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Nearly half of US households receiving government benefits

2012-01-18 05:07:00
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The pool of Americans relying on government benefits rose to record highs last year as an increasing share of families tapped aid in a weak economy.

The pool of Americans relying on government benefits rose to record highs last year as an increasing share of families tapped aid in a weak economy.

 

Expanding government programs combined with the worst downturn since the Great Depression have led to an explosion in the share of Americans relying on outside help.

 

To combat prolonged economic weakness, Congress extended unemployment benefits to a record 99 weeks (up from the normal 26-weeks offered in most states). WSJ

 

FACTS & FIGURES

 

Some 48.6% of the population lived in a household receiving some type of government benefit in the second quarter of 2011, up a notch from 48.5% in the first quarter, according to Census data. U.S. Census Bureau

 

The largest chunk of benefits flowing to families came from means-tested programs. In the second quarter of 2011, 34.4% lived in a household benefiting from food stamps, subsidized housing or Medicaid, among others. The Atlantic

 

That number is up from 32.8% a year ago (when a total of 46.8% of the population lived in a home receiving benefits). The biggest increases came from an uptick in those turning to food stamps and Medicaid. The Atlantic

 

As of October 2011, 46,224,722 Americans were receiving food stamps. In Washington, D.C., and Mississippi, more than one-fifth of residents receive food stamps. Recipients must have at most near-poverty incomes to qualify for benefits. International Herald Tribune

 

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