It is sad that so many do abuse the welfare system and take so much for granted, and then ruin things for others doing it tough and doing the right thing. The government set up the Welfare system to help those in need. Having said that in terms of Welfare and how much it can help those in need, especially single parents and those with a disabilty, I'm curious to know what others think of the governments welfare to work policy that came into affect in 2005? Meaning once a sole parents (who is on welfare benefits) youngest child turns 6 the parent is forced to undertake a min 15 hrs work per week, and are shifted to a lesser rate of payment. As a single mother who is currently studying for higher education this policy has great impacts. The government encourages people to obtain higher education to better themselves and get into the workforce, but such policies can greatly restrict this and cause greater issues for already struggling families. Does anyone else feel the same? Or do people think the policy is fair? Or is there a better way the government could've handled this? I am really curious of people's views on this one :) thanks so much..

young_mum87, good luck with this thread. An interesting topic.

My girlfriend has had to deal with those changes and it's been a mixture.

The frustration of trying to find a job that allowed for the realities of single parenting which would not be soul destroying for someone of her experience. Trying to juggle out of hours care, the need to use public transport to get to work (I can get her home most days) and the correspondingly longer day that results. Issues around homework etc.

On the plus side she is back in the workforce in a responsible position and most days enjoying it.

I did single parenting for quite a few years and had many of the same issues and just needed to do it because I didn't seem to have a lot of options. I had a mortgage and no financial support from my ex.

I see the benefits of study but as someone who has recently gone back to paying child support I've been repeatedly reminded of my responsibilities to support my son when I've objected to paying double what it cost to keep him here to have him living with his mum.

Like anything exemptions seem to create loopholes for avoidance of responsibility.

If you are studying who's funding the care of your kids in the meantime and will they ever see a pay off from that. If I as a payer went back to study so I could earn a higher income in the future (and could not support my son while that occurred) would that seem as reasonable as a single mum studying rather than working. If not why not? BTW CSA would not as I understand it allow me that option.

R0bert

What do you expect, that they stay on welfare until they retire.

It's only fair that they get out, get a Job, and allow someone else to benefit from the system.

i understand education is an option
[so i wouldnt sweat too much re your situ]
realise that mothering is a thing..that dont last for life

no man[or mother]..is an island
why be content with a little..when by getting smart[you can get so much more][money..not mother credits...]

the egsample seems to be
the more money[usually]..the less mother

but education..thats forever

The reason why governments get away with paying single parents a pittance, while at the same time trying to force them off payments, is NOT because governments care 2 hoots about single parents. It's because single parents are NOT a powerful voting force, therefore there won't be repercussions against the government. They just want to save as much money as possible, by paying less ..... and THAT'S their motivation.

Thank you everyone for your comments and insights on this topic..I really appreicate it :) I really hope to hear and read more of what other people have to say about this topic :)