Most likely, these people have been on “financial assistance” their entire lives. They know nothing else and come to expect it. That is sad.
There was a time in my life when I did use it. I figured out, quickly, that you have to give up too much personal information and time to these bureaucrats. I didn’t like it. I didn’t stay on it long, even though I could have.
You used it for what should have been its intended purpose. Anyone with a sense of self worth, dignity and intelligence would do exactly as you did. That there is a need for assistance is of no doubt but it should never have been a function of the government because the government is not a compassionate or empathetical being. To the government, it is a campaign tool.