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EUROPE AGAINST FREELOADERS
Other European countries spend more than 2% on social support for the population. Most EU countries provide support to those in need in the form of housing payments.
In Germany, the social security service determines the amount of regular benefits. The regular payment includes expenses for food, utilities and housekeeping, purchase of clothing, personal hygiene products and payment for personal needs, relevant assistance to children and adolescents taking into account age characteristics. But to receive any social benefit, you must provide a large number of supporting documents, and the slightest non-compliance with the requirements of the social assistance service results in termination of payments.
State social assistance for the unemployed in France is divided into two types: unemployment benefits for those with insurance record, and 'solidarity allowance' (Allocation d'insertion), which is paid in the absence of insurance record. In the first case, the object of social support are people who at the time of application have a minimum insurance record (120 days) over the last 18 months and are not fired voluntarily. The second type of payment can be claimed by foreign citizens with refugee status and those having temporary social housing in France, released from prison for two or more months (except those convicted of pimping and drug trafficking), as well as employees – victims of industrial accidents or occupational diseases.
In the United Kingdom, the period of a migrant's stay in the country after which he is entitled to benefits is two years. 'Children of EU migrants are paid benefits even if they live outside the kingdom,' Dmitry Vasilyev, managing partner of the law firm 'Vasilyev and Partners,' told Gazeta.Ru. 'British subjects can also claim benefits from another country, including for winter heating, even if they live in a warm climate. Moreover, to receive benefits in the UK, you must obtain a number in the National Insurance System. The system does not allow obtaining two numbers and thus eliminates the possibility of receiving benefits twice. An attempt to receive two benefits can be considered a crime if intent is proven.'
However, Denmark has earned the title of a true 'welfare state.' Throughout its time in the eurozone, it has been the country with the lowest ratio of poor citizens to total population.
At the same time, since 2002 the number of unemployed in Denmark has increased by one and a half times, and now it ranks seventh in this indicator, ceding its positions to Iceland, the Netherlands, Austria, France, Finland and Norway. Housing subsidies in Denmark are the highest in the EU, and the country also has free medical care and education.
Ideliya AYZYATULOVA.
«Gazeta.ru»