Wow, some responses here surprise me a bit.
I don't mind "welfare" used in the way it was intended- to help people get by 'til they can get back on their feet again. That some people turn it into a career is what angers me. For up to a few months, OK... But you gotta get a flippin' job (or two) doing whatever it takes to make ends meet.
/yes I know what government cheese tastes like and yes, for a short time in the 80s after my parents divorced we were on government assistance. Then my grandma found out and stepped in and said "none of my children will ever be on government assistance" and when my mom needed help, she helped. (God rest my grandma, one of the coolest people ever)