Social Programs

The United States has many social programs that assist people every day. The three programs that I will focus on are Social Security, General Assistance, and The Food Stamp Program. These three programs have supported individuals for many years. There are plenty of beneficiaries that are part of these programs. The government has stood behind these programs for years. This paper will explain who the beneficiaries of these programs are.

Social Security is the first program that I will talk about. This program was started in 1935 by President Roosevelt. At first the program only benefited people who were at an elderly age and could not work. Over the years the program went through a lot of changes because people were complaining. After years of restructuring the program the beneficiaries that became eligible are retirees, disabled Americans, retirees or disabled individuals with dependents, and surviving spouses. "The Social Security system may be a relatively excellent program in terms of benefits provided to people, needs and risks covered, and the universality and efficiency of its operation." (Dolgoff & Feldstein, 2009) The assets of the program helps the beneficiaries survive in today's society. "Social Security replaces about 40 percent of an average wage earners income after retiring, and most financial advisors say that retirees will need about 70-80 percent of their work income to live comfortably in their retirement." (SSA, 2010) This program is very promising and helpful to many Americans.

The General Assistance program was started to help low-income families. This program also helps individuals who are in struggling to survive. Of the 5o states only 41 have this program. This program is very helpful in fighting the war on poverty. A lot of families and individuals could not make in this world if it was not for this program. "Eligible cagtegories differ among states, but include disability, elderly status, and valid lack of employability, as well as often covering low-income families with children, including pregnant women with their first child, other children without families, emancipated minors in school and over 18 awaiting Supplementary Security Income determination; and persons who have exhausted TANF eligibility." (Dolgoff & Feldstein, 2009) TANF stands for Temporary Cash Assistance for Needy Families. To become eligible for this program "You must be a US Citizen, children must be citizens or have eligible alien status, you mush have a social security number, your family must earn less than a certain amount of money per month, children must be 18 years old or younger, if you are older than 18, you must be a full time student with an expected graduation date before the age of 20, and families must have a child." (TANF, 2010) The beneficiaries of this program have very appreciative the assistance that they are receiving.

The Food Stamp Program is one program that has really helped out a lot of Americans. This program was originally established in 1961. It was suppose to be temporary but "President Johnson requested Congress to make the program permanent. They did in 1964. Congress estimated that the program might serve only four million people, but it grew quickly." (Ganzel, 2007) Eligibility for this program is based upon a person employment status,