Avram, it looks like the core disagreement is whether various benefits are neutral to the desire to work. At one extreme is unemployment that clearly ties into work requirement, at the other – “universal income” that is given to all or just poor people.
I think many benefits are somewhere in between. Our own views may be colored by what learned in the family and around, so let’s look at rules. Here are again quotes from Texas. Other states may be “more generous”.
If a child’s parent or relative gets TANF, the parent or relative must agree to:
Train for a job or look for work. …Not quit a job. Take parenting skills classes. Get vaccines for their child. Make sure their child is going to school.
Most people ages 16 to 59 must follow work rules to get SNAP benefits. Work rules mean a person >> must look for a job or be in an approved work program <<. If the person has a job, they can’t quit without a good reason.
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Whether it’s Medicaid, SNAP food benefits (formerly known as food stamps) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash assistance, HHS is helping Texas families >>> get back on their feet. <<<