ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the generic characteristics of public assistance programs, reasons for public assistance, differences between public assistance and social insurance, and key characteristics of major public assistance programs in the United States. The chapter describes the basic characteristics of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The SSI program is a federal program that pays monthly cash benefits to needy aged, blind, and disabled people who have limited income and assets. The chapter identifies the basic characteristics of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The TANF program provides cash payments for a temporary period to needy families with dependent children. The chapter discuses the basic features of state-federal Medicaid programs and reviews the meaning of General Assistance programs. The Medicaid programs are financed jointly by the federal government and the states. The federal government's share of the cost is based on the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP).
