Appendix A: Federal Benefits and Services for People with Low Income

Many of the programs that fall under the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Ways and Means and are featured in the Green Book are authorized under the Social Security Act and are designed to provide benefits and services to low-income populations. Eligibility for benefits such as cash assistance or supportive services is typically determined using income or other needs-based standards. In some cases, these programs serve overlapping population groups. Reviews of programs designed to serve specifically low-income populations generally exclude social insurance programs, such as Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, and Medicare.

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports

The House Ways and Means Committee is making available selected reports by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) for inclusion in its 2016 Green Book website. CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to Committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. The following CRS reports provide cross-cutting information on low-income programs and policies.

R44574: Federal Benefits and Services for People with Low Income: Overview of Spending Trends, FY2008-FY2015

R44327: Need-Tested Benefits: Estimated Eligibility and Benefit Receipt by Families and Individuals

R43400: Work Requirements, Time Limits, and Work Incentives in TANF, SNAP, and Housing Assistance

R42394: Drug Testing and Crime-Related Restrictions in TANF, SNAP, and Housing Assistance

This page was prepared October 2016 for the 2016 version of the House Ways and Means Committee Green Book.