Is it OK to do that?

[Ima saver]

Re: Is it OK to do that?

Shawni, I love your "saying" (there is probably a correct word for that), anyone who thinks sunshine is happiness, has never danced in the rain!!![Automated by GetSmile]

[frugalfarmwife]

Re: Is it OK to do that?

Bravo Shawni!!

If you're able bodied and can work do you really need to take that food? You're able to make extra mortgage payments so you're not struggling, those gov't programs are meant for people that wouldn't be able to afford the food otherwise.

Sorry, a bit touchy about those that "take" the system, I'm not saying you are, but I see it all the time and I'm more than a bit frustrated with it.

I worked for years in the workforce and now work on the farm, hubby works 50+ a week and farms also, our tax dollars are what put that food out there for those in need.

BTW, if I really wanted to I could go for disability but pride won't let me, I have a chronic condition that gets worse with time and can no longer work off the farm, but I can and will do all that I can as long as I can at home and will NEVER go for gov't assistance.

kj

[nanamom]

Re: Is it OK to do that?

I have no problem using the WIC system when you qualify for it. However taking a day off to make you qualify sounds unethical to me. I have no problem with my tax money going to support people who aren't doing as well. I agree the system needs to come up with a better way of determining who gets help and who doesn't but I would rather my tax dollars go to milk and eggs than thousand dollar hammers. We help families out in our area when we find one that needs a boost.

[Thrifty Ray]

Re: Is it OK to do that?

I think the WIC program is wonderful for those who need it.

However, if you are able to pay extra on your mortgage and save each month you probably don't need WIC....why not shuffle finances a little and ensure that (what would have been) your portion will be there for the person who cant save or make rent unless they have assistance.

[tomkat]

Re: Is it OK to do that?

I don't pay any state or federal taxes on my paychecks,but I still have to pay social sec, medicare and all that kind of stuff, which is still a lot, like 7 or 8%. My dh pays total with the social security, medicare and all those taxes about 10% total.
We are not living paycheck to paycheck, we have some savings, and I usually pay extra on the mortgage every month.
It is all because I have a stockpile and I use tons of coupons always. We never eat out and I cook everything at home. I pack my dh's and my lanch to work, so we don't have to spend money to buy it. Thats a lot of work, and thats why we don't live paycheck to paycheck. And we also don't have childcare, because I don't want to pay for it and thats why we have different shifts. Dh works days and I work nights.
So an extra day when none of us has to go anywhere and finally spending some time with my dh is like a gift to me.

Getforfree,

I don't mean to offend, but it sounds to me like you're trying to pull something over the government.

I read on another thread that you and your husband live on $30,000/year. You also noted that your mortgage payment is $1500/month. Now, my husband and I make considerably more money than you and your husband, but we can't swing a $1500/month mortgage without some serious sacrifice and budgeting. And we have no debt. So, my question is, where do you live? If you're living some place like Cali, then I understand the high mortgage. However, if you are living in an area where housing isn't ridiculously inflated, you can definitely have the money for your food if you downsize into a cheaper home.

In my mind, if you can afford a $1500 mortgage, if you can afford to put money in savings, if you can afford to pay extra on your mortgage, then you should be able to afford food. You may need to shift some of your financial priorities around.

My humble opinion, of course.

[getforfree]

Re: Is it OK to do that?

We live in California. The house we live in is too small for us and we need a bigger one. The house is only little over 900 sq feet with 5 people living in it. So we are saving to get a bigger one. The cheapest house you can buy here would be at least $280 K with 1 or 2 bdr and would need serious improvements. The house prices are very high here.

Yes, I do some serious budjeting and track every penny. Thats why I would rather loose $50 twice a year and get about $50 every months. Its obvious.

And I am not trying to pull anything against anyone, I just look for ways to get as much as I can. And I do it legally. If they ask me to report my income, I don't hide anything from them.

We have enoug food, and I don't spend much on it. We have meat every day, grow vegetables (have green onion and garlic all year round), but buy some tomatoes and cucumbers during winter. If you cook everything from scratch, never eat out, use all kinds of coupons rebates and other deals, it won't cost much. And we always have variety, and healthy food. My kids have nice clothes (well, I paid about 5-10% of the regular price) and lots of toys (that I have to keep half of it in the shed, and then bring some in and take some out so they would fit in their bedroom). Well, now we spend more on gas than food, so I have to make some cuts or save less.
My dh always jokes that we save more than we make.

Tomkat, do you think we should downsize to even smaller house? Then I would have to use living room instead of bedroom (just kidding). How do you think I should switch my priorities? If you have better idea, that might help.

[tomkat]

Re: Is it OK to do that?

We live in California. The house we live in is too small for us and we need a bigger one. The house is only little over 900 sq feet with 5 people living in it. So we are saving to get a bigger one. The cheapest house you can buy here would be at least $280 K with 1 or 2 bdr and would need serious improvements. The house prices are very high here.

Yes, I do some serious budjeting and track every penny. Thats why I would rather loose $50 twice a year and get about $50 every months. Its obvious.

And I am not trying to pull anything against anyone, I just look for ways to get as much as I can. And I do it legally. If they ask me to report my income, I don't hide anything from them.

We have enoug food, and I don't spend much on it. We have meat every day, grow vegetables (have green onion and garlic all year round), but buy some tomatoes and cucumbers during winter. If you cook everything from scratch, never eat out, use all kinds of coupons rebates and other deals, it won't cost much. And we always have variety, and healthy food. My kids have nice clothes (well, I paid about 5-10% of the regular price) and lots of toys (that I have to keep half of it in the shed, and then bring some in and take some out so they would fit in their bedroom). Well, now we spend more on gas than food, so I have to make some cuts or save less.
My dh always jokes that we save more than we make.

Tomkat, do you think we should downsize to even smaller house? Then I would have to use living room instead of bedroom (just kidding). How do you think I should switch my priorities? If you have better idea, that might help.

I stated in my previous post that I understood the high mortgage if you're living some place like California, which you have verified. I also understand how you qualify for WIC, now that I know your income (I think poverty level in this country is $32,000 for a family of 4). That puts a new perspective on all that you've divulged about your situation. So, now I don't know what else to tell you to do, other than move to a city/state where housing and cost of living is cheaper. Here in Alabama, for example, $280,000 will buy your a brand new, all brick, 4 or 5 bedroom, 2 or 3 bath home, with 2400 or 2500 sqft and good sized yard! But that's probably not a feasible solution for you at this time.

Is your mortgage an interest-only mortgage, and you're paying extra to build up equity? If it's not interest only, you could probably divert that extra money to your food bill, since paying extra on the mortgage isn't a crucial thing that has to be done like buying food.

[Ima saver]

Re: Is it OK to do that?

At $1500 a month, that is over half their take home pay, just for the mortgage. That is high.

[getforfree]

Re: Is it OK to do that?

Paying extra on mortgage is not a critical thing but it will save me money in on the interest in the long run. Its fixed 30 year loan, not the interest only. Plus its not like we are out of food. And I don't really want to move and lose all my friends and other connections.

But thanks for your idea, Tomkat, I will divert some of those extra money to buying gas instead of makin extra payments.

[stngymama]

Re: Is it OK to do that?

I would second not paying extra on the mortgage, since you are planning on moving *soon*. Its a waste of precious $. Maybe you could even refi to interest only, to squirrel away more for your next home!
Normally I would argue the ethics of your strategy, but until things change and the government factors in the rapid rise in gas (and thus everything else), you gotta do what you gotta do. WE're getting nailed here in CA on not only property costs, but fuel ($3.29 today) and everything else is much higher than the national average.
I would, however, make sure your employer will not retaliate is some way.

[DivaJen]

Re: Is it OK to do that?

I agree with others -

No, it's not ethical to take a day off and not work so as to qualify for government assistance. Choosing not to work so that you can get aid is taking advantage off the system.

Stop sending extra to your mortgage, take your raise and adjust your budget accordingly.

[TBH]

Re: Is it OK to do that?

I agree with much of what others have said re: advice for getforfree. Don't overpay mortgage, don't try to fudge income by taking a day off work to qualify, and good luck to you. I am contemplating moving to Cali with only one kid. It must be hard to survive there with 3 kids. Sounds like you are a diligent saver and I'm glad you've been able to get WIC until now. Oh, and congrats on the raise.

But for folks who don't take gov't assistance because of pride: I have to say I strongly disagree with you. We pay the gov't to provide certain services, including aid if we ever need it. I would also take whatever I qualified for (no more, no less).

[lrjohnson]

Re: Is it OK to do that?

But for folks who don't take gov't assistance because of pride: I have to say I strongly disagree with you. We pay the gov't to provide certain services, including aid if we ever need it. I would also take whatever I qualified for (no more, no less).

Claire: as an eligibility worker for cash aid, food stamps, and medicaid I made it clear to people that asking for benefits they were entitled to was no cause for shame in the least. I did my best to make sure that clients were comfortable as possible through the whole process, and kept their dignity. What caught me about you said, though, is that you mentioned aid "if we ever need it." What I'm gathering is sentiment here, or is at least mine , is that there may be benefits that we are eligible for but that we do not need. For me, choosing not to apply for benefits to which I was eligible was a choice I made because I had enough for not only my needs but some wants. If I need assitance it is not necessarily my pride that will stop me; it will be the question of whether I have a need I can not meet myself.

[getforfree]

Re: Is it OK to do that?

I have no pride. I see that people who have too much of it miss out a lot, eather at not taking something or trying to show off so the others would think they are rich. I have seen people like that.
I guess thats why I am good at selling. I don't care what people think about me that I am annoying and all that. I can talk people into buying the product easy. I scored the most sales per workhour at work and got $15 giftcard to the department store ( will get my ds some shoes).

[stngymama]

Re: Is it OK to do that?

You're obviously a tough, hard worker, so whatever you do for now, you should have a fine future. Perhaps, if you do find it too disturbing to follow through on your proposal, you could work out something else with your employer where you get some other benefit which wouldn't disqualify you for WIC right now??
After all, I think WIC only lasts until a child is 5??