Welfare Reform Welfare as we knew it no longer exists. The American tradition of guaranteeing cash assistance to the poor came to an end with the signing of legislation. Under the old system the government provided benefits to the nations poor , which was mostly mothers and children. These benefits were disbursed without regard to the details of their personal circumstances, and with no time limit. Over time, the system became increasingly unpopular. Political opinion turned against the idea of anyone getting rewarded for being idle. I believe welfare is responsible for a permanent underclass of people