With debates in several threads about how it is better to not work and live off the public welfare, I wonder at what income level y'all believe not working is a better life than working.

As the resident economist on board, the answer lays in what you believe your free time is worth. If it is worth a lot to you, then your threshhold will be a lot lower. If you are will to sacrifice your free time to get more stuff, then it would be way higher.

Using Texas, the maximum benefits a person could receive are:

 

TANF Temporary Assistance for Needy Families $208 per month

Lone Star (Food Stamps) $471 for a family of 4 about $90 per person above that.

Plus some basic medical and dental benefits. Child Care programs are really confusing and based on adjusted income levels.

I think I misunderstood the question when I voted. Oops!

Off and on we have posts regarding taxes and how these people are living la vida loco on the public expense. That it is better to just say screw it and live off welfare. I wonder just how much some people think we provide those families. Could you live in a nice neighborhood, drive a car, go on vacation?

Another point of reference:

 

Minimum wage is about $11,500

 

Kerry proposes to increase it to $14,000