Examine the Differences Between Social Insurance and Public…

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Background

Our welfare programs are traditionally divided between public assistance programs and social insurance programs. The anti-poverty programs we discussed in Lesson 4 typically fall into the category of public assistance programs. These programs are means tested, meaning that eligibility is determined by family income. For example, to be eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, the family income must be below 130% of the federal poverty level. Entitlement programs provide indefinite benefits as long as the family meets the criteria. SNAP is considered an entitlement program since there is no limit to how long a family can receive benefits as long as they are eligible.

As you learned in this lesson, social insurance programs are those we pay into in case we need benefits at a later time. Similar to car insurance, we pay insurance to protect us in case we get into an accident. Social insurance protects us in case we are disabled or unable to work. Our eligibility for these benefits depends on whether we have made our payments and, in the case of Social Security, worked for at least 10 years. However, we may receive more benefits than what we paid into the program.

Instructions

Examine the primary differences between social insurance and public assistance. Be sure to include information on:

• A description of two programs categorized as public assistance (different from the ones you highlighted last week) and two categorized as social insurance.
• How are the programs funded?
• Who is eligible for the different programs?
• Identify differences in eligibility.
• Compare the benefits between public assistance and social insurance.
• What themes of social welfare policy are reflected in the differences between these types of programs?

References: For this assignment, please use this weeks resources and include citations from them in your work.

Length: 3-4 pages, not including title or reference pages

Your critical reflection should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to National University’s Academic Integrity Policy.