I’ve been living in the UK for 8 months now, 3 of which I am in an asylum seeker status.
As a foreigner, I was prepared for the possibility that I might have a culture shock. But considering that this is a European country, I thought that everything would be quite understandable. And in general, it is. But at the same time, I note the differences in our cultures and I want to talk about some of them.
Let’s start with the pros. And the first obvious advantage of this State system is:
1. The mechanism for providing social support to those in need.
Both In Russia and in Ukraine, we have a system of benefits, free medicine and education, social/disability pensions and paid maternity leave. Just like here. But not really.
The average resident of the UK can be sure that if he loses his job, family, money, he will always be able to get the necessary financial support and will never be left hungry and homeless.
The average Russian or Ukrainian won’t be expecting social housing or food. Because they just won’t get them. They can have some money but anyway they always need to work for supporting themselves.
Yes, most of benefits are paid by taxpayers, who usually cannot qualify for them and just pay for the opportunity for others not to work. And quite often this money goes to the needs of people who are not in need at all. But on the other hand, the most valuable is the feeling of security and confidence in your future. Today you pay taxes and provide goods for others, but at the same time you know for sure that in case of anything, you will never be left alone with a difficult life situation.
Isn’t that one of the reasons why we need a State? Do you agree with me and how is social security works in your country?
refugeenotes 
Interesting comparison, Sofia. I don’t think any country has a great method of providing for those in need. I wish there was a great way to do this, but not everyone can be pleased. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
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Thank you 🤗
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Here Social Security is intended to provide a floor for the disabled and retired but that floor is not very high. There are other programs the elderly can take advantage of like Medicare. You will not starve but you will not live well. Employer-based pensions have all but disappeared, so if you are working you must save your money for retirement if you don’t want to live in poverty.
People who are neither retired nor disabled have a hard time of it. There are 6 months of unemployment but if you didn’t work enough before losing your job, you won’t get it. You won’t get it if you were fired for cause or you quit, either. You can collect food stamps so you won’t starve. if there are children, there is Aid to Families with Dependent Children ( welfare) but that’s not much either and you can’t be married and receive it.
Some states have rudimentary universal health care and others do not. The national public health care program requires you to pay premiums and some cannot afford it. Public housing is spotty and there are long waiting lists. Nobody wants it in their neighborhood.
In America, there’s an assumption that if one can work then one must work and benefits are very low to encourage one to take a job, any job, even a job that still keeps you in poverty. It is a throwback to the Puritan mentality that work is a virtue and if you are poor it is due to your own moral shortcomings and not forces beyond your control. And it is because people who have money are unwilling to surrender it.
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It seems to me that here in the UK, families living on benefits can live almost the same as working families. I often hear this from my friends who work here 🤔
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It comes to something when my wife and I both work in full-time jobs, own our ex-council house whereas our neighbour (who claims benefits) has two international holidays a year and takeaways every weekend!
The welfare state was originally created to help people in need should they lose their job or income with the idea this would be a temporary situation….. now we have generations who live on the system and you have to ask what is happening here?
I had to claim for the JSA (Job Seekers Allowance) twice in my lifetime. It was a good fall back until I found employment again, but the money was barely enough to cover rent, food and bills.
The problem isn’t the ones in need, it’s the ones who abuse the system in order not to work, especially when they feel they “Shouldn’t have to”.
You are absolutely right in your observation about it providing for people who don’t actually need it, and it’s actually quite frustrating when you learn of people who are in genuine need can’t get the help they deserve.
Sorry for the rant there!
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I think you’re right. Thank you for your sincerity 🤗
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Really you true write ✍️.
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Thank you 🤗
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Great Sophia👍, hats off to those countries who really care about their citizens, but their is also a bitter truth we are all aware.
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Yes, there are always two sides of a coin.
Thank you 🌺
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Beautiful article yes I think everyone needs a state for social security .And how do a state help it’s people that depends on it! Well shared 🙂
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☺️
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Democratic countries which believe in equality and fairness should provide an equal floor for ALL, meaning universal health, education and housing. Otherwise, where is the fairness and the equal opportunities if I go to the worse school, have no medical aid or live in a swamp? Of course, the UK system has problems as some people abuse the benefits, but these are practical problems that can be solved.
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Yes, it’s a good idea to give everyone an initial equal opportunity, but unfortunately it’s utopia 🙄
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In Japan, there is a sentence in the Constitution that guarantees a minimum standard of living. There will be no medical expenses and zero living expenses unless you refuse to do so yourself.
Japan requires that you speak Japanese.
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