In response to your suggestion about a card system, that has actually been introduced in some parts of Australia (guess what, mainly communities where a lot of Indigenous people live). So instead of government benefits (which are well below the poverty line anyway) being paid into bank accounts, people only part of their benefits and the balance is on a card which can't be used for alcohol, cigarettes or gambling.
It's been strongly opposed by some and highly praised by others.
I'm on benefits myself and it wouldn't really affect me if I had to have a card, because I don't gamble or smoke and am only a very light occasional drinker. However, I'd be highly insulted by some government system doing my financial budgeting for me. I've seen financial counsellors a few times and they say there's no way I could economise more than I already do.
They proposed doing so with food stamps here, not allowing them to be used for soda and junk food. I totally disagree with that. Poor people should have chips and chocolate if they want it. They have enough to worry about.
I only agree for what I suggested in regards to children in foster care, so they are more likely to benefit from the money (of course people will still game the system, but it makes it harder.)
Can't get child's birth certificate for Adoption due to hospital red flag
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In response to your suggestion about a card system, that has actually been introduced in some parts of Australia (guess what, mainly communities where a lot of Indigenous people live). So instead of government benefits (which are well below the poverty line anyway) being paid into bank accounts, people only part of their benefits and the balance is on a card which can't be used for alcohol, cigarettes or gambling.
It's been strongly opposed by some and highly praised by others.
I'm on benefits myself and it wouldn't really affect me if I had to have a card, because I don't gamble or smoke and am only a very light occasional drinker. However, I'd be highly insulted by some government system doing my financial budgeting for me. I've seen financial counsellors a few times and they say there's no way I could economise more than I already do.
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Nikclaire
4 years ago
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They proposed doing so with food stamps here, not allowing them to be used for soda and junk food. I totally disagree with that. Poor people should have chips and chocolate if they want it. They have enough to worry about.
I only agree for what I suggested in regards to children in foster care, so they are more likely to benefit from the money (of course people will still game the system, but it makes it harder.)