Welfare is a system backed by the U.S. federal government that provides assistance to low and no-income families and individuals. It is estimated that over 20% of the U.S. population is receiving some form of welfare aid, and it’s one of the largest public aid programs in the world.
In this post, you will learn about the different types of welfare programs available to people and families living in the U.S.
Let’s get started!
The Six Types of Welfare Programs
The United States is an incredibly large and diverse country. The welfare system is designed to provide aid across all potential areas of need. From education to nutrition, to healthcare, to housing, the basic concept is that if a family doesn’t have enough money to make it on their own, they can get assistance from the government.
Here are the six major welfare programs in the U.S. If you would like to learn more about each specific program, click on the links below, which will take you directly to the official government websites.
1. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF benefits offer monetary support to needy families. Learn how to apply.
2. Medicaid
Medicaid is government-funded healthcare, which is available to low-income families and individuals. Learn how to apply.
3. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI provides financial assistance to people who are disabled, blind, or elderly, and otherwise have no income. Learn how to apply.
4. Housing Assistance
There are several different types of affordable housing programs, depending on where you live and your level of need. Learn more about what programs are available.
5. Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC)
EIC is a tax credit that you can get from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for lower-income individuals and families. Learn more about how EIC works.
6. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP)
The SNAP program, which used to be called the Federal Food Stamps program, provides low to no income families with money to purchase food. Learn more about SNAP.
What Should You Do If You Need Welfare Assistance?
The first thing you should do is contact your local social services agency. Each welfare program has its own agency, depending on the state in which you live. By following the above links, you should be able to locate each specific agency that you need to apply for.
Remember that applying for benefits can be a tricky process, and it can be overwhelming having to deal with so many different agencies and applications.
If you don’t have a computer and find that it is difficult to apply from your cell phone, consider visiting your local public library. Most public libraries have good internet connections and have free computers that you can use. Find the local library nearest you.
Also, if you are simply not sure of where to turn, you can give USA.gov a call at 1-844-USA-GOV1 (1-844-872-4681). They have operators standing by from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern time. You may have to wait on hold for a while, but eventually, you should get the advice you need to apply for benefits.
We are wishing you the best of luck on your journey to get welfare benefits. Check back often for more information about the different programs available.
