Welfare: Help or Hindrance?

11/10/2025

Times are hard. But in any given economy, some might say, they always have been. Right now, the government is “shut down,” and people who already struggle to make ends meet can’t buy food because their benefits are paused. For some, it’s proof that too many people rely on the system. For others, it’s proof that the system isn’t strong enough to protect the people who need it most.

Either way, it exposes a deeper truth: millions of Americans live so close to the edge that one government decision can change what’s on their table. Some people believe welfare should be temporary, maybe six months at most, with regular check-ins to prove that recipients are actively looking for work, like it used to be. Others argue that life doesn’t always fit into timelines or paperwork. Jobs aren’t always available, childcare isn’t always affordable, and health issues don’t wait for benefits to run out. And still others believe, if that were the case, then why are some of their very neighbors surviving without government support?

Still, the idea of personal accountability versus government responsibility is an ongoing argument: how long is long enough, and who gets to decide when help should end?

Let's Write! How much should people depend on government aid, and how much should they depend on themselves?

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Due Fri., November 14, 11:00 p.m. CST

104 Comments

Martinez G 7B

11/11/2025 11:29:34 am

It's not about how much people depend on government aid and how they should depend on themselves. It's the people that they work for that underpay them. People who rely on EBT are already struggling. The food stamps are so little that people have to make do with what they have.

Gracie Ramos

11/13/2025 09:55:29 am

I agree with the statement that people wouldn't struggle as much if they were paid minimum age from the people that pay them.

collier A 6B

11/13/2025 11:30:22 am

yes i agree the economy is so bad and people are so underpaid its hard to pay to live now

Alvarado A 2A

12/18/2025 12:21:50 pm

I agree with this because some people get under paid for the jobs they do and it makes it hard for them to live

Garcia K 1A

11/14/2025 09:34:36 am

I agree its super hard to live without struggles in this underpaid economy

Sean Patino 5B

12/18/2025 10:36:00 am

i agree because there are people that get paid minimum wage and work the hardest still struggling to live and survive in this economy.

Calito V. 5B

11/14/2025 01:41:49 pm

I agree, people don't have a choice but need the government's help and it still does so little.

Alvarado A 2A

12/18/2025 12:22:49 pm

I agree with this because some people get underpaid and have no choice to get aid from the government and it still is hard for them to live

Jacobs K 7B

12/17/2025 09:22:50 am

Yes, many companies and organizations fail to pay their employees a livable wage. They're typically only given enough to survive and even then most people are barely even making it. Employers are essentially not giving their employees the choice to be self-sufficient and only giving them the options to rely on external sources to help them survive.

Rubio I 1A

11/12/2025 10:01:59 am

I believe that people should try their hardest to not have to depend on the government that much and should be more dependent on themselves but the unfortunate truth is that its not always the peoples fault. Some jobs that people are forced to work in because no other jobs may be available for them, and they must work to feed their family.

sieyuanna roberts 6b

11/12/2025 02:54:56 pm

I agree, people should only depend on the government if they have to and not just because they need extra benefits.

Gracie Ramos

11/13/2025 09:58:49 am

I agree that people should always try to depend on yourself. But it's important for people to receive support from the government, because it's not always their fault, life can be very unpredictable so it's important for people to have different resources that they can rely on during times of hardship.

Jacobs K 7B

12/17/2025 09:26:59 am

Yes, life is extremely unpredictable no matter what someone's circumstances are or how cautious they are to not end up in a certain situation.

Valdez K 2A

11/13/2025 01:38:05 pm

I agree. It's usually a better option to rely on oneself over the government, but people's circumstances vary and sometimes self-reliance just isn't enough (such as the people that work multiple jobs and still barely get by).

Calito V. 5B

11/14/2025 01:39:04 pm

I agree, people try their hardest to have to depend on the government because some people don't try, they see the what they are getting from the government and stop trying they hardest to get their selves out of their bad situation.

Martinez G 7B

11/17/2025 10:58:55 am

I agree with you entirely. You have to rely on yourself and maybe your family. The government controls everything and they want you to rely on them so that they can control you.

Alfaro K 1A

12/17/2025 12:49:44 am

I agree that people should try to be independent, but you’re right that needing help isn’t always their fault. Limited job options can force people into difficult situations just to support their families.

Hurtado J

12/18/2025 03:23:59 pm

I agree, only use benefits if needed its hard for unemployed people.

collier A 6B

11/12/2025 02:47:40 pm

I think that people should always try to be independent but sometimes its hard we are in a bad economy . AS LONG AS THERE IS EFFORT i think it is acceptable to rely on the government

mariah torrence 6b

11/12/2025 08:03:08 pm

I agree because who wants to just be begging or dependent their whole life just make sure your trying

Fraire.Y 1A

11/13/2025 11:24:29 am

Yes as long as they are trying to make money to support ther family is what matters they are not fully relying on the goverment because they are making a effort .

Carpenter Z 2a

11/14/2025 11:33:07 pm

i agree with this because if you need to support your family with that aid it's okay.

Garcia K 1A

11/14/2025 09:37:22 am

I agree as long as there's effort and they're not fully relying on the government they're at least trying to be independent which will help them more in the future.

Martinez G 7B

11/14/2025 12:25:51 pm

I agree with this because as long as people try, they should rely on the government. Many people don't even try to work and they rely on food stamps. They shouldn't rely on the government.

Maliyah keeton

12/19/2025 11:57:03 am

You make a strong point about underpayment being a major issue. Many people who rely on EBT are already working and still can’t afford basic necessities because wages haven’t kept up with the cost of living. I think your comment highlights that welfare isn’t always about dependence, but about survival in a system that doesn’t always pay people fairly for their labor.

Newbill T 1A

11/18/2025 09:02:17 am

people shouldn't solely rely on the government , you never know what could happen .. just like the government shut down. I think that everyone should try their hardest to be able to not depend on it , but I don't think its a problem getting help.

York,A 3A

12/17/2025 12:40:56 pm

I agree with this because i think the government shut down is a prime example on how things are not always permitted and how people should not depend there lifely hood on government assitance.

Ruiz K 1A

12/17/2025 09:42:48 am

I agree with this statement because, the people that are bearly making ends meet in there life's needs abit of aid from the government to be less streesfull for there families.

Elyza M. 6B

12/18/2025 11:11:53 am

I agree with this but some people can't get jobs or get low pay jobs and they cant feed their kids, like a single mom she has to be home to take care of her kids and people work hard but sometime and people cant make enough money to put food on the table because she didn't take enough, so I think that the government should help

Taylor, M 7B

12/18/2025 11:31:07 am

I agree that there should be effort, but I don't think you should ever rely on the government just because of the past.

sieyuanna roberts 6b

11/12/2025 02:53:01 pm

I think people should only depend on the government If that's their last resource. depending on the government shouldn't be something you should want to do unless you're just not financially able. also, I feel like you should never depend on no one but yourself because no one is going to have your back like you do.

mariah torrence 6b

11/12/2025 08:33:57 pm

I agree with this also because you never know when the government will stop providing certain things

Amanda Lama 5B

12/18/2025 09:48:14 am

I agree with this , never rely on people or things that could turn its back on you. like what's going on right now , a bunch of people relied on EBT that the government gave and now all of a sudden it's been taken away and its a major change for peoples lives.

Elyza M. 6B

12/18/2025 11:14:55 am

I wouldn't say that we shouldn't depend on anyone because we depend on our family do stuff all time so we can't really say that we cant depend on the government because some people need help in life and they have to depend on them because its about accepting the help because some people don't have as much as we do in life.

Elyza M. 6B

12/18/2025 11:17:24 am

I wouldn't say that we shouldn't depend on anyone because we depend on our family do stuff all time for stuff, I mean you can be stable to afford your home but sometimes we cant afford to put food on the table so sometimes its about accepting the help from others and its okay to accept help.

Mariah torrence 6b

11/12/2025 07:52:04 pm

people should depend on the government for support when needed but depend on themselves for progress and stability

collier a 6b

11/13/2025 11:53:53 am

i agree the government should be support but you are accountable

Carpenter Z 2a

11/14/2025 11:32:02 pm

I agree they should depend on the government when needed because things happen in life so we have to have that resource.

Gracie Ramos

11/13/2025 08:31:49 am

I think people should always rely on themselves, but if it's necessary, people should be granted support with government aid when needed. I think they should depend on it as long as they need to, so that eventually they won't need that support from the government and can fully support themselves.

Valdez K 2A

11/13/2025 01:44:01 pm

I completely agree. Independence is the right way to go especially with how unreliable help from the government can become (as demonstrated by recent events), but if people need the help, they should be able to access it. Even if it doesn't solve peoples problems, it'll at the very least lessen their burden slightly.

Skylar B. 6B

11/14/2025 11:54:04 am

Exactly, always rely on yourself first and foremost because you are your biggest supporter and you are the only one who can make a way out of nothing.

Alfaro K 1A

12/17/2025 12:50:34 am

I agree that self-reliance is important, but government aid should be there when it’s truly needed. Your point about using support until people can eventually stand on their own shows how aid can be a stepping stone, not a permanent solution.

Taylor, M 7B

12/18/2025 11:23:49 am

I think the government should help, but you can't expect them to. You shouldn't really depend on anyone or anything.

Fraire.Y 1A

11/13/2025 11:20:26 am

People don't mean to specificly depend on government aid, it is just that they try there best to get all the money they can get but not everyone can make enough money to be able to support ther family's .

Valdez K 2A

11/13/2025 01:35:14 pm

I personally believe that people should firstly rely on themselves before they rely on the government because life is naturally like that. People should do their best to "propel" themselves forward in life however they can with whatever they are given, because there are always options (whether said options are good or bad is a whole other matter). However, life isn't linear or equally measured for every person. That being said, for certain individuals, there could be a time where they do need government help and that shouldn't be looked down upon because all it is, is a little push in the right direction until people can once again sustain themselves. Of course life isn't always this simple but ideally it's better to rely on oneself over an organization with selfish interests and corruption that could turn on you at any moment.

Fraire.Y 1A

11/13/2025 07:52:46 pm

Yes the organization people depend on turn on them any moment ,but they are also people that cant work or are at least trying ther hardest to get some money to get ther family food or clothing that they need but there might be times were they don't have enough to do that theater why they depend on a organization that can help them.

Kenechi O 6B

11/14/2025 11:55:10 pm

I agree with this because the economy is corrupt and the world is suffering.

Skylar B. 6B

11/14/2025 11:51:36 am

I Absolutely see your point you should never be shamed for having help from the government but is always good to have a backup plan because yes organization could turn on you we especially saw that just recently.

Watson S 1A

11/14/2025 09:44:50 pm

I completely agree with you life is a challenge, struggle is common but you should always depend on yourself first. I know not anything is as easy as some make it but if you work hard, you'll learn that doing things on your own will boost confidence.

Cordova Armani 7B

12/17/2025 09:25:02 am

I agree to this comment completely, you can still rely on yourself with a little bit of help to push you further upon the "right direction".

Garcia K 1A

11/14/2025 09:32:04 am

I believe that people should definitely rely on themselves and at least put in effort to try to be independent before they rely on the government, but of course there's times where people cant rely on themselves and become desperate so they try to find help in the government which is very understanding, they have to do what they have to do for themselves and their family.

kordae 4A

11/14/2025 03:52:45 pm

I agree with this

Cordova Armani

12/17/2025 09:27:01 am

I agree with this comment also as long as there's some effort along the way while being provided with assistance it's totally ok to use the government assistants but overall relying on it for food, house bills,ect. is not really and ideal smart move.

Luna W. 1A

12/17/2025 09:42:42 am

I agree on how people should at least put in effort to be independent before relying on the government. Most of the time you need to be independent.

Roilen B 2A

11/14/2025 11:13:53 am

I agree with the statement that people wouldn't struggle as much if they were paid minimum age from the people that pay them.

Skylar B. 6B

11/14/2025 11:47:15 am

I believe people should try to depend on themselves first more than anything. Have self-reliance, take control, build up resilience, and support. If that does not work out for you then that is when you should you government aid for help or even finding a balance between the two.

Luna W. 1A

12/17/2025 09:38:39 am

I stronly agree with you. Depending on yourself should always come first to have stability in times like this.

Sean Patino 5B

12/18/2025 10:30:36 am

i agree because you should be ale to depend on the government but only when you really need it and are in need .

Calito V. 5B

11/14/2025 01:23:10 pm

I think people that depend on government aid have to because of how bad jobs are paying them and how the bad economy is right now doesn't make it better. People try to work hard but are still struggling that is why they are allowed to get the benefits. But some people take their benefits for granted and decide not to work and just use government aid.

kordae 4A

11/14/2025 03:51:43 pm

I agree

Watson S. 1A

11/14/2025 09:39:15 pm

I agree, people are struggling and depending on the government definitely helps. I do also believe some people take their benefits for granted however, it is really hard to get government aid. So a part of me also thinks that more financial aid should be given out no matter what that person wants to spend it on.

Newbill T 1A

11/18/2025 09:07:48 am

exactly. I feel like so many people use government aid just to be lazy. I feel getting EBT should be more strict. people will just not do anything to help their selves financially because they have government help. So for the people who actually need it can get it . but still having some sort of income just for yourself . it also makes it hard depending on how big your family is . these jobs aren't paying enough that's why I think it is okay to depend on the government if need be.

Martinez J 7B

12/16/2025 01:54:33 pm

I agree because now even having 3 jobs can barely keep an apartment with limited food without government aid

Watson S. 1A

11/14/2025 02:14:54 pm

You should always depend on yourself because there's not going to be someone there to hold your hand so you have to be able to handle things on your own. However if the government is offering help in any way, use it to your advantage always! We get taxed heavily, so everything they offer you better take it and depend on it but not too much because it could be taken away just like food stamps.

Amanda Lama 5B

12/18/2025 09:45:27 am

I heavily agree with this, its good to be independent but for everything that goes on in the world I think the least our government can do is give help to those who need it.

kordae 4A

11/14/2025 03:50:56 pm

don't ever depend on the people that above you should try doing itself and food stamp can be taking away

Carpenter Z 2a

11/14/2025 11:28:50 pm

i feel like people who need to should depend on it as much as they can. now how much they should depend on themselves depends how financial wealthy and stable they are.

Martinez J 7B

12/16/2025 01:52:20 pm

I agree it really does depend if you are financially capable in order to get help.

Kenechi O 6B

11/14/2025 11:53:29 pm

I think people should depend on government aid because Government assistance programs are designed to provide a crucial lifeline for individuals and families facing hardship, such as job loss, illness, or high costs for necessities like housing, food, and healthcare.

Gathu 1A

12/16/2025 05:45:12 pm

You raise an important point about government aid being a necessary support during serious hardships. Programs like these exist to help people survive situations they can’t handle on their own, such as sudden job loss or medical issues.

Thorpe Zamyriah 7B

12/18/2025 01:57:46 pm

You have a good point with this comment. Government aid is definetly a important support system for those who actually need it in this economy. Which gives people an advantage as well

Newbill , T 1A

11/18/2025 08:47:08 am

The government is suppose to help those who are unfortunate. I believe that everyone should have some sort of job and a way to take care of their household. But there's so many situations where people can only depend on the government for assistance and I feel that's okay. But at the same time there are people who abuse the help and take advantage of it . like purposely not trying because they know that they have something to lean on. People should definitely be able to care for there selves just like how the government is shut down right now people should be able to make something shake.

Martinez J 7B

12/16/2025 01:49:58 pm

I believe that working hard to support yourself should always be the main goal If you want to be independent, there is always something unexpected that can happen which can result in having to rely on government aid in order to get back on your feet.

Gathu 1A

12/16/2025 05:43:43 pm

Your point makes a lot of sense. Working hard toward independence is important, but you also recognize that unexpected events can change someone’s situation quickly. That’s why government aid can be helpful as short-term support rather than a replacement for effort.

Gathu 1A

12/16/2025 05:42:37 pm

People should depend on government aid as temporary support during difficult situations like job loss or health problems. At the same time, people should work toward supporting themselves when opportunities are available.

Alfaro K 1A

12/17/2025 12:47:55 am

I think people should try to depend on themselves as much as they can, but government aid is necessary when life circumstances make that difficult. Not everyone has the same opportunities, and things like job shortages, health problems, or childcare costs can make self-reliance impossible at times. Government support should act as a safety net that helps people get back on their feet, not something to shame them for needing.

Jacobs K 7B

12/17/2025 09:17:37 am

It should be balanced but to achieve this ideal balance would require dual commitment. People should strive to be self sufficient and resilient. The government should also be able to be there as a reliable safety net to help economic and personal crisis that can effect even the most prepared people. Nothing is ever really secure or guaranteed but there should be a point to prioritize self sufficiency but the government should also make sure to be there to help when things go south.

nevaeh R 5b

12/18/2025 02:41:52 pm

Finding balance takes effort from both sides. People should work toward being independent, while the government provides support when crises happen. That way, self-sufficiency is encouraged but help is there when it’s needed.

Cordova, Armani 7B

12/17/2025 09:22:28 am

I think that people should depend on themselves to their ability than government aid because of how the government is getting shaped now by our current president.Some people work so hard and tend to get overworked and underpaid but their are also people who tend to live off government assistants and not making a way to provide for themselves and their family which is lazy and unfair to the people who actually work and unable to get provided government assistants.

Thorpe Zamyriah 7B

12/18/2025 01:55:45 pm

This comment I agree, because people shouldd depend on themselves nowadays, especially since the economy and enviroment is now.

Luna W. 1A

12/17/2025 09:36:52 am

I think people should depend on themselves 100% instead of depending the government. We all know that lately the government has been having issues, not being able to "help others". Thats why people should have a backup plan when they cant rely on the government.

Parada E 2A

12/17/2025 11:06:05 am

I get your point Depending fully on yourself builds strength and independence and having a backup plan means youre prepared no matter what happens with the government. It’s true that if the system struggles , people who rely only on it can be left vulnerable.

nevaeh R 5b

12/18/2025 02:43:53 pm

I agree relying on yourself is important because the government isn’t always reliable. Having a backup plan keeps you prepared. Self-reliance gives you more control over your life.

Ruiz K 1A

12/17/2025 09:39:27 am

People should depends on government Aid if its there last option because, people that can get to comfortable with the aid will start to lean on it even more.

Parada E 2A

12/17/2025 11:04:55 am

Thats a fair point. Aid should be a safety net, not a permanent crutch. If people rely on it too much, they might lose the drive to push forward on their own. Using it as a last option keeps the focus on self dependence, while still making sure help is there when life gets too heavy.

York,A 3A

12/17/2025 12:35:29 pm

I agree with this because this is not a permanent solution, so the best balance is relying on help during hard times while working toward getting your self on the best path

PARADA E 2A

12/17/2025 11:03:43 am

people should use aid when they truly need it, but also keep pushing to stand on their own feet. Aid should be support, not a permanent way of life. And at the same time, the system should be strong enough to catch people when they fall, because not every struggle is their fault.

York,A 3A

12/17/2025 12:30:39 pm

People should use government aid when they truly need it, but the goal should be to become independent. Aid is meant to be a safety net, not a permanent solution, so the best balance is relying on help during hard times

Amanda Lama 5B

12/18/2025 09:43:53 am

I think we should depend on our self and know that we are capable of working hard for what we want and need but I also think that we should have a government that we can depend on for things, its a help that everyone needs and that being taken away just isn't fair.

Israel H

12/19/2025 12:34:24 pm

I agree that people should try to work toward independence, but I also think aid is necessary when circumstances are out of their control.

Sean Patino 5B

12/18/2025 10:29:06 am

i feel like we shouldnt need to depend on the government , and we should be able to fully provide for ourselves .

Hurtado J 7b

12/18/2025 03:38:00 pm

I agree it should be like this the government should only help if its really needed.

Gonzalez,A 2A

12/19/2025 11:27:26 am

I totally agree with you because everyone should depend on thereself unless you really need the help.

Elyza M. 6B

12/18/2025 11:05:40 am

I would say that people do need Food Stamps because that the only way of people getting money for food for their family and i think that need it

Taylor, M 7B

12/18/2025 11:21:21 am

I think people should 100% depend on themselves, and shouldn't depend on the government at all. You should not be looking or expecting anyone to come save you.

Gonzalez,A 2A

12/19/2025 11:26:27 am

I agree with your comment because I totally agree that everyone should depend on thereselves but I also feel like you should get help atleast at one point when needed because everyone eventually struggles.

Thorpe Zamyriah 7B

12/18/2025 01:52:38 pm

I believe that everyone should depend on government, to be able to live a stable life for them and their kids.

nevaeh R 5b

12/18/2025 02:40:43 pm

Government aid should be there to help people through tough times, but not forever. Welfare works best as temporary support while people work toward independence. The balance is giving help when it’s needed and encouraging self-reliance for the future.

Hurtado J

12/18/2025 03:16:15 pm

After reading this post I believe that you should only benefit from this if you need the help otherwise don't take others benefits because they actually need it.

Gonzalez,A 2A

12/19/2025 11:24:30 am

Government aid should be there to help people through tough times when needed.But I 100% believe that people should be depend on thereselfs.

Maliyah keeton 3a

12/19/2025 11:55:46 am

I believe welfare is a help when used as a safety net, not a permanent solution. In an economy where many jobs underpay workers and basic necessities keep getting more expensive, government aid can be the difference between eating and going hungry. Situations like government shutdowns show how fragile life can be for families who are already living paycheck to paycheck. One unexpected event job loss, illness, or childcare issues can push people into crisis.

Israel H

12/19/2025 12:33:44 pm

I liked how you said welfare should be temporary but flexible, That makes sense because not everyone’s situation fits into a timeline.

Israel Hernandez

12/19/2025 12:33:17 pm

I think people should depend on government aid when they truly need it, but not forever. Welfare is important because it helps families survive during hard times, like when jobs are scarce or health problems make working impossible.

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