Having worked in factories for probably 20 years before I managed to get into the software industry, I can say that I have seen behavior like Plainthinker describes.  I haven't seen the HHS requests, but have certainly chatted with co-workers who need an advance on their pay to go get a tat, go on vacation, or for something other than making the rent.  They always tell the boss, it is for medical expenses, car repairs, or just rent, but sitting around the break room, they joke about how they pulled one over on the boss.  I never understood that attitude, but many of my former co-workers certainly behaved in a manner similar to what he describes.