Anti-Poverty Programs in the US

Social Security (1935): All employees pay a payroll tax which is pooled and given to retired workers starting between the ages of 62-70.

Unemployed Insurance (1935): Temporary income to support laid-off workers. “Unemployment”

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) (1996): Designed to help needy families gain self-sufficiency.  Must be seeking full-time employment.

TANF information link: http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/tanf/tanf-overview.html

Medicare (1965): Health insurance for Senior Citizens

Medicaid (1965): Health insurance for low-income individuals and families

State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) (1997): Assistance for those families whose incomes are too high to receive Medicaid, but still need assistance.

Head Start (1995):Established to prepare underprivileged children for school.

National School Lunch Program (1946):Assistance to public and private schools to ensure good nutrition for all children.

Federal Pell Grant Program (1972): Grant money to low-income college students.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Stamps Originally (1939): Helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health.

Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants & Children (WIC) (1972): Helps provide healthy food to children up to age 5 who are at “nutritional risk.”

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) (1975): Provided by the IRS- allows workers with low incomes to receive tax refunds.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (1982): Assistance to those who can’t pay utility bills. (Heat in the winter)

Housing Choice Vouchers (1960s): Affordable Housing Vouchers

Employment and Training Administration (ETA) (1970s): Expanded Employment benefits to laid-off workers.