Poverty
The condition of having inadequate money to buy things that are considered necessary and desirable
Poverty
This type of government aid helps low income people afford a safe place to live
Housing Assistance
What is the government's health program for low-income individuals?
Medicaid
True or False: Eligibility for most public assistance programs is based only on income.
False - other factors like age, family size, disability, and citizenship status may also apply
Maria is a single mother of two who needs temporary help paying for rent, food, and diapers. Which program could help Maria?
TANF
The annual cash income level the government determines as necessary to maintain each individual or family at a minimal subsistence level
Poverty Line
Local governments may offer this kind of assistance when no other programs apply
General Assistance
What health care program is for people over age 65 or with certain disabilities?
Medicare
True or False: Medicare is only for seniors
False - People who are eligible for Medicare include those who are 65 or older, have specified disabilities, or have kidney disease.
Ben is 70 and has very low income. He needs help paying for basic living costs. Which program could help Ben?
SSI
The skills, education, and credentials people bring with themselves as they seek employment
Human Capital
What in 2003 added prescription drug coverage to Medicare?
Medicare Modernization Act
True or False: Medicaid is the same across the nation because it is federally implemented
False - Medicaid programs can differ from state to state
What is the name of the test used to determine if someone qualifies financially for a program?
Means Test
Lily is 5 months pregnant and struggling to afford healthy food and formula for her toddler.
WIC
Despite the fact that they’re employed, they often live paycheck to paycheck and just barely get by
The Working Poor
This program provides cash payments to elderly or disable individuals with very low income
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
What is WIC and what does it stand for?
Nutritional program designed to supplement the diets of low-income women and their young children (Women, Infants, and Children)
How does family size affect someone's eligibility for assistance programs?
A larger family size increases the income limit
Troy has a part-time job at a grocery store but still can't afford rent or health insurance. His income is just above the poverty line. What group is Troy a part of?
The working poor
Not only a lack of economic resources, but also deprivation, low expectations for what life can give, and a lack of hope for the future and despair.
Culture of Poverty
This federal program helps low-income families with children meet basic needs.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
What's one key service WIC provides besides food?
Nutrition counseling and education
Besides income, what is one thing the government might look at during a means test?
Assets, debts, number of dependents, health factors, etc.
Lucy is 67 and lives alone. She receives Social Security but it barely covers her rent and food. She takes several medications and has delayed filling prescriptions because of cost. She's embarrassed to ask for help and doesn't know what resources exist for people her age. What are a few resources that could help Lucy?
Medicare, Medicare Part D (Medicare Modernization Act), SSI, housing assistance, etc.