Social Welfare
The current social welfare system in the United States has been gradually improved since the implementation of the Social Security Act in 1936. The Social Security Act includes the following types of welfare measures:
1. Federal Social Insurance
Federal social insurance is established for employed individuals, allowing both current and former workers and their families to participate. It mainly includes pensions, survivor benefits, disability benefits, and medical welfare.
2. Unemployment Benefits
Anyone who has been laid off can apply for unemployment benefits, regardless of savings. The general benefit period is 6 to 9 months, which may be extended depending on the circumstances in each state.
3. Public Assistance
This is specifically designed for low-income or no-income individuals, including the blind, elderly, disabled, and families without income. It is distributed by state governments based on their living conditions, and applicants will undergo an investigation to prove their eligibility.
4. Maternal and Child Welfare
This is established to protect and promote the health of mothers and children, providing health services rather than cash assistance.
The Social Security Act is national in scope, established to protect the rights of all individuals. Most welfare measures, except for public assistance, are available to everyone regardless of wealth. It is worth mentioning that the Social Security Administration stipulates that individuals receiving social security benefits do not necessarily have to reside within the United States, facilitating the lives of retirees living abroad.
In addition to the welfare policies included in the Social Security Act, the United States has many other social welfare programs that cover various aspects of life and work. The more common types include:
1. Workers' Insurance
1. Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance is an insurance system. A portion of the insured person's salary is deducted each month for insurance, and once the insured becomes unemployed, they can receive compensation, which is generally half of their original salary.
2. Workers' Compensation
This is insured by employers with state governments or insurance companies, allowing workers to claim benefits if injured on the job. The specific compensation amount and duration depend on the premiums paid by the employer, and it can also reimburse certain medical expenses. Non-U.S. citizens can also apply for workers' compensation, and it will not affect their future change of status or naturalization.
3. State Disability Insurance
Only California, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico have this type of insurance in the United States, specifically for individuals who cannot work due to short-term illness. In other words, the insured must be employed during their illness, and once they recover and return to work, the insurance payments will cease.
2. Living Assistance
1. Food Stamps
The U.S. Department of Agriculture allocates funds to state governments to distribute food stamps, which can only be exchanged for agricultural products produced in the United States and cannot be exchanged for cash, to assist low-income families.
2. Low-Cost or Free Meals Provided by Schools
This is a nationwide nutrition program established by the government to ensure the physical health of schoolchildren. Non-U.S. citizens can also benefit.
3. Home Energy Assistance Program
This is designed to reduce heating and electricity costs for low-income families, and non-U.S. citizens can also enjoy this benefit. Energy assistance not only helps pay for heating and electricity bills but can also cover repairs for heating equipment such as furnaces and gas lines.
4. Affordable Public Housing
This welfare includes public housing, subsidized housing, rental assistance, and affordable housing in four forms. Applicants must be at least 62 years old or have low income, and some housing assistance requires meeting both conditions.
3. Medical Assistance
1. Medical Assistance
Unlike health insurance, medical assistance is a healthcare program specifically established for low-income families, which can also enjoy health insurance, but it is limited to U.S. citizens.
2. Home Care Program
This is jointly funded by federal, state, and county governments to provide household and non-medical care for individuals aged 65 and older, the blind, or disabled individuals, allowing beneficiaries to live safely at home without needing to enter nursing homes or public medical institutions.
