Welfare benefits refer to a range of government programs that provide financial or other aid to individuals or groups who cannot support themselves. These programs are typically funded by taxpayers and allow people to cope with financial stress during rough periods of their lives. Welfare benefits can be in the form of cash assistance or in-kind benefits such as food, housing, home energy, child care, job training, and more.

Welfare programs are initiatives set up by the government to support poor, developmentally challenged, and disadvantaged groups. Compared to other developed countries, the U.S. provides a relatively small social safety net and has fewer welfare programs available, and with greater restrictions. Government welfare is primarily aimed at people with little to no income, aging adults, and people with disabilities. Welfare can include grants, food stamps, vouchers, Medicaid, health care, and housing assistance.

Every state or tribal government runs its welfare program differently and has a different name. For example, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federally funded, state-run program in the U.S. that helps families financially after experiencing hardship.

It is important to note that welfare programs are means-tested, which means that benefits are provided based on low-income eligibility criteria. The subsidized program is only available for legal citizens and permanent residents of the United States.