What is Jump the System?

Once you get caught up in "the system," the social service, or welfare, system, it is very hard to slowly work your way out. Sometimes the only way out is to jump.

The phrase "jump the system" is something I came up with after making the above statement in a conversation a few years ago. I was talking about the tendency to, not only get stuck in the system, but to often get more dependant on it.

I was considering how there are so many policies, procedures, and pieces of paperwork that almost penalize you for things like making more money or saving money. It makes sense that you pay a portion of your income toward housing, for example, but the reality is that making almost nothing and making the highest amount you can make under a particular program leaves you with the same amount of disposable income or income that can be put into savings- usually nothing.

Anybody will quickly figure out that if you are working more hours to make more money your rent will go up, your food stamp benefits will go down, and you may become ineligible for programs like fuel assistance, health insurance, and reduced or free school lunch. If you have childcare expenses, then you're really doomed. Why would anyone choose to work more hours away from their family to end up in no better of a financial position, often in a worse position?

It would make sense if it was working to get ahead and get out of the system, but with no money left over to save it's not really getting you anywhere at all. Should people choose to hurt themselves and their loved ones because it is the "right" thing to do? The right thing for whom?

The phrase "jump the system" has now taken on another meaning- to take back and to take charge. Low-income families should stop being silently embarrassed; stop being bullied into not standing up for themselves because "they should stop whining and be grateful." It's time to jump the system!

This blog will explore the realities and pitfalls of "the system." It will seek to discover who gets out and how, and who doesn't and why. It will offer tips on how to use, but not abuse, the system; and put faces to families of government assistance. It will uncover the emotions of living on government assistance, and explode myths and misconceptions.