Welfare is cash, food, or housing support from federal or state programs for people with low income
Welfare refers to government programs that provide money, food vouchers, or housing information to people whose income falls below a certain level. The programs are funded by federal and state taxes and run by state or county agencies. Each program has its own rules about who can receive help, how much money or benefits you get, and how long you can receive them.
The term "welfare" is often used loosely to describe many different programs. Some provide cash you can spend on anything. Others provide food only, or help paying rent. Some are temporary — designed to help you through a crisis — while others are ongoing. Understanding which program does what matters because the rules, the amount of support, and what you have to do to keep receiving it are all different.
Key Takeaways
- Welfare programs provide cash, food, or housing support and are run by state or county agencies, not a single federal office.
- Each program has different income limits, benefit amounts, and rules about what you can spend money on or how long you can receive help.
- Some programs require you to work or participate in job training, while others do not.
- You must report changes in income, household size, or living situation to keep receiving benefits, and failure to report can result in overpayment you must repay.
The main welfare programs and what they cover
The largest cash welfare program is Temporary information for Needy Families (TANF), which provides monthly cash to families with children. The federal government sets the basic rules, but each state decides how much money to give, how long someone can receive it, and what work requirements explore. Some states give $200 a month; others give $600. Some require work after three months; others after two years.
Supplemental Nutrition information Program (SNAP), formerly called food stamps, provides a monthly amount loaded onto a card you use to buy food at grocery stores and farmers markets. The amount depends on your household size and income. You cannot use SNAP to buy prepared food, alcohol, or non-food items.
Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions for people with low income. Each state runs its own Medicaid program and sets its own income limits, so what qualifies you in one state may not in another.
Housing programs vary widely. Some provide vouchers that help you pay rent in the private market. Others provide public housing units owned by the government. Some cover only part of your rent; others cover all of it. Waiting lists are often years long, and availability depends on your city or county.
Income limits and how they are calculated
To receive welfare, your household income must be below a threshold set by your state or county. The threshold is usually expressed as a percentage of the federal poverty line. For example, one state might set TANF income limits at 200 percent of the poverty line, while another sets it at 130 percent. This means the same household income might make you ineligible in one state and may be able to access in another.
Income includes wages from a job, self-employment income, unemployment benefits, child support, and Social Security. It does not usually include the value of a home you live in or a car you use for work. Some programs count only earned income (money from work); others count all income sources. Some programs allow you to deduct childcare costs or work expenses before comparing your income to the limit.
Your state or county welfare office calculates your income when you first explore and again periodically — usually every six or twelve months — to make sure you still meet the income limit. If your income rises above the limit, your benefits stop. If you fail to report a change in income, you may be overpaid and required to repay the difference.
Work requirements and time limits
TANF, the main cash welfare program, requires most recipients to work or participate in work-related activities such as job training, community service, or education. The number of hours required and the definition of "work-related activity" vary by state. Some states require 30 hours a week; others require 20. Some count high school completion as work activity; others do not.
TANF also has a time limit: the federal government limits cash information to 60 months (five years) in a person's lifetime, though states can set shorter limits. Some states have already used up their time limit and are no longer receiving new applications. Others allow extensions for people who are disabled, caring for a young child, or unable to work for other reasons.
SNAP does not have a work requirement for most recipients, though some states require able-bodied adults without dependents to work or participate in a work program to receive benefits. Medicaid and housing programs generally do not have work requirements, though some states have added them in recent years.
How benefits are paid and what you can use them for
TANF cash is usually loaded onto a debit card each month and can be spent on anything — rent, food, utilities, transportation, or other expenses. SNAP is also loaded onto a card but can only be used to buy food. Medicaid is not a card or cash; instead, you show your Medicaid card to a doctor or pharmacy, and the program pays the provider directly. Housing vouchers are sent to your landlord, not to you.
The amount you receive depends on your household size, income, and state. A family of three in one state might receive $400 a month in TANF; the same family in another state might receive $600. SNAP amounts are calculated using a federal formula but vary by household size and income. Medicaid covers the same services in all states but may have different copayments or restrictions on which doctors you can see.
Reporting changes and keeping your benefits
Welfare programs require you to report changes in your situation within a set time frame — usually 10 to 30 days. Changes you must report include a new job, a raise or loss of income, a change in household size (a new baby, someone moving in or out), a change in address, or a change in childcare arrangements. Failure to report can result in overpayment, which you will be required to repay even if the overpayment was not your fault.
You must also recertify your benefits periodically — usually every six or twelve months — by providing proof of income, household composition, and other information. If you miss the recertification important date, your benefits may be stopped. You can usually reapply, but there may be a gap in your benefits while the process is processed.
Some programs have rules about what you can own. For example, TANF and SNAP have asset limits in some states, meaning you cannot have more than a certain amount in savings or own more than one car. Medicaid asset limits are higher. Housing programs often have no asset limit. These rules vary by state and program.
How to find out which programs exist in your area
The programs available and the rules that explore depend on your state and county. Your state's human services agency or department of social services runs most welfare programs. You can find contact information by searching "[your state] TANF" or "[your state] SNAP" online, or by calling 211, a free referral service that connects you to local programs.
Some counties run their own welfare offices separate from the state. Others use the state office. Some allow you to explore online; others require you to explore in person or by mail. Processing times vary from two weeks to two months depending on the program and how complete your process is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is welfare the same as unemployment benefits?
No. Unemployment benefits are paid to people who lost a job and are looking for work; they are funded by employer taxes and managed by the state labor department. Welfare programs are for people with low income regardless of employment status and are funded by general taxes. You can receive both at the same time if you meet the requirements for each.
Can I receive welfare if I own a house?
Yes. Most welfare programs do not count the value of a home you live in as an asset. However, if you own a second property or a rental property, that may count toward asset limits in some programs and states. Rules vary, so check with your state or county welfare office.
What happens if I get a job while receiving welfare?
Your benefits do not stop when ready. Most programs allow you to earn a certain amount of money before your benefits are reduced. Some programs reduce benefits dollar-for-dollar; others reduce them by 50 cents for every dollar earned. TANF often has an earnings disregard, meaning the first $50 to $200 of monthly earnings does not count toward your income limit. Check your program's rules.
Can I move to a different state and keep my benefits?
TANF and SNAP benefits do not transfer between states. If you move, you must explore in your new state and meet that state's rules and income limits. Processing can take several weeks, so there may be a gap in your benefits. Medicaid and housing programs also do not transfer, though some states have reciprocal agreements.
What if I disagree with a decision about my benefits?
You have the right to request a hearing before a judge or hearing officer. The process is called an appeal or fair hearing. You must request it within a set time frame — usually 10 to 30 days — and you can bring documents, witnesses, or a representative to the hearing. Your state or county welfare office can tell you how to request a hearing.