Actually, “welfare”, strictly Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, has a work requirement, with the only exemption being for those with infants under age one in the house. Many people on welfare are employed, in general, underemployed.
I’m not sure where the idea that welfare is just “handed out for not doing anything” originates. Anecdote I live in Massachusetts and I think a former friend of mine had a handout mentality at least 20 years before the recession started in '08.
This woman actually got mad when she went to apply for Food Stamps and wasn’t given a book of coupons to use that day.
That’s right. You actually must submit proof of income (or non income, like ___________ either lost her job or is on unpaid leave), info like your apartment lease and bank statements, meaning it probably takes several weeks to even get an approval or denial letter.
To top it off, the Food Stamps office was practically in the T station, and she called me up to ask could I give her a ride home. Um, no. I’m meeting someone and you got yourself there, you can get yourself home.
But seriously. Where does this idea originate that it’s either 1) work, or 2) welfare? These programs have an income limit for participating, and it isn’t $0.00.
