Can you live only on welfare in the US?

Not for any extended period of time. If you live on your unemployment insurance payouts (which is arguably not welfare, but lets just include it), get food stamps, Medicaid, subsidized housing, and some cash assistance you can probably last about half a year on only welfare assuming you don't have too many dependents. read more

You can probably get by on a meager existence with SSDI and all of the other welfare programs I mentioned, but you’re not going to be living luxuriously, especially if you live in a high cost of living area. Welfare in the United States is supplementary. read more

One even bragged about how she would hold a job six months to get the thousand dollar incentive our county (where I don't live now, Scioto, OH) pays, then get herself fired, live on welfare, sell her food stamps, be a"courier", etc. then get another job, start it up again. read more

In some states, welfare might also take the form of vouchers, credits or grants. To be eligible for welfare in the United States, a person must apply, provide proof of financial need and meet certain federal and state requirements. read more