GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS

1. Most government programs providing benefits for citizens were developed during the NEW DEAL (Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1930s, Great Depression)

a. ENTITLEMENT DOLLARS: Federal Money citizens are entitled to by law b. Programs for the poor, the elderly, the sick, students c. Most entitlement dollars go to the middle and upper classes

2. Programs for the Poor 2. Programs for the Poor a. Only entitled to them if you pass the NEEDS TEST: proof of the need for service / money a. Only entitled to them if you pass the NEEDS TEST: proof of the need for service / money

b. Poverty Threshold for a family of four (2004) = $19,157 b. Poverty Threshold for a family of four (2004) = $19,157 c. AID TO FALILIES WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN (AFDC) = Welfare c. AID TO FALILIES WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN (AFDC) = Welfare

i. Money comes from both federal gov’t and state gov’t i. Money comes from both federal gov’t and state gov’t ii. Some states would not pay if the father lived in the home ii. Some states would not pay if the father lived in the home 1. Critique: breaks up families/ encourages single mothers 1. Critique: breaks up families/ encourages single mothers

iii. Benefits were reduced relative to income iii. Benefits were reduced relative to income 2. Critique: encourages people not to work 2. Critique: encourages people not to work

iv. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND WORK OPPORTUNITY RECONCILLATION ACT (1996) iv. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND WORK OPPORTUNITY RECONCILLATION ACT (1996) 3. Replaced AFDC with TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) 3. Replaced AFDC with TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF)

4. Can only receive aid for 2 years without attending a vocational program for at least 20 hours a week 4. Can only receive aid for 2 years without attending a vocational program for at least 20 hours a week 5. Money is provided for child care 5. Money is provided for child care

6. One year of health care while transitioning “from welfare to work” 6. One year of health care while transitioning “from welfare to work” 7. Five year overall limit on benefits 7. Five year overall limit on benefits

8. Immigrants can not receive benefits 8. Immigrants can not receive benefits 9. Minors (who are parents) to receive benefits must: 9. Minors (who are parents) to receive benefits must: a. Live in adult-supervised home a. Live in adult-supervised homeAND b. continue their education

d. FOOD STAMPS: Coupons that can be exchanged for food at certain stores i. Denied to illegal aliens and people who do not look for a job

ii. Funding reduced by 1996 law iii. Food Stamps now usually are issued in a debit card system rather than actual paper stamps

e. TAX CREDITS i. EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT: Credit that reduces the amount of taxes that families below a certain income level must pay

ii. CHILD CARE TAX CREDIT: Gives Parents money back on their taxes for child care expenses 1. Anyone who has someone under the age of 13 they must care for is eligible

f. MEDICARE: Gov’t program that provides medical care (Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society, 1965) f. MEDICARE: Gov’t program that provides medical care (Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society, 1965) i. Mostly for those over 65 who are blind or disabled i. Mostly for those over 65 who are blind or disabled ii. Most recipients of TANF are eligible for Medicare ii. Most recipients of TANF are eligible for Medicare

g. MEDICAID: Medical care for all ages if you are on welfare g. MEDICAID: Medical care for all ages if you are on welfare