In the winter of 2011, my partner, Alex, received the unsettling news that budget cuts at his workplace had led to his layoff after a decade of service. The physical shock of that moment was overwhelming, a wave of panic washing over me. We were parents to a 5-year-old and I was expecting our second child. Just like that, our family lost not only our primary income but also our health insurance.
Alex had recently completed his certification as a teacher but hadn’t secured a teaching position yet. During his job search, he received unemployment benefits and occasionally took on substitute teaching roles. Meanwhile, I cared for our son during the day and worked evenings and weekends as a postpartum doula and lactation counselor. Despite our efforts, it quickly became clear that our financial situation was dire. With a new baby on the way, we found ourselves uncertain about how long our savings could sustain us or how much help our families could extend.
Financial hardship can strike anyone, at any time, regardless of their circumstances or aspirations.
In response to our situation, we made the difficult decision to seek government assistance, including SNAP benefits (food stamps) and Medicaid. I had seen family members use food stamps in the past, but I never envisioned myself in that position. As college-educated individuals, we believed we’d always be self-sufficient.
Receiving public assistance does not equate to a lack of effort in providing for one’s family. Many individuals on welfare are working multiple jobs yet still struggling to make ends meet. My experience opened my eyes to the misconceptions surrounding families who rely on assistance programs. Here are seven key takeaways I learned about poverty, the aid application process, and the stigmas attached:
- The Application Process is Often Overwhelming.
Applying for government assistance can be a complex, time-consuming endeavor—like a job in itself. Alex and I visited the SNAP office multiple times to finalize our application. We had to arrange childcare for our son, and Alex missed valuable time searching for jobs. We faced long waits, only to be turned away for missing paperwork. - Stigma Can Hinder Access to Aid.
I know numerous families who qualified for assistance but chose not to apply due to fear of judgment. It’s disheartening to see people avoid necessary help because of societal stigma. We all need to embrace compassion and work towards a better understanding of welfare. - SNAP Benefits Often Fall Short.
The amount families receive in SNAP benefits varies based on income and size, but it frequently doesn’t cover the entire grocery budget. Despite our best efforts to minimize expenses, we were still left to pay a significant portion of our grocery bill out of pocket. Not all families have savings to rely on. - Quality of Food Choices is Compromised.
A common myth is that families receiving food stamps purchase luxurious food items. The truth is, many are forced to buy cheaper, lower-quality food due to limited budgets. This misconception must end. - Unemployment Benefits Require Active Job Seeking.
Many believe that those on unemployment are exploiting the system, but recipients must actively search for jobs to maintain their benefits. Our family faced several bureaucratic hurdles, including threatening letters from the unemployment office due to clerical errors. - Medicaid Offers Benefits but Comes with Challenges.
While Medicaid is a valuable service, it also has its drawbacks. It can take months for coverage to start, and there may be limited options for specialists. In our case, we struggled to find a covered pediatric dermatologist, raising concerns about what we would have done in an emergency. - Poverty is More Widespread Than You Realize.
According to the 2014 Census, approximately 47 million people in America lived in poverty, including 15 million children. That’s an astonishing number of children whose well-being is at risk. Financial hardship can affect any family, regardless of their background.
We have significant work ahead of us. The government assistance programs currently available are beneficial, and I am grateful for the support I received during my time of need. However, we must advocate for more comprehensive, accessible programs. This is about real lives and children. Judgments have no place here. It’s unacceptable for millions of children to live in poverty in America. We need to strengthen our systems so that no parent has to worry about where their family’s next meal will come from.
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In summary, the experiences of families on public assistance are often misunderstood. Financial difficulties can touch anyone, and it’s crucial to approach the topic with empathy and understanding.
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