Define redundant.
I mean to point to people who can't make it on their own.
Some people have disabilities.
Some people are old and sick.
Some people have mental health issues.
Some people have low IQs and/or bad attitudes.
Sure, some folks could dig ditches rather than collect welfare checks, but a lot of folks can't perform any sort of beneficial economic function. I'm not saying it is their fault. I'm just pointing to reality.
Again, two choices: Government checks or abandonment.
Increased charity would help a lot but I am not so foolish as to think that increased charity is a 100% solution.