I completely agree and (hopefully) understand that. I only mention it as welfare because I believe that’s harder to argue against and at least gets us most of the way there.

As for working 8 hours and still making the same as you would on benefits, I see this issue today constantly in the current (US) system. Especially around people with disabilities who would otherwise be able to work.

UBI is the ideal, but replacing the complex welfare system with something cash based (similar to UBI, or exactly as UBI for certain demographics) would be a great first step.

As one implementation of that, a UBI can simplify the complexities of the existing safety net systems and smooth the welfare cliff.

I no longer need to pay for low income housing (I can just get some money and rent something), I’m no longer restricted by what an EBT card can buy (I just get money), I don’t need to qualify for XYZ niche benefit (I just get some money), etc. And that money could more easily be adjusted/reduced as my income grows which smooths the welfare cliff.

It also frees up a ton of money that was previously used to manage the existing complex systems and allows more efficient spending.

I thought they retconned that in later seasons of the anime though.