Appendix A: Federal Benefits and Services for People with Low Income
Many of the programs authorized under the Social Security Act that fall under the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Ways and Means and are featured in the Green Book 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 2014 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. Certain CRS reports with cover dates earlier than 2014 are included here because their content remains relevant.
R41823: Low-Income Assistance Programs: Trends in Federal Spending
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 appendix was prepared on September 23, 2014, for inclusion in the 2014 version of the House Ways and Means Green Book.