my best friend works for the NH Department of Health and Human Services (welfare) . . . she says that NH is very strict and very thorough in its giving away of money. . . now this doesn't mean that it's not easy to get welfare, but it's far easier in other states like MA.
She tells me things that make me cringe, and she is delighted to send anything she finds worrysome along to their investigation team. She has become very jaded and much more libertarian thinking since joining there after college. . . she was a liberal. . .but she now sees her money being taken from her check to pay for such services. . .and sees that some of the people receiving welfare make MORE money than she does giving it out.
Unemployment, as far as I understand it, is paid for mostly by surcharges to companies that regularly lay off people. NH unemployment doesn't hold a candle to other states (like MA again). . . I am on Unemployment as we speak. . . I haven't gotten a check in 5 weeks. . . I think they've forgotten about me. . .but when I do get checks the amount is for $174 a week. By no means is this a rich living, but I don't have a lot at the time being, and it's fine to get me through. In MA I would be making in the range of $320-$400 a week.
The difference is that NH stays on you, they want you to find a new job so they don't have to pay you, and while still more lax than I would like. . . they at least check on the jobs you've applied for, and make you go to a meeting. MA does not, and in experience all you have to do in MA is go into a McDonalds. . . file an application with the manager. . .tell them you're looking for full time, days 9-5, full health insurance and $18-$20 an hour. . . obviously they're not going to hire you. . .and you've filled in one of the three spots you need to "apply for"
I want Employment Security to make us work. . .I mean, what else are we going to do besides sit around and hope to be called back soon. . . . the job market sucks but at least I try and find new work everyday.
I like the fact that there are more and more food pantries coming about, donations of food from companies and good natured citizens. My family in our times of need didn't turn to welfare, but to the Pettingill House in Salisbury. . . and in turn, now that my family has gotten back on its feet and prospered. . . give a check to them every month for about $50.
That's how it should be in my opinion. . . charity, not force.