And this hack from the Pittsburgh Tribune dutifully DIDN'T report that in order to play on the readers emotions. Again I'll say it... since LBJ's 'Great Society' is a wide safety net that has been cast for just such scenarios (without any comment on them, by me).
Oh I agree, that is why I "used" to work in social services. Too many cases of ruined lives and potential just to barely subsist on the handouts. I worked with primarily young adults who were coming out of state foster care and man they were really ruined by the system.
I did have a couple of clients on my caseload where it was really more beneficial for them *not* to work. It was a public safety issue. They tried but were sick enough that the stress would drive them to go postal.