Welfare is the provision of a minimal level of well-being and social support for all citizens, sometimes referred to as public aid. Welfare is something widely used throughout America. There are many different types of welfare such as; TANF (temporary assistance for needy families), food stamps, medical insurance, and utility assistance. A variety of people can receive these benefits under many different circumstances, which are unnervingly easy. The misuse of welfare is high, and welfare reform needs to be taken. When welfare is heard, it is thought that America is helping out their citizens who are in need but unfortunately this isn't the case. Welfare is provided by governments or their agencies, by private organizations, or a combination of both. Funding for welfare usually comes from general government revenue, but when dealing with charities or NGOs, donations may be used. Welfare is causing people to not obtain jobs, it is going to illegal immigrants and refugees instead of American citizens, and people are committing fraud to receive the benefits because they are dependent on welfare.
Welfare, though it can be good, is misused by many low class recipients and is too easily obtained for those merely looking for a way to be lazy and avoid getting a paying job. According to USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), a household must meet income tests to receive food stamp (welfare) eligibility. For example, a household of three needs to have a gross income of $2,144 per month. If the family makes more than they are not eligible to receive the benefits (USDA).The minimum wage in the state of Oregon is $9.25/hour. If one individual works 40 hours a week at minimum wage they make a gross income of $1,523. This is enough to support and buy the necessary things to keep a household alive and healthy. Although, it can be seen that it would be easier to just sit at home and receive these benefits instead of working really hard for only $1,523 a month.
