Individuals and families that are in need of support are helped through a social welfare system. There are different forms of welfare available, and the amount of assistance you are entitled to be determined by criteria such as where you reside in the country, area, or state. In the United States, for example, the federal government distributes funds to each state, and social programs are administered on a state-by-state basis. Some social assistance programs in Canada, for example, provide money directly to the individual or family in need if they qualify.