Government Tax and Transfer Programs
Government tax and transfer programs represent an important source of
income for the poor. Among the non elderly poor, the main sources for cash
welfare benefits are provided through the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
program (formerly called Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)),
General Assistance and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). In addition to these
cash-based assistance programs, programs like Food Stamps, Medicaid and housing
assistance offer in-kind benefits.