchers for food and clothing. If only a percentage was actual cash for socialising etc, would it be worth applying for if you were a fraudster? If families are in real need, they will still have the ability to provide for themselves with a system like this and we can ensure the money is used for its intended purpose. Then we wouldnt need to scoff at the Unemployed and idle wasting tax payers money on holidays, fags and drink. I myself would be happy with a system like this, but for those who are ripping off the government, not being handed a wad of 50's at the post office each week, might be a new incentive to work if they are able?

mp22

http://www.welfare.ie/en/contactus/Pages/reportfraud.aspx

cee_jay

Thread locked - this is not a forum for criticising state departments. Discussions re overhauling the benefit system in Ireland may be better in Politics.