Assistance can come in the form of cash aid, food vouchers, medical care, education, job or training programs, housing or energy assistance, or other social-service programs. What follows is a description of the main elements of the welfare system. Aid to Families with Dependent Children subsidizes the minimum costs of providing care for dependent children who have lost the support of a parent due to death, prolonged absence, or incapacity, and for the parents or guardians with whom the children live. Food Stamps provide vouchers for those meeting the criteria of need to purchase food. Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income people.
Benefits can vary by state to include cash payments, food vouchers, and shelter.
Therefore, statistical data can vary significantly. Read the following statements and decide which you think are true or false. Federal spending on AFDC and food stamps has remained less than three percent of total federal spending over the last decade. Many support their families with earnings only. Six million children under the age of six live in poverty.