.jpg){kind=logo}
The US economy faces a recession approximately every 8 2/3 years. Each time, there’s a new batch of recently unemployed people who need help from our programs, but don’t know what’s available, or where to look. Our current situation is statistically similar to the recession of the early 1980s when the steel industry collapsed. But the public thinks it’s worse because, this time, it affects white-collar workers more deeply. Every time we have a recession, the American middle class gets an education. And every time, those old myths and fallacies gain a new life.
People often hesitate, or even refuse, to accept help from social service programs because of rumors, myths, and misconceptions. Others are too embarrassed to accept help. Still others claim that they’re entitled to help because they’re not like “those other people”. As a matter of fact, you are just like “those other people”. They just got there before you did. Here is some basic information.
First, the myths. There is not, and has never been, an unlimited barrel of welfare cash freely available to anyone who wants it. The term “welfare” generally encompasses several programs, including cash assistance, food stamps, WIC, medical assistance, free and reduced-price school meals, child care assistance, and community-based services. Every program has strict eligibility requirements. You must prove every bit of information on your application. You do not have to be on cash assistance to receive benefits from the other programs. You can be working. In fact, most healthy adults who receive benefits do work, and pay taxes. You can own a home, and a car, and have some savings. You do not have to repay the assistance. There will not be a lien on your property. The fact that you receive assistance is confidential. It does not appear on your credit record. It is not reported to your school, or your employer, or your neighbors, or anywhere else. The programs are available throughout the US, not just in certain neighborhoods.
Now, the facts:
· The current US minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. If you work 40 hours per week you will earn $15,080 in a year.
· The current poverty level is $21,200 for a family of four.
· In 2007, 37,276,000 Americans, that’s 12.5%, lived in poverty.
· About 34 million people currently receive food stamps.
· The maximum food stamp benefit for a family of four is $668.
· The average food stamp benefit is $227.
· Average monthly participation increased 7% from fiscal years 2007 to 2008.
· There are 2.2 people in the average welfare household.
· You can only receive cash welfare benefits for a maximum of five years in your lifetime.
· Illegal immigrants are NOT eligible for benefits programs. In fact, not all legal immigrants are eligible.
Please don’t be embarrassed to receive services. You’ve worked and paid your taxes so that these programs can be there when you need them. If someone stole your car, you wouldn’t hesitate to ask the police for help. This is no different. It’s like having money in the bank.
If you don’t know whether you qualify, file the application. You have nothing to lose but some time. You can learn more about the history, requirements, and statistics of the programs from their Web sites.
For more information, go to
· To apply for services in Pennsylvania, go to COMPASS
· For general information, go to www.state.pa.us. Click “PA State Agencies”.
From there you can get to the Aging, Education, Health, Labor and Industry, Public Welfare, and other
departments.
· For other states, go to www.usa.gov. Click “Benefits and Grants”.
Comments