What Is the Welfare Program?

Welfare programs provide assistance with most basic necessities.

In the United States, the welfare program is really a system that is made up of several different programs that aim to provide assistance to the nation's unemployed and underemployed individuals and their families.

History

Some of the first welfare programs were created under the Social Security Act of 1935 including benefit programs for unemployed and retired workers and the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) grant program. Reform laws were passed in 1996 resulting in stricter guidelines and work requirements for those receiving assistance through welfare programs.

Types

Eligible individuals and families can receive different types of assistance from a variety of welfare programs including income, child care placement and medical care assistance.

Geography

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 made each state responsible for managing its own welfare programs. As a result; each state has different welfare programs, policies and eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

While eligibility requirements may vary, most welfare recipients must have an annual income below the federal poverty level, few assets and limited work opportunities. Recipients must also be at least 18 years old and be U.S. citizens or legal residents.

Considerations

Under the guidelines established by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, families can only receive federal welfare assistance for up to five years.

References

• Welfare Informarion: The History of Welfare
• Social Security Administration: Historical Development
• Welfare Information: Welfare Programs
• Department of Health and Human Services: The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996
• Cornell University Law School: Welfare Law Overview