Chart of the Day: Welfare Overlap

The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) encompasses much more than Food Stamps and Medicaid. There are numerous federally-funded and state-only aid programs. In fact, most of the 2.7 million individuals receiving benefits are enrolled in multiple programs, as demonstrated in the chart below (prepared by DPW).

PA Department of Public Welfare Programs and Enrollment

PA Department of Public Welfare Programs and Enrollment

Today, more than one out of every five Pennsylvanians is enrolled in at least one welfare program, yet the state’s poverty level continues to rise. It’s time to right-size the welfare system, and focus programs on serving the truly needy while encouraging independence.