Are you on any type of welfare?

[muon2]

I think too often that any government program gets lumped into welfare. That may play into current political debate but it doesn't really match the definition. Here's what Merriam Webster online says:

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The key is the connection to an individual in need. Employment by the government is not welfare since it is money in exchange for work. Government services available to the public at large would not be welfare either.

In higher ed an academic scholarship to a state university would not count, but a need-based scholarship would count.

Tax policy is designed to favor or disfavor certain types of economic activity, and are not really about money for those in need. An exception would be the earned income tax credit or disability-based exemptions which could meet the definition.

[muon2]

I think too often that any government program gets lumped into welfare. That may play into current political debate but it doesn't really match the definition. Here's what Merriam Webster online says:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

The key is the connection to an individual in need. Employment by the government is not welfare since it is money in exchange for work. Government services available to the public at large would not be welfare either.

In higher ed an academic scholarship to a state university would not count, but a need-based scholarship would count.

Tax policy is designed to favor or disfavor certain types of economic activity, and are not really about money for those in need. An exception would be the earned income tax credit or disability-based exemptions which could meet the definition.

So muon2, I need not feel guilty about all the government largess I get because it isn't welfare eh? Folks of means can't be on welfare, even if in the form of those checks for cash I get from the feds for not growing corn, with about double the profit margin than if I do. Fantastico!

Feel guilty if you like, or not, but your guilt has nothing to do with welfare.

[muon2]

The key is the connection to an individual in need. Employment by the government is not welfare since it is money in exchange for work. Government services available to the public at large would not be welfare either.

In higher ed an academic scholarship to a state university would not count, but a need-based scholarship would count.

Tax policy is designed to favor or disfavor certain types of economic activity, and are not really about money for those in need. An exception would be the earned income tax credit or disability-based exemptions which could meet the definition.

But aren't all of these things needs to the person that receives him?

I'm pretty sure if dead0man suddenly had to pay taxes on his mortgage, he'd be dire in need.

In the strict definition, needs are not wants though a person may feel otherwise.