4 moms who rely on US government programs like EBT and Medicare say the hardest part isn't the stigma or eligibility — it's the paperwork

Business insider ^ | 05/07/2022 | Leo Aquino

[ChicagoConservative27]

While there are many government aid programs available for people experiencing poverty, filling out the paperwork is usually the hardest part.

In 1995, Congress passed a bill called the Paperwork Reduction Act to reduce the amount of government forms that need to be filled out by people and nonprofit organizations, especially if they are filling out forms for multiple kinds of government agencies.

Nearly three decades later, many people still find the process of applying for government aid daunting. Insider spoke with four mothers who receive different forms of government aid to see what it's really like.

[ealgeone]

betcha donuts she has ID.

[higgmeister]

The problem is the government program exists to begin with.

Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!   We have a winner!

[ealgeone]

"It's not like there's a class they offer in school where they teach you how to apply for government assistance. You just have to figure it out."

****

I'd hope there be a class in school on personal responsibility and finance.

[willk]

It should be the stigma!

[KC_Conspirator]

First world problems.

[Jimmy Valentine]

Yes the paperwork is convoluted and extensive. Now, take a good look at the people who process that for you. It will answer a lot of questions.