Quick Look at Welfare Spending “ Welfare” in the United states is a patchwork of dozens of different programs All welfare programs are means-tested only individuals with sufficiently low income are eligible Programs often have other requirements related to family structure and assets2 Quick Look at Welfare Spending • “Welfare” in the United States is a patchwork of dozens of different programs. • All welfare programs are means-tested – only individuals with sufficiently low income are eligible. • Programs often have other requirements related to family structure and assets