6. What cash assistance does the government provide?

November 24, 2025 · The federal government sends cash directly to tens of millions of Americans each year. These programs provide income support, from short-term TANF aid for families to tax credits and monthly checks for low-income workers, parents, and seniors. In this episode of “Just the Facts: Do You Qualify?”, USAFActs founder Steve Ballmer walks through how these programs work, who they reach, and what $163 billion in federal cash assistance really looks like. Should the government do more or less to support people with lower income?