Is Welfare Hurting, or Helping?

Welfare, what comes to mind when you see, or hear this word, lazy individuals who milk off the system also known as Welfare Kings & Queens? Go to the comments sections of any blogs discussion the issue and you'll find harsher suggestions than the above listed.

I have always been a proponent of welfare, whether it's government issued, or of a private entity because I understand how tough it can be to escape generational lines of poverty. Lately I've noticed not all, but enough for tax payers who've never seen an EBT card, a section 8 apartment, housing project, a minimum check to place judgement.

Aside from governmental issued welfare, and some private entity's requiring levels of support for single mothers (a small portion of fathers) which in turn keeps the household without a father figure. Not only doesn't it break up the family unit, but it provides an incentive for people to be comfortable having the bare minimum and just getting by, which in turns keeps the poverty rate high. In a lot of cases the more children you have the greater the benefits.

Speaking of kids, what effects do you think it causes for children to see a parent milking off assistance and not attempting to better themselves? How will be able to learn how far hard work can get them if they see their parent getting by off a monthly check, subsidies, etc. This in most cases will raise sons to live off of other women and have daughters that fall into the trap of the comfort that welfare provides to some.

In addition to deterring adolescent progression it provides no incentive for a struggling parent to want to get off. With food basically paid for (you can also sale EBT for profit), car vouchers, subsidize income, and a monthly check, the incentive to have more kids for extra benefits is there, but the incentive to get off is extinct. I will never argue to let people fend for themselves because due to other underlining dynamics it can be difficult to provide, but like most systems rooms for improvements can always be implemented.

I'm only knowledgable really to my own city (since this is a blog and not an essay don't get angry lol) I'm aware that you either have to work X amount of hours or go to school to receive benefits. The school part is fine, but if a beneficial doesn't go that route I think they should be required to only be allowed a max of 18 months for assistance. This will put pressure for them to gain employment and work up to a level at their job where they can become stable to provide on their own. Putting time tables on how long someone can use the system will promote a more willing to work, excel in school, and practice safe sex to avoid unplanned children.

This is not an attack on those on welfare, but a simple concern on the affliction that welfare can place upon individuals who use it as an escape instead of a "pick me up." I personally would love to see everyone live comfortably and not just accepting getting by. Welfare is a good band aide for those struggling, but not a cure for those living in poverty.