We have a comfortable life and pay a HUGE amount of tax each year and get nothing for our kids and it doesn't bother me as we don't need it. Next year if we don't earn as much we'll get family tax benefit to help us out.
If we decide tomorrow to head home to Ireland we can sign up and get child benefit even though we haven't lived at home for over 10yrs.
In my opinion if you don't need it why would you want it and not want it to go to into other services.
Define āneedā. Iāve never qualified for anything thatās means tested and while we are comfortable enough we are not rich.
Often āhigher earnersā which can start at ā¬60k combined income for the crĆØche grant for example, have taken on a lot of extra work & responsibility to earn that money. Itās unfair that they then qualify for nothing.
I work almost full time and until this budget got about ā¬16 a week per child for my creche fees as I only qualify for a universal grant.
Child benefit aside there are many people in Ireland getting state support where they could work additional hours etc. For example, my Mum needs her carer to do extra hours but if her carer doesnāt want to as sheās lose her benefits.
Iāve no objection to those genuinely in need receiving generous state support. But thatās not how the social welfare system in Ireland actually works and until it does Iāll be keeping my child benefit which is something back for the hours I work, responsibilities I have & level of tax I pay.