The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers several social welfare programs. Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor's benefits provide cash payments to workers (and their families) after they retire, become disabled, or die. These benefits are funded by mandatory deductions taken from each worker's paychecks. Other programs, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provide financial assistance to very low-income people who are elderly or disabled. Unlike the aforementioned Social Security programs, the funds for SSI are not earned by individuals over their careers but are provided by general tax revenues.
Americans who need occasional food assistance often rely on local food banks and pantries to get enough groceries to last until the next paycheck. For those who have ongoing or special dietary needs, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provide access to quality food.
SNAP, commonly known as "Food Stamps," gives recipients a food allowance each month in the form of an electronic debit card. Recipients can use their allowance to purchase food for preparation at home or to buy seeds for growing their own food. WIC provides certain types of food, such as eggs, cereals, milk and juice, to babies, children age five and younger, and pregnant, nursing, or postpartum women.
In addition to the SSI program, both federal and state governments fund cash assistance programs for the needy. Low-income families with children can receive benefits through the federally funded Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) program. Adults without children can sometimes qualify for state-based "general assistance" programs that provide cash benefits each month. Low and moderate income workers may also be eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can significantly offset federal tax payments.