WASHINGTON (TNND) — Welfare’s been a hot-button issue for decades. Now, under the Trump administration , the conversation is heating up again, this time with renewed claims that the system is being abused, especially by able-bodied adults who, critics argue, could be working.

What Is Welfare?

When people say “welfare,” they’re usually referring to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families , or TANF. This program helps low-income families pay for essentials like food, housing, and child care. It’s funded through a $16.6 billion federal block grant but managed by individual states and tribal governments, so how it’s run can look a little different depending on where you live. And just to clarify: TANF isn’t the same as SNAP (aka food stamps).

Who Gets TANF?

As of September 2023, a

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