alamcculloch:
I had similar experiences when my children were small. I wanted to work but family tax credit was reduced to the point that I was losing out too much. Others with no intention of working could afford holidays and a change of car though.
The “Means Test” makes people pretend they are poor when they are not, and MAKE themselves poor - if that first option didn’t work.
A better system for benefits would be to make it like how holiday pay is paid on Agency:
The more work you’ve done over the time period leading up to your benefit claim - the more you get - but it tapers off over time.
Thus, only being out of work a few days, weeks, and months - leaves you OK for cash.
Being out of work over a year - and unless there is something seriously wrong with you medically, like missing a limb, eye, etc. - then what excuse does anyone really have for “not being able to get a job in a year” - in THIS day and age? 