Legal Definitions - poor relief

Poor relief refers to a system of social insurance that provides assistance to individuals who are financially in need. This assistance can come in the form of food stamps, family allowances, and other forms of financial aid.

• During the Great Depression, the US government implemented a poor relief program called the New Deal, which provided financial assistance to millions of Americans who were struggling to make ends meet.
• In the UK, poor relief has a long history dating back to the 16th century, when the government began providing assistance to the poor through a system of workhouses.

These examples illustrate how poor relief is a system of social insurance that provides financial assistance to those in need. During times of economic hardship, such as the Great Depression, poor relief programs can be crucial in helping individuals and families stay afloat. In the UK, poor relief has been a part of the social safety net for centuries, providing assistance to those who are unable to support themselves.