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| American ideal that everyone has the freedom to use the wealth and talents they possess to reach their full potential. |
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A social program financed by taxation or other mandatory contributions by its present or future recipients.
Example: Social Security; financed by payroll tax |
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| A contributory welfare program which working Americans give a percentage of their paycheck and recieve a pension after retirement. |
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| National health insurance for the elderly and the disabled. |
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A social program that assists people based on demonstrated need rather than contributions they have made.
AKA: Public Assistance Program |
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Aid to Families with Dependent Children
(AFDC)
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Federal funds for children in families that fall below state standards of need.
Extra Fact: Abolished in 1996 by Congress and replaced with TANF. |
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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF) |
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| A block grant that replaced AFDC in 1996. |
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A procedure that determines eligibility for government public-assistance programs.
How it works: A potential beneficiary must show a need and an inability to provide for that need. |
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| A federally financed, state-operated program for medical services to low-income people. |
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Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) |
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A program providing minimum monthly income to people who pass a means test and are 65 years or older, blind, or disabled.
How it works: Financed from general revenues that are not Social Security contributions.
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The largest in-kind benefits program that provides coupons to individuals who pass a means test.
How it works: Can be exchanged for food at most grocery stores.
Who runs it: Department of Agriculture
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Definition
Goods and services provided to needy citizens by the federal government.
Extra Fact: The largest federal welfare program is food stamps.
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Term
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Definition
The eligibilty for benefits by virtue of a category defined by law.
How it works: Categories can be changed by legislation; deprivation of individual benefits can be determined in due process in court.
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