Welfare in the United States Robert T Kelley

Welfare in the United States Robert T. Kelley

Exploitation of the welfare system is a serious problem. �“The government has created a protected class of citizens who are, based on lack of income, entitled to cash payments denied workers who pay their fair share of taxes” - Mickey Kaus, Conservative Commentator

Welfare vs. Other Programs �Most government programs that provide help or benefits to citizens require the citizens to previously have worked. �Welfare is one of the only programs that allow benefits to be given to people who have never previously worked.

Welfare… �Gives help to people who are: ◦ Out of work ◦ Elderly ◦ Disabled �Is intended to help poor and needy families get back on their feet

What kind of help does Welfare provide? �Cash, or income, assistance �Food Stamps �Medicaid �Medicare �Child Care Assistance �Section 8 Housing

Cash Assistance & Food Stamps � Cash Assistance: ◦ Helps with: �Shelter �Utilities �Living Expenses ◦ Provided to: �People who have lost their jobs �People temporarily unable to work � Food Stamps: ◦ Helps: �People with low incomes and resources to buy food ◦ Food Stamp users: �Given a Debit card �Their monthly food stamp allocation is placed into an account which links to the debit card

Medicaid & Medicare � Medicaid: ◦ Helps: �Low income individuals and families with health care ◦ These people are: �Children �Pregnant Women �People with disabilities �Elderly � Medicare: ◦ Helps: �Focuses entirely on elderly population ◦ Types of Medicare: �Part A �Covers hospital bills �Part B �Covers medical insurance �Part D �Covers prescription medications

Criticism of Welfare � Many critics see welfare as a promotion of out -of-wedlock childbearing and dependency on the government. � People who work minimum wage jobs often cannot qualify for welfare and struggle to provide for their families. � 65% of the people on welfare will stay on welfare for at least eight years. � Children who were raised in a family who received welfare assistance are seven times more likely to be on welfare themselves.

Minimum Wage vs. Welfare

In Conclusion… � Exploitation of the welfare system is a serious problem and should be stopped.

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