got on welfare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got on welfare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has started receiving government assistance or benefits due to financial need. Example: "After losing his job, he got on welfare to support his family during tough times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We wanted the job, so we all got on welfare by filling out the forms with our left hands and acting retarded.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Plus, it's very easy to get on welfare here".

The New York Times - Arts

The obstacles to getting on welfare are formidable, the benefits meager.

The Washington Post

"Unless I want to keep having children, and get on welfare," she said, it seemed impossible to get help.

The New York Times

As a little girl, she answered the phone and told supplicants whom to call to get on welfare or into the city hospital.

The Economist

Her father "told Mulumba to go to the E.R. and get on welfare and get his medication that way," she wrote.

The New York Times

She decided to leave after three months, even though, she said, "I now get less money than I was getting on welfare".

The New York Times

Its founders were Suroosh Alvi, the son of university professors from Pakistan and a recovering heroin addict, who was on welfare, and Gavin McInnes, a tree planter turned cartoonist, who had to get on welfare in order to be hired.

The New Yorker

He apparently thinks Mr. Obama's base is made up largely of welfare recipients longing to be freed of their work requirements, or people who aspire to get on welfare.

The New York Times

To be accepted by the CEC, I had to first get on welfare.

Vice

But without staff, a car and other resources to help people obtain identification, get on welfare or Social Security and meet other prerequisites, the housing is on hold.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "got on welfare", be mindful of the potential negative connotations and consider using more neutral or formal alternatives like "enrolled in welfare programs" depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that obscure agency when discussing welfare. Instead of saying "Welfare was got on", specify who took the action: "They "got on welfare" after losing their jobs."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got on welfare" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of beginning to receive welfare benefits. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English. The primary function is to describe the commencement of receiving government assistance due to financial need.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got on welfare" describes the action of starting to receive welfare benefits. While grammatically correct and usable, as indicated by Ludwig AI, it's important to consider the context and audience when using it. More formal alternatives, such as "enrolled in welfare programs" or "started receiving welfare benefits", might be preferable in certain situations. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, and understanding its nuances can help ensure clear and respectful communication about this sensitive topic. Though its usage might be interpreted as informal and carries potential negative connotations, understanding appropriate contexts is the key to using the phrase correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started receiving welfare benefits

More formal and emphasizes the act of receiving benefits.

began claiming welfare

Highlights the act of making a claim for welfare.

enrolled in welfare programs

Emphasizes the enrollment process into a welfare program.

applied for welfare assistance

Focuses on the application for assistance.

became a welfare recipient

Highlights the status of receiving welfare.

transitioned to welfare support

Implies a shift or change to relying on welfare.

entered the welfare system

Focuses on becoming part of the welfare system.

became dependent on welfare

Emphasizes reliance on welfare.

started drawing welfare

Informal, focuses on the act of drawing benefits.

applied for public assistance

A broader term that encompasses various forms of government aid.

FAQs

What does it mean to "get on welfare"?

To "get on welfare" means to begin receiving government assistance or benefits due to financial hardship or unemployment. It signifies entering into a system designed to provide a safety net for those in need.

What can I say instead of "got on welfare"?

You can use alternatives like "started receiving welfare benefits", "enrolled in welfare programs", or "applied for public assistance" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "got on welfare" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "got on welfare" can be perceived as informal or even stigmatizing. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives such as "started receiving welfare benefits" or "enrolled in welfare programs".

What are the requirements to "get on welfare"?

The specific requirements to "get on welfare" vary depending on the country, state, or local jurisdiction. Generally, applicants must meet certain income and resource thresholds, demonstrate need, and comply with work requirements or other eligibility criteria.