Why do they ask if you are on welfare or foodstamps when applying for a job?

Question

I have been looking for a job recently, and at the end of most applications they ask this. Why does it matter? Do you stand a better chance of getting the job if you are on welfare or get foodstamps?

Answer 1

ive never heard of that, either. im from illinois.  

Answer 2

If the employer asking these questions is a government contractor  or supplier in any way, and the applicant is on assistance; they would probably be put on a priority hiring list in order to get them off assistance.

One good example would be Costco.

Answer 3

Some companies do ask this because they get a bonus from the government for hiring people on welfare.  Its an incentive to make welfare people more hirable and get them off.

Answer 4

I would think not because they are less likely to hire someone desperate

Answer 5

Many people on welfare are there because they can not get employment and are recieving this aid to help them survive (we won't get into the people who abuse the system).  Anyway, when the forms are sent to the state that you live in and to the fed. government the wages that you will get at the new job effect the amount of aid (food stamps/welfare) that an indevidual can recieve.  So for example, if you are getting food stamps, your salary may be above the limit aloud in order to continue to recieve the food stamps.  Marking that box should not affect your ability to get the job, that would be considered discrimination.  All it is for is to show the government that someone who was recieving help is now working.  So, if you are recieving these benefits you must check the box (you could get in trouble if you don't) and if you are not just leave it blank or check "no".  Again, this should have no effect on if you are qualified for this position or not.

Answer 6

No they jest want to know if you have a low income and they do it for there own tax reasons at the end of the year.I don't think that question should be asked because it is invading some ones privacy.

Answer 7

A lot of companies are concerned that people will steal from them. So they don't want to hire people who are on drugs, in debt, or poor, since they believe it's more likely they'll be stolen from by such people. I'm not in agreement with this attitude (except for those on drugs--they are high risk for stealing), I'm just repeating it to answer the question.

Answer 8

Tax breaks for hiring you.

Answer 9

Where I live an employer can take a huge tax deduction for getting someone off welfare ... that might be why they're asking ... but I've never been asked that question .

Answer 10

the answer is 7

Answer 11

Wow, I've never heard of such a thing, where are you from?  I would think that's none of their business.