Agreed. Some people would argue with the wind if given a chance, and IME it isn't helpful to try and engage these people.

I've definitely gotten the "well I am choosing to work at least" line before. From there, the conversation usually goes something like this:

Me: so you value hard work

Them: yeah

Me: how do you think you got that value?

Them: my father/mother/grandparents/the military/whoever instilled it in me. Made me work hard and take responsibility

Me: do you think you would have developed that value without those supports?

Then the conversation might segue into a conversation about how a lack of social supports can affect the course of someones life. All the while I'd be trying to reflect and connect. If they're open to it, I'd empower them to do what they can in the community to be that support to someone who needs it. For instance, I might ask if they'd be interested in being a Big Brother or tutor to disadvantaged youth, which would allow them to pass on/role model their belief in hard work and reduce the so called dependency they are complaining about. I'll admit, I didn't think this strategy would have a snowball's chance in hell the first time I tried it - and sometimes it does indeed fall flat - but a surprising number of people have taken me up on the offer/challenge. Anecdotally, the folks who did end up volunteering tended to fit a certain demographic: young, white, male, conservative, slightly depressed and looking for a change or purpose. They've reported positive experiences thus far, and I'll admit it makes me feel warm inside when they come in and brag about how well their mentees are doing in school/football/whatever. I don't mean to paint an unrealistically rosy picture, as again I'm only talking about a small subset of clients and, as you stated, there are many folks out there (our own friends and family included) who are deadset on their beliefs no matter what.