During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government attempted to create a social safety net to help individuals and businesses survive a financially challenging situation. However, since the federal government declared the end of this public health emergency, many of these benefits have disappeared. Nonetheless, many Americans still experience poverty, and many continue to depend on welfare and social security to make ends meet. However, since these programs receive a significant amount of money from taxpayers, concerns exist about whether these programs are the best use of this money, whether they receive enough funding to function effectively and sustainably, and whether they are able to end the cycle of poverty. The viewpoints in this title consider these questions and many more to explore the debate around welfare and social security programs.