The Problem with Work Requirements

[NowISeetheLight]

It looks like part of the debt agreement will be raising the age for the 80 hour a month work requirement from 49 to 55 for those receiving food assistance benefits. I used to be a Republican and would've supported "work requirements" back in the day. As I've gotten older however I see the real problem with this type of mandate.

When I moved here two years ago my husband (in his mid-50s) already had some health issues. Before we got married he was on Medi-Cal and a food stamp card from CA, but after marriage my income is too high and he's covered by ChampVA (insurance for spouses of 100% disabled veterans) so he gets nothing now. He's had chronic health issues for years including bad feet and arthritis. He can't stand or walk long distances. He has a high school education and no real history of "good jobs" that paid anything decent as he's always worked in the service industry. Until he moved in with me a few years ago as roommates he was living in what was basically a shed on a friend property. We've been friends since high school and he told me if I hadn't let him move in he'd have been homeless.

About five months ago we decided he needed to go back to work (money is tight) so he started looking for host positions in restaurants. He had years of experience doing this. He finally got a job last month. After dozens of applications online (most of which were never responded too), several interviews (where he never heard back) and finally going in person to apply the old fashioned way, he got a job. The problem is they are only giving him 15 hours a week now though because it's summer here in the desert and all the businesses are slow. In the winter he'll go up to 20-25 hours (the max for him and what we need to pay the bills).

It's great to say "get a job". It's tougher to actually do it. Especially when you're in your 50s, have bad health, don't have a lot of education and are struggling. Especially in this day of companies not giving a damn about employees and caring more about record profits than people.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

1. K&R

[Beachnutt]

2. This guy explains it nicely

54 years old and are sunset
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1017832016

[SharonClark]

3. A meandering 8+ minute video that was posted a few minutes earlier?

No thanks.

If you gleaned something important from the video, maybe a recap would have sufficed.

[Beachnutt]

5. With all due respect don't want to watch this guy explain

the work requirement then don't, he explains it much better than I can.
It has a sunset to it that is phased in and it is not going to become law.

[IbogaProject]

4. Our administration will just delay the implementation

I hope Joe just causes it to get delayed with implementation bureaucracy. I think looking for work will be ok in blue states and there will be other loopholes.

[Autumn]

6. The problem with imposing work requirements is that doing so is baby steps to doing away with help

that many people need.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

42. Yes

Dont take any baby steps to ruining my life and the lives of countless others.

[onecaliberal]

7. The same people who want them to work until 54,

Are the same people who won’t hire us after 50.

[NowISeetheLight]

9. Absolutely

I'm 100 convinced my husband's age is what did him in. Some places he applied online even did the demographics page snd asked age group and there were several then 40>.

[GoCubsGo]

36. Yes. Thank you!

And, it doesn't matter how much education you have either. Anyone with an advanced degree applying for a crap job is looked upon as "damaged goods," regardless of why they were out of work. I am so sick of these smug, sanctimonious motherfuckers, I can't stand it.

[onecaliberal]

39. Same. They act like these poor souls aren't working already.

Like there is some handout. The only handouts happening are for their masters and wealthy corps.

[lostnfound]

8. How does 'get a job' jive with automation and robot armies and self-checkout?

Yes, I know, there are jobs repairing or programming robots,etc.
But that gets into retraining and health and computer skills etc.

All of the productivity that companies have bragged about for the last 80 years? We still have 40 hours work weeks, second jobs, nearly full employment, and stagnant wages.

Which billionaire was wondering why no one is talking about the robots?

Of course we know the answer to this rhetorical question.

[IbogaProject]

10. It's not about anyone working

This is so red states can selectively deny benefits to minorities. I doubt it will affect blue states too much, since our administration would be the one to enforce it. I am angry we gave them anything at all and feel for those who will suffer from this.

[Fiendish Thingy]

11. As bad as the requirements are, they can be quickly undone

Once Dems have the majority again.

[betsuni]

45. +1

[Bayard]

12. If rethuglicans insist on older people getting jobs,

They should be responsible for hiring them, and providing decent wages and conditions.

[markodochartaigh]

32. If Republicans are going to insist on a work requirement

then the federal government should be the employer of last resort. Not state governments, we have seen how Republican state governments operate, but the federal government. Personally I would also be OK with a requirement that a tax on businesses over 50 employees in each state be used to fund the federal employment program in that state.

[Jerry2144]

13. another problem is that it disconnects those who need help the most from being able to get it

If a person where de-homed by the system and is living on the street, it's tough to get a job when one doesn't have access to a shower and clean, serviceable clothing. And without a job, it's hard to afford a place where one can have clean clothes and take a shower. I do not think that there are more than one or two people living on the street in this country who like it and prefer it to living somewhere safer. "I think I'll take these government handouts and still live care-free on the streets" is a thought very few, if any, of these people think.

We need to get better as a society of taking care of those in need and ensuring basic necessities are met.

[Diamond_Dog]

14. In many cases you need a car, as well.

You can’t work from home if your job is in a restaurant or store or warehouse, etc. Public transportation in this country leaves a lot to be desired.

[Jerry2144]

15. right

I simplified things a bit. The ultimate simplification is that one needs to eat to live. And one needs to be alive to be able to work. our basic necessities should be taken care of by society so that all of us can flourish. Safe, reliable food, clean water, medical care (including vision, teeth, and mental), safe housing, basic transportation are all basic human rights and need to be provided to all people at some minimum level. I'm not talking about providing every unhomed person a mansion. But we should be able to provide homes that are heated/cooled, contain basic sanitation needs, provide security so people can sleep at night, and be able to allow people to improve their lives.

I've seen stories about small homes being created and put in one location. We can do that. At $10K or so per small home and a higher density, we can improve lives. Some of the residents can be paid security guards for the community. Some can be trained to provide repairs and maintenance upkeep skills. We can have education centers where these people can learn new skills, fill in the gaps that are lacking, or even pursue a higher education.

Taking care of those who are in need, taking care of the environment, and ensuring everyone is properly educated to their abilities, aptitudes, and interests will make this world a better place and will likely prevent a worse catastrophe as we continue to destroy our planet

[Diamond_Dog]

18. I couldn't agree with you more, Jerry2144.

Some of the universal basic income programs in other countries are interesting to consider, but Republicans would rather burn this country to the ground than give a needy person a basic income for “nothing”.

And, like you mentioned, affordable housing is just too high a hurdle unless you think outside the box with the small homes and then of course finding the political will to fund it.

[CTyankee]

49. Also, Diaper Banks are crucial for young parents. And period products for women who are still

having menstrual periods.

My husband worked for the Homeless Commission of New Haven and saw how many of these needs we take for granted affect people once they are homeless. For instance, the nutritional needs of people who are homeless are different because by definition they have no kitchen so cannot cook their food. The homeless have significant mental health needs as well. Understanding all this can make us a more caring community.

[NowISeetheLight]

27. Car

I had to buy a car for my husband. Car loan and a decent interest rate because I had good credit. I still added another monthly payment to the mix. A lot of people can't absorb that or don't have good credit due to no fault of their own. The system needs to be set up to help people achieve. Right now, it seems set up to keep people down.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

43. God,I so agree with you about how

Shitty public transport is. Fuck you you shitbag henry ford fuck you.

Ford is who got public transportation fucked up in favor of driving cars and I hate him with the heat of a billion suns for it.

[Beetwasher.]

17. There is a homelessness exception

N/t

[Jerry2144]

22. yes. But tough to get

I've never been unhomed. But I can see what these people deal with and feel sympathy for what they suffer. There is no way I can help everyone who needs it myself. I can and do help some. The only way I can help them is to vote against every conservative I can at every level of elections. This way I help bring in the most liberal people I can who have the power to help everyone.

[Beetwasher.]

23. No, It's Not

I work with the homeless population.

[Jerry2144]

26. I stand corrected

It still supports my premise that our society leaves too many people behind

[Beetwasher.]

28. Indeed we do

But that problem was never going to be solved today. Today Biden got the best we probably had to hope for.

[Jerry2144]

29. Yes

Each step forward helps. I do hope we continue going forward. And do it fast enough to help as many as need help

[emulatorloo]

34. We need to take back the house. Eom

[I_UndergroundPanther]

44. I was homeless before

Luckily I had ssi and it was direct deposit into the bank and on my debit card.
Was able to stay in a motel 6 by working out a deal with management for 300 bucks a month. Saved my ass until HUD came through. I love where I live,the apartment is great,location is so so tho.

I kicked my own ass over and over for giving away my Bear,I loved that cat and when I realized motel 6 was pet friendly I cried my eyes out for a week and hated myself for not keeping him. And this apartment allows cats so its a double burn and I miss him.

[Beetwasher.]

47. Sorry to hear that, that's rough

Always remember there are good people willing to help, and you did what you thought you needed to do at that moment, don’t beat yourself up over it.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

50. I feel guilty still

Like I betrayed him also during that time I could not be with my soul cat ,Sparkle as he died without me there because I was in the psych hospital.

My heart still aches for them and my cats Vinny and Rustle too passed around that time. Vinny had kidney failure and all the vet could do is help him not suffer.. Rustle had a very fast growing inoperable cancer in his chest wall. He went to the vet for a workup 6 months earlier and was fine and healthy until he wasn't at least he was not in pain.I Loved them all so much.

I dont think I will ever stop cherishing them all. I love every cat that I was lucky enough to share my life with.

Othello is on my lap and I love him so much my heart may burst.

[NowISeetheLight]

30. Car

I wasn't for a long time but after my medical discharge I spent more than a few nights in the car sleeping. Homelessness isn't excusable as far as I'm concerned. I know there is a small percentage that stay that way and don't seek aid. But I also know here in Palm Springs there is a huge homeless community and they utilize services. Just the other week on the news they talked about the Riverside County homeless survey the do. A lot of people wanted help. Our county homeless population increased 12% just this year.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/abc7.com/amp/riverside-county-homeless-population-inland-empire-southern-california-crisis/13228927/

[Beetwasher.]

48. Yes, most homeless want help, want to work and want to be safe and happy

Yes indeed, and there are people who want to help, always remember that.

[Beetwasher.]

16. These Supposed Requirements Will Change Nothing

The vast majority of SNAP recipient who would fall under these requirements are already working. There will continue to be exceptions for disability and medical issues and homelessnessThis will merely add an additional administrative layer to the program that in end will probably drive up admin costs to the program. I doubt very many, if any current recipient will see any effect whatsoever aside from signing some sort of certification box when the apply for their benefits. This was a sly move by Biden that can be slow walked into effect and be administratively neutered upon implementation. It lets McCarthy claim a win, but it’s truly only symbolic, it will have practically no real world implications for program recipients.

[Hortensis]

21. EXACTLY. As administered by Dems, the intent and spirit

of this program will prevail.

And those worried that their slaving away is supporting millions of parasites swigging beer in their recliners will get a moment of wanting to punch the air instead of a wall.

[BlueMTexpat]

53. +++++

Let us ALL VOTE BLUE!!

So that this will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN!

[emulatorloo]

35. ++++

[emulatorloo]

41. ++++

[Vinca]

19. The cost of monitoring those 49 - 55 year olds will probably cost more than any savings

the GOP seems to think will come of this. IMO, there shouldn't be much in the way of conditions for food aid. People need food to survive. If they only work 15 hours of the 20 the GOP wants, apparently they'll go hungry. It's immoral. I've heard the cost of continuing the program "as is" amounts to one day of the Trump tax cuts for the wealthy. It's not right. (You'd think I was a Bible thumper and not the atheist I am. LOL. Loaves and fishes and all that.)

[Beetwasher.]

24. There Will Be no Monitoring

These types of things are usually implemented by recipients checking a certification box on the application. The box is already there, just a slight tweak to the language and it’s done. Really, this was
a coup by Biden, it will have practically no effect on the program at all.

[moreland01]

20. Able-bodies and able-minded people should work.

The problem is that the government doesn't have enough money to finance hiring people to adjudicate those that are able-bodied and able-minded. The current process is inefficient, onerous and unfair. If I could fix anything, it would be to find the funds to monitor the social security disability system fairly and root out fraud/abuse. Removing fraud would probably raise enough money to pay for the overseers (just guessing).

I know a hard right republican whose entire family (5 adult kids) are on social security disability in Kentucky. Not sure what all of their disabilities are but one of them claimed being "flat footed" was his disability. How on earth that kid was approved, I have no idea.
While I realize having foot issues can be disabling, he could drive a truck (since he does indeed drive a car), he could work at a ticket booth, etc. He's not mentally disabled.

Unfortunately, I also know of others with genuine physical disabilities who have been refused for disability. It's not a fair system right now.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

46. I'm on disability

I have severe mental illness and I cant work because if I do and people fuck with me I would be one of those disgruntled workers and I would not be safe. My mind can get very fucked up at times so I do need therapy and not too much stress.
Cptsd,depression,adhd,schizo I am pretty messed up.


Not all disabilities are visible btw and a person you would assume could get a job,might not do so safely.

[moreland01]

55. For sure

This same a-hole that I mentioned above with the 5 kids, he wanted to retire early from a defense contractor so he went into HR and told them that he's going to go postal (he told me with a grin). He made it up just so that they would retire him, and it worked.

There is true disability (mental and/or physical), and there is fraud. I have no idea how to police such a system, but it needs to happen in order to truly support those who truly and genuinely need the care ( like you ).

[radius777]

51. Agree - similar to the Covid fund abuse

there are alot of conservative types and others who are fraudulently obtaining resources that are meant for those who truly need it. These fraudsters are usually middle class and higher, and usually vote Republican - the same folks who will then turn their noses up at the poor and needy.

[hunter]

58. The tombstone of the human race will be "We worked hard to get here."

Most of us suffer work that is not making the world a better place.

I believe "work ethics" are a quirk of human evolution. Whichever political system could field the most effective military-industrial complex won.

Now with nuclear weapons and a single world economy we've reached a place where nobody can win a world war and conventional work ethics can be extremely damaging to the natural environment that supports us all.

We don't need any more coal miners or auto workers or freeway builders. We don't need any more guns.

What we do need, as a species, is to figure out where we want to go.

As we are now, we are running hard down the path to hell.

[dlk]

25. Republicans blithely ignore the reality of age discrimination

It doesn’t fit their narrative, so it doesn't exist.

[MLAA]

31. Here's hoping we regain the house and this is repealed.

[TexasBushwhacker]

33. Enforcement is a waste of resources

The vast majority of people receiving SNAP are families with dependents and THEY ALREADY WORK! It's as if they have never heard of the "working poor".

As for people on SSI, they can only make up to a certain amount before they have to pay back $1 for every $2 they earn. BTW, that's gross, not net. So if they are working for $10 an hour and go $100 over the limit, they have to pay back $50, but SS and Medicare are deducted from the first penny. The amount that went into their bank account for those 10 extra hours is $34.70 or $3.70 an hour. Another BTW, if they are single with no kids, that's probably too much to qualify for SNAP.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

37. Are the work requirements going to be a taxpayer subsidy of companies which don't pay a living wage?

That's my concern. Many of those on food stamps and Medicaid are already working.

[Buckeyeblue]

38. Is there a good article that explains the work requirement?

It sounds like it already exists but it's just being raised. So is it true we already have work requirements?

[radius777]

52. Republicans hate the poor, it's at the core of conservative ideology.

Remember, many rich people don't work or contribute much of anything to society, but the R's bend over backwards to help the rich get richer - while at the same time doing everything they can to grind the poor and working class into the ground.

[NowISeetheLight]

56. The Sad Part

The sad part is they are using the blame game to convince their voters it's everyone else's fault THEY aren't rich. Blame immigrants, blame minorities, blame LGBT. THEY are keeping you down. It's THEIR fault you don't have a golden toilet like your messiah. Trump supporters are less educated and have lower incomes. Fact of life.

They're too stupid to realize it's Republican policies that are keeping them down. That dumb woman in the other post about Trump Bucks is a perfect example.

[The Jungle 1]

54. What are the civic requirements for corporate welfare

[Deep State Witch]

57. They Persist In Thinking

That "certain people" are slackers living off of the government teat. Let's face it - there are a lot of people who are in their 50's that have been laid off because of age discrimination, or have auto-immune disorders, or long COVID. I'm sure that the Repukes would consider these people to be "able bodied" for work. Except that most retail jobs require standing for long periods of time, which many people just can't do anymore.