[Curvyred]

When I was talking to a friend about my lack of maternity leave and the fact that I was going to be without income for a few months, she told me I should apply for WIC--a government benefit that provides food and formula coupons for low-income women and children.

My gut reaction is NO WAY. I don't think that anyone needs to pay for my choice and I certainly won't starve without it.

I looked online and found that we would more than qualify, even if DH worked full-time instead of being home as originally planned. The site says that half of the infants in the county--by no means a poor county--are receiving benefits.

DH thinks that we should absolutely apply for anything we're eligible for.

So . . . would you apply for a program like WIC while on unpaid maternity leave?

If not, would you advise others not to? Why or why not?

[alwaysus]

I get WIC for Elijah and have absolutely no hard feelings about it. His formula costs over $100 a month. As soon as he is one, We will get off the program, we can well afford milk etc...but the formula cost is unbelievable.

[alwaysus]

And just for the record, biological parents use WIC to help pay for their choices all the time. As far as I am concerned, there is no difference.

[LouiseT]

If I qualified, I'd sign up!

[happygmom]

Originally Posted by alwaysus

And just for the record, biological parents use WIC to help pay for their choices all the time. As far as I am concerned, there is no difference.

What do you mean by "all of the time"? My husband and I are a bio parents to 2 children. Both were choices. We have never used WIC. In fact, we have a very comfortable life, as do most of our "bio" parent friends. I am confused.

Happy G'Ma

[alwaysus]

A LOT of parents use wic. A LOT. I was trying to point out that it shouldn't make a difference whether you are an adoptive family and use it, or biological parents and use it.

[taramayrn]

I don't know if I would use it. For me even though I qualified I wouldn't necessarily apply. I guess I would feel like someone else would need it more than I would. Unless I really really needed it I wouldn't apply, but that's just me.

[mom2GRLC]

I was introduced to it because my fosterkids under 5 automatically received it.

When we adopted each child we still applied for it and did qualify since I am a stay at home mom/foster mom and we are only living off my husbands income.

So as we speak I have it for my 4 year old adopted daughter,My 2 year old adopted daughter and my 16month old foster son.

None of them are on formula anymore but I can tell you that I save a bunch of money having 3 kids on it and one 6 year old that is to old to qualify but certinaly eats and drinks his fair share. If a program exists and you qualify for it....why pay for other people to use it and not yourself.....I say swallow your pride and take advantage of whatever help that may be offered to you for as long as you are able to.

[alwaysus]

I agree, our family relies on just my husbands income as well and it sure does help stretch the dollar.

[mom2GRLC]

I guess i look at it as i would a grant or a scholarship.....if you are eligible...why not apply and get that extra help. It's more about pride then anything. There is no shame in asking for assistance....if you fall into the category of people being offered it.

[taramayrn]

Originally Posted by mom2GRLC

I guess i look at it as i would a grant or a scholarship.....if you are eligible...why not apply and get that extra help. It's more about pride then anything. There is no shame in asking for assistance....if you fall into the category of people being offered it.

True enough. I don't know - I guess it's not so much the shame. I guess partly lack of education on my part, but you hear of WIC being used by lower income families who are really down and out. I guess I didn't realize that most middle income families would qualify. So, if you qualify use it. Do what you feel is right....

[happygmom]

Originally Posted by mom2GRLC

If a program exists and you qualify for it....why pay for other people to use it and not yourself.....I say swallow your pride and take advantage of whatever help that may be offered to you for as long as you are able to.

Why not? If you are a single parent with a bio child and apply for government aid, they are up your *** trying to take your child away from you. That's why. My secretary was on WIC for a year and she said it was terrifying.

Happy G'Ma

[Curvyred]

Thanks for the fast input!

I have to admit that when I read that half the infants in the county were receiving WIC benefits, I opened my mind a little to the possibility.

[taramayrn]

I don't know I'm battling this question...

Should you use a service just because you qualify for it but don't necessarily need it?

I'm struggling with that myself.

[alwaysus]

As far as I am concerned, If you don't need it, don't use it, but if you need it, theres no shame in using it.