Do people on welfare ever stop needing it?

Answer 1

Oh of course! Many people need Welfare assistance for a short term and situation-specific period. For examples....

• A woman's spouse dies unexpectedly. She never worked and has a high school education. They had 3 children. She may need temporary Aid to Children: money, food stamps, and medical coverage. After a period of grieving, she seeks career guidance, goes to school for 2 years and becomes employable. She transitions off welfare, or with reduced benefits until she can be self-sufficient. Sometimes the children still receive some Aide.
• A student in 12th grade with 7 months before graduation. She only has her parents and older siblings. Both parents die in a traffic accident. She graduates, but needs temporary assistance until she gets through College.
• A young man got his HS education, went to college, but loses a leg in a traffic accident. His parents cannot pay the bills for his medical care and rehab. They qualify for Aide on his behalf. In another 2.3 years he finishes college, almost 2 years behind the original plan. He secures a job and transitions off some aide but keeps his medical coverage until his employer's coverage begins.
• A baby is born with a "septal defect"-- he has a "hole in his heart" which can be surgically repaired. But he has astronomical medical costs and needs continued care. His parents qualify for Aid to Children.
• A woman is attacked and raped, with severe injuries. During her recovery, she cannot work. She receives Aide while her physical and emotional injuries heal. With support, she returns to her original goals and finds employment. Welfare transitions her to receive less help.
• A minor whose parents never worked/had no interest in working has numerous opportunities to change his life. After turning 18, he works full time and is proud he can be off Welfare.
• A girl got pregnant at 17 years old, unmarried. But she does not want to "settle" for less. When her child turns 5 and enters pre-school, the woman gets a job and starts to transition off welfare (that can extend a year or two as needed).
• A 55-year old woman and 57-year old man never had "help" of any kind. But his company downsizes. A year later, he still cannot find a job-- even though he spends 6 hrs a day looking. They use up all their savings; they lose their house; they sell their newer car for an older model. They need help. After 3 years of welfare assistance, the wife finds a part time job. Their benefits are reduced; they still get food stamps and medical help.