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Welfare, A General Overview

What is Welfare?

The term welfare refers to government operated programs, in which eligible individuals or companies are provided with necessary services or financial assistance. The most common type of welfare is social welfare. The social welfare definition explains that this program provides individuals with a vital income while they do not have access to these important financial funds.  

Welfare State

A welfare state is a government in which all citizens have extensive welfare rights. As a result, governments that practice welfare economics provide their citizens with all necessities, including health care and education. However, wages are regulated in order to produce economic equality. There are few governments that true wage states. 

Welfare Benefits

When an individual is not attaining an income, or is acquiring a very low income, he/she may qualify for welfare benefits. Social welfare payments are payments that are provided by the government, and issued to qualifying individuals. The funds that are used to provide these payments are acquired through social security taxes, which are taken from the income of the working class. 

Welfare to Work

The welfare to work program was a welfare program that operated in the United States for a relatively short period of time. It sought to provide single parents with the resources and services necessary to negate their dependence on welfare programs and return to work. The federal government provided state governments with the funds necessary to provide these services. 

Welfare Office

When an individual wishes to obtain welfare benefits, he/she must apply for these benefits from a welfare office. An applicant will be required to meet with a welfare officer, who will determine whether or not he/she qualifies for the welfare benefits. Most counties in states throughout the country maintain at least one office, while many have multiple welfare offices. 

Welfare Requirements

Not everyone is eligible for welfare. In order for an individual to obtain welfare benefits, he/she must meet certain welfare requirements. Every state within the United States maintains a unique social welfare policy. Therefore, the eligibility requirements that an individual must meet will vary from state to state. 

Welfare Statistics

Welfare statistics illustrate some widespread concerns regarding the welfare system in the United States. For example, the welfare system is supposed to be used as a form of temporary assistance for individuals who are struggling. However, many individuals continue to receive welfare for an extended period of time. The welfare system also cost hundreds of billions of dollars to maintain. 

Welfare Reform

The Welfare Reform Act of 1996 made major changes to the welfare system in the United States. Following the establishment of the Welfare Reform Act, new rules and regulations regarding welfare benefits were created. This extensive welfare reform required individuals to provide community service for welfare benefits and reduced the duration of time in which individuals could receive these benefits.  

Department of Social Welfare

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for managing welfare programs on a federal level. However, each state possesses a Department of Social Welfare, or a similar department known by a different name, that oversees welfare programs in that state. Each Dept of Social Welfare can create and enforce different regulations regarding welfare programs and distribution. 

Corporate Welfare

Corporate welfare is a type of welfare that is given to some businesses and corporations by the federal government welfare department. This welfare is intended to help a struggling business avoid bankruptcy or liquidation. Corporate welfare has been a source of extensive debate, however, it frequently occurs, and become increasingly common during the 2008 credit crisis. 

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