Introduction
Social Welfare policy is aimed at helping those in need and overcoming poverty. These programs set the goal of leveling socioeconomic inequalities that cause limited opportunities and access to resources for the poor or vulnerable categories of the population, like the elderly or disabled people. This policy includes developing programs and laws necessary to ensure citizens’ social security and welfare. Therefore, this paper will analyze the social welfare policy associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of the government in providing social guarantees and security for people.
The Importance of the COVID-19 Pandemic-Associated Social Welfare Policy
The issue of the government’s moral responsibility to fund programs to fight poverty is somewhat controversial. On the one hand, poverty is a social problem that affects not only the well-being of individuals but also the country’s economy. Therefore, to overcome this, the state must create a minimum standard of living and provide employment opportunities for all citizens (Kraft & Furlong, 2021). On the other hand, the financial status of each person is their area of responsibility. That means that the state’s role should be to meet the basic needs of the population and ensure equal opportunities (Kraft & Furlong, 2021).
In such conditions, each government provides the necessary resources and social guarantees, and each person decides how much they will use them. It includes developing and implementing various programs, including food stamps, job training, housing benefits, and direct cash payments to the poor» (Kraft & Furlong, 2021, p. 307). Employment-related approaches are the most effective, as people get the skills, jobs, and, as a result, the stable income needed to meet their basic needs.
However, in the event of an emergency, as in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, a government response is needed to prevent social and economic collapse. In 2020, in response to the growing Coronavirus pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act was signed, which included various measures to ensure the social welfare of citizens during COVID-19 (Moss et al., 2020). During the pandemic, many lost their jobs and stable incomes, which significantly affected the standard of living of people and their ability to meet their basic needs, such as food, health care, and housing.
Therefore, this law aimed to create more accessible ways to receive medical services, including telemedicine and federally funded health insurance (Moss et al., 2020). Regardless of socioeconomic status, people could receive essential healthcare services related to COVID-19 testing and treatment. In addition, the CARES Act has established a temporary ban on evicting tenants who cannot pay rent for coronavirus-related reasons (Moss et al., 2020). If these actions were not taken, many people who lost their jobs due to Covid-19 could find themselves on the streets.
In addition, some changes were made in the field of employment. According to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), people who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus could expect additional unemployment insurance benefits (U.S. Department of Labor, n.d.). Thanks to this, people could receive payments from the state for a more extended period, which prevented an increase in poverty in the country. Moreover, for low-income households, the scope of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps families cover food expenses (Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, n.d.), has increased. The program has contributed to addressing the basic needs of low-income people by channeling financial resources to more needed areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, government funding of Social Welfare Policies has a vital role in supporting the country’s economy, especially during periods of deterioration, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. It helps prevent a social crisis and provides citizens with basic needs and living standards, avoiding increased poverty. At the same time, the well-being of each person directly depends on their actions. Consequently, the state can only provide resources and equal opportunities for all citizens, while the citizens must rationally use the opportunities provided.
References
Kraft, M. E., & Furlong, S. R. (2021). Public Policy: Politics, Analysis, and Alternatives. CQ Press.
Moss, K., Wexler, A., Dawson, L., Long, M., Kates, J., Cubanski J., Musumeci, M., Freed, M., Ramaswamy, A., Ranji, U., & Pollitz, K. (2020). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: Summary of Key Health Provision. KFF. Web.
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. (n.d.) SNAP COVID-19 Information. New York State. Web.
U. S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Unemployment Insurance Relief During COVID-19 Outbreak. U. S. Department of Labor. Web.