[lrjohnson]

As I work in the Public Assistance fieled, I'd caution anyone to think twice before they think welfare is an easy road. In California, a Parent and Child would get in most cases a maximum of $555. And the Parent would be required, in most cases, to meet certain work requirements. Most states it's a lot lower. I agree that the welfare system is not perfect, I agree that there are folks who abuse the system, and I am a believer in personal responsibility. But I don't believe it'd be easy to get by on $555 plus food stamps. Oh, and if a person found a free place to stay, like with their parents? The grant would be reduced, as the $555 is mostly intended to go to housing expenses.

I've been broke enough to be eligible for assistance and haven't applied. But now that I've worked in the field, I have a lot more compassion.