Reply #100: In the UK it's true a store can refuse coinage over a set level .. [View All]

[Lenomsky]

I have no idea but would guess around £5GBP this is also true for Banks although your own Bank will always oblige if counted & bagged which are then weighed. Following the US lead I'm transferring to a Credit Union over the next week or so.

Tragic story my heart goes out to the poor woman and her family.

My local store is only too happy and actually asks me for small coins 20p and above. Sometimes I simply take a bag of coins and return later when counted and they give me notes. They want my business and my small change.

----------------------------------------

I'm a regular reader of DU and this is off topic but could somebody explain to me how your social welfare system works? I understand this varies from state to state. PM is fine or point me to a thread that elaborates.

In the UK through our National Insurance System a worker pays around 12% and an Employer tops this up with around 14%. It may sound a huge % especially for those that are never in need of support but I feel it's fair if you earn more you pay more and support those in need.

I currently receive around £65 per week Job Seekers Allowance (there is no time limit but certainly some red tape if unemployed for too long a period), rental accommodation is paid in full indefinitely, mortgage payments (interest only) will be paid for 1 year with possible extensions (you are not required to pay this back). Health Care is free for all regardless including Dental Care if unemployed. National Insurance also covers a small State Pension at retirement age.

Our system is not perfect and is abused however I feel it remains a necessity as do most people in the UK (I'm pretty sure on this). A vote winner is always the National Health Service and Schooling.

I guess what I'm getting at is what happens when you have breached the US Welfare payment time limit?
How is rent paid, how do you eat, how do you pay for heating etc The basics that everyone should have.