How2Day: Social Programs That Assist in Relieving Poverty

The Social Security program works to assist those of all ages living in poverty. Kent Knudson/PhotoLink/Photodisc/Getty Images
Prior to the Great Depression, the U.S. government provided no regulated federal service to help aid those living in poverty. However, as of 2010, the government currently has dozens of active anti-poverty programs, such as welfare and social security, that aim to provide relief to lower income families. According to the 2010 data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau, 43.6 million Americans were living in poverty in 2009. The survival of many of these people depends upon the availability and provisions of these kinds of social programs.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp program, aims to help low-income individuals and families purchase nutritional foods. The first efforts of this program took effect in 1939, and since then, it has undergone significant changes according to the state of the economy, as well as the needs of people. A study conducted by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, found that 41 million Americans qualified for SNAP benefits in 2008, the last year in which data was collected. Through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, SNAP will receive an estimated $58.5 billion in funds over several years to put directly toward helping relieve poverty in America. SNAP benefits can be redeemed in grocery stores and at Farmer's markets.

Social Security is another social program that works to reduce poverty in America. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), approximately 90 percent of people aged 65 and older depend upon the addition of Social Security funds to their family income to sustain themselves. The CBPP also suggests that without Social Security benefits, nearly half of all elderly Americans would fall below the poverty line. The Social Security program also offers financial relief to those in every other age group as well. In 2010, while reaching its 75th year in operation, the program helped more than 6 million children and adults below the age of 65, to stay out of poverty.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) aims to reduce taxes and provide refunds to low income workers, allowing you to keep more of your income. Qualifications for EITC benefits vary depending upon specific circumstances, such as your income and family size. For example, in 2009 to file with a "qualifying child," your child must be younger than 19 or 24-years-old if still a full-time student. If you are a single person or widower without children, your income must not exceed $13,440 in order to qualify. With more than 24 million people receiving tax credits in 2009, the EITC is seen as one of the country's largest anti-poverty programs.

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