There is an awful lot of misunderstanding out there about Welfare. Or whatever politically correct label it bears this week. People are under the impression that we get eight million dollars a month and spend it all on beer and cigarettes. I've been told more than once it is not the government's job to take care of me if I can't work, it's my family's. I'm going to rant about both these points.
The amount you get varies a great deal, depending upon how many folks there are in your household and if they are working. Then it depends on how much they are working, and their hourly wage. Rules vary from county to county, but a very few folks are not required to at least look for work. The disabled and children, for example. It is not an automatic free ride, and the Welfare Department has to know everything but what color underwear you prefer. When I was last on a "check" my monthly amount was less than the rent on a one bedroom apartment. Currently, my SSDI is less than 800 dollars a month and all I get from Welfare is a medical card, which I have to pay a "spend down" on.
I've known countless people on Welfare in my nearly half-century on this planet. Most of them were in need temporarily. Most of them, if they smoke and drink, do it in moderation and put the needs of their children first. Most of them follow the rules, and accept the (relatively meager) help with gratitude. And, yes, shame. I can think of maybe three examples of stereotypical "Welfare People".
Now, about it not being the government's job to take care of me. In theory, I agree with this. If someone in your family needs help, you should help them. And society should reward that with, if nothing else, a proverbial pat on the back. My experience teaches me that our society does not work that way. What should be is not the same thing as what is.
I've taken in homeless friends and relatives, even if all I could give them was a floor to sleep on and four walls around them, and they have appreciated it. Society told me I was foolish, I was being taken advantage of, I was flat-out stupid for doing so. Because of Society's rules, my family cannot put me on their health insurance. When I was in need, my family came to my aid and got the "stupid" treatment from Society.
So... Welfare is not a free ride, is not a million dollars a month, and most people on it are not scum. And, yes, it is the government's job to help them. Because society won't allow the people who should to do it.
